Kitchen Hand (Joy Ripley)

Joy Early Learning; Ripley; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above‑award base pay with clear pay‐b​

Paid overtime or TIL

CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided

Loyalty bonuses: 1k/3k/5k/7+ years

Refer-a-friend bonus

Job summary

Joy Early Learning in Ripley, QLD is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Hand to prepare healthy meals and support wellbeing in our childcare setting. You will work with educators and families to maintain a clean, safe kitchen, manage stock, and minimise waste while catering for dietary needs.

The role requires a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent), a Food Safety Supervisor certificate, and a current Blue Card. Availability for five days a week and immediate start is preferred.

Qualifications

• Love for early childhood education is essential.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent is required.
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is expected.
• Current Blue Card is required before starting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children, including special dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Work with educators and families to support wellbeing, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, manage stock and minimise waste.
• Cater for allergies and dietary needs with strong food safety knowledge.
• Be organised, detail‑focused and collaborative with great communication.

Skills

Love for early childhood

Team player

Organised

Communication

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Blue Card

Job description

Joy Early Learning exists for families who believe childhood should be joyful, curiosity-led, and packed with play.

Our centres are built for movement, discovery, and connection, with nature-rich play spaces, engaging educators, and a sense of belonging you can feel from the moment you step inside.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all early learning. We believe in real moments, big wonder, and learning that happens naturally. Because when children feel happy, safe, and free to explore, the best kind of learning happens.

Our first centre opened in 2025 in Ripley, followed by our Aura centre in 2026. We also have two more centres set to open in 2026 across Moffat Beach and Terranora.

About the role

At Joy Early Learning, we believe great outcomes for children start with educators who feel respected, supported and genuinely cared for. We don’t just talk about wellbeing and flexibility — we build it into how we operate every day.

We’re growing and looking for passionate Kitchen Hand who want more than “just a job” — they want fair pay, balance, development and a workplace that actually walks the talk.

• Prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children, including special dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Work with educators and families to support wellbeing, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, manage stock and minimise waste, and help teach children about healthy eating.
• Experienced kitchen hand (childcare preferred) with strong food safety knowledge and the ability to cater for allergies and dietary needs.
• Organised, detail-focused, and collaborative with great communication

About you:

We’re looking for candidates who have relevant qualifications for the role:

• A genuine love for early childhood education
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or equivalent food safety certification)
• Relevant food handling and safety certifications required
• Current Blue Card
• A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach
• Experience in early childhood or childcare meal preparation (preferred)
• Available to work 5 days a week and can start immediately

Why Joy?

• Above-award base pay with clear pay bands
• Paid overtime or TIL — your time matters
• Paid CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided
• Loyalty bonuses that genuinely add up
• $250 (1 year)
• $500 (3 years)
• $750 (5 years)
• $1,000 (7 & 10 years)
• Refer-a-friend bonus — $250 voucher when your referral passes probation
• Lunch is on us

Joy Time & Flexibility: Real Work-Life Balance

• Fixed shifts with rosters set fortnightly in advance
• Extra paid programming time off the floor – 3 hours per week (not the standard 2)

Joy Career Pathways: Grow Without Leaving

• Study leave + paid placements

Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast

• Tweed Coast) to have fresh experiences without starting over somewhere new

Joy Wellbeing: Because Educators and Teachers Are Human

• Centre support teams — consistent extra hands in rooms
• Free, confidential EAP counselling

Joy Family First: We Get It

• 75% discounted childcare for staff children
• Priority placement at Joy centres
• Return-to-work transition plans (reduced days to start)

Joy Perks: The Fun Stuff Matters Too

• Paid birthday leave
• Centre-level budgets for quarterly team catch-ups, socials and joy-filled moments beyond the classroom

At Joy, you’ll find:

• A supportive organisation that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education
• A beautifully designed centre where play takes centre stage
• Modern, thoughtfully designed learning spaces and resources to support your teaching
• Opportunities to make a truly positive impact in a dynamic and welcoming community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A collaborative team culture where your voice and ideas are valued
• A chance to shape a centre from the ground up and leave your mark in meaningful ways

This Is Your Sign

If you want to work somewhere that pays you properly, respects your time, invests in your future and genuinely cares about your wellbeing — Joy is ready to welcome you.

Child Safety Commitment

Children’s safety, wellbeing, and voices are our highest priority. Joy Early Learning has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect and responds promptly to all concerns in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive environment that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Our practices actively support and strengthen cultural safety for children, families, and communities. All team members are responsible for upholding child safety and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.