Executive Chef

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Oberon Council; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite accommodation

Learning and development

Staff discounts

Job summary

Jenolan Caves seeks an executive chef to lead culinary operations across Jenolan Caves Hotel & Hospitality, including Chisholm’s Dining, cafes, events and staff catering.

You will manage menus, food safety, costs and supplier relationships to deliver outstanding dining experiences in a world-heritage setting. This is a temporary full-time role with onsite leadership, accommodation options, and growth potential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead culinary teams and coordinate daily kitchen operations across multiple outlets or service styles.
• Experience in menu development, food cost control, stock management, supplier engagement and kitchen financial performance.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor and support chefs, cooks and kitchen team members.
• Experience in food safety, hygiene, WHS and kitchen compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across Jenolan Caves Hotel & Hospitality, including Chisholm’s Dining, cafe outlets, events and staff catering.
• Manage resources, menus, food safety, supplier relationships, cost controls and team performance.
• Ensure delivery of exceptional dining experiences and consistently high food quality.
• Shape culinary direction to support reopening and operational growth while maintaining kitchen culture.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety

WHS compliance

Staff mentoring

Education

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

About Jenolan Caves Located within the UNESCO-listed Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Jenolan Caves is one of Australia's most iconic tourism destinations and one of the oldest cave systems in the world. Home to the heritage-listed Caves House, Chisholm's Restaurant and a range of visitor experiences, Jenolan has welcomed generations of visitors to this extraordinary destination. Following a major flood event in 2024, Jenolan Caves temporarily closed to visitors while significant restoration, infrastructure and conservation works commenced. Today, an ambitious program of upgrades is transforming the precinct, including the refurbishment of Caves House, the construction of a new Blue Lake Boardwalk and improvements across visitor facilities and public spaces. The reopening of Jenolan Caves is highly anticipated and will play an important role in the economic and social fabric of the Central West and Blue Mountains regions. As Jenolan prepares to welcome visitors again, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the next chapter of one of Australia's most significant tourism destinations.

The Opportunity

• Executive Chef (Clerk 7-8)
• Temporary full-time role up to 2 years
• Located at Jenolan Caves, 3 hours from Sydney and 25 minutes from Oberon
• Package includes base salary from $ 116,981.00 to $129,492.00 , plus employer's contribution to superannuation
• Great opportunity to work at a world heritage site at an idyllic location and play a pivotal role in the creation of life changing visitor experiences

We're looking for an exceptional Executive Chef to help shape hospitality at Jenolan Caves as we prepare for reopening and future growth. As the Executive Chef, you will be accountable for leading and coordinating all culinary operations across Jenolan Caves Hotel & Hospitality, including Chisholm’s Dining, cafe operations, events, conferences, weddings and staff/contractor catering as required. You will manage resources, systems, menus, food safety, supplier relationships, cost controls and team performance to ensure the delivery of exceptional dining experiences and consistently high food quality throughout the Jenolan Visitor Use and Services Zone. This role plays a critical part in shaping the culinary direction of Jenolan, supporting operational readiness and maintaining a positive kitchen culture whilst supporting the broader Hotel & Hospitality leadership team. This is an opportunity to build something special and establish the standards that will define the guest experience for years to come.

About you

• Demonstrated ability to lead culinary teams and coordinate daily kitchen operations across multiple outlets or service styles.
• Experience in menu development, food cost control, stock management, supplier engagement and kitchen financial performance.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor and support chefs, cooks and kitchen team members.
• Experience in food safety, hygiene, WHS and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to support functions, conferences, weddings and high-volume service while maintaining quality and presentation standards.
• A practical leadership style with the ability to build a positive kitchen culture during a reopening and operational growth phase.

Essential requirements

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Current First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain.

Accommodation & Working Arrangement

Due to the unique operational environment at Jenolan Caves and the Executive Housekeeper playing a critical role in overseeing housekeeping operations across Caves House, Mountain Lodge, guest accommodation, public areas and staff accommodation, the position requires a strong onsite leadership presence to support the day-to-day operation. Given the remote location and evolving operational environment, this position is well suited to candidates seeking a FIFO-style hospitality leadership opportunity, with onsite accommodation arrangements available if required.

Our Mission

At Jenolan Caves our mission is to connect our visitors with the unique natural and cultural heritage of Jenolan Caves, and through that connection, stimulate the urge to care for and protect all such special places. Put simply, our mission is to Protect and Connect.

What we can offer you

• Onsite accommodation arrangements if required.
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
• Staff discounts on dining and cave tours.

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. DCCEEW supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

For more information about the role contact Aiden Lizotte via [e-mail] Applications close: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 @11:55 pm

Looking for more information or assistance in applying? Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. How we encourage and support people with disability Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Naz Keya via [e-mail] (please mention reference number 554131 ).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [e-mail] for a yarn.

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