Kitchen Program Assistant

Carey; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 27,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Carey invites applications for a Kitchen Program Assistant based at the Kew campus. The role supports the Kitchen Garden Coordinator to deliver a hands-on program for Year 3 & 4, fostering curiosity about food, origin, and recipes.

The position is 0.4FTE, term-time, 12-month contract with duties including session prep and safe, organised learning spaces. Responsibilities include assisting with ingredient purchases, briefing volunteers, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Qualifications

• Experience as an accomplished cook; highly skilled home cooks welcomed.
• Proven organisational skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated exemplary rapport and relationships with children.
• Proven ability to work as a team member.
• Proven ability to maintain the confidence and respect of staff, students and parents.
• Ability to meet the energetic and physical demands of the role, including standing for long periods, lifting and carrying.
• First Aid, CPR and Anaphylaxis certificate (or willing to obtain).
• Food Handling Certificate (or willing to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Plan with the Kitchen Garden Coordinator to maintain an exemplary cooking program for Year 3 and 4 students.
• Set up the kitchen prior to lessons.
• Supervise student clean-up of kitchen and classroom.
• Maintain general cleanliness, non-industrial equipment and materials.
• Purchase ingredients as needed.
• Brief adult helpers before cooking sessions.

Skills

Cooking

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

First Aid CPR

Food Handling Certificate

Job description

The Role:

The Kitchen Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting the Kitchen Garden Coordinator to deliver a vibrant, hands-on program that inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity in students about food, its origin and the history behind recipes.

The program works with students in Years 3 & 4 and is based around the journey of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing food. The successful candidate will bring a genuine interest in food, cooking and sustainability, along with the ability to build positive relationships with students to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

This role assists with the preparation of each session, ensuring the kitchen is maintained as a clean, safe and well-organised learning area. There are times when the Kitchen Program Assistant will support and brief visiting volunteers and occasionally purchase ingredients.

This role is a 12-month contract for 2027 and based at the Kew campus. This position is part time (0.4FTE) and only required during term-time. The usual days for the program as Tuesday and Thursday.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Planning and Preparation

• Plan with the Kitchen Garden Coordinator and Gardening Coordinator to maintain an exemplary cooking program for the Year 3 and 4 students
• Set up the kitchen prior to lessons
• Supervise student clean-up of kitchen and classroom
• Maintain general cleanliness, (non-industrial) equipment and materials
• Purchase ingredients as needed
• Brief adult helpers before cooking sessions

The Person:

• Experience as an accomplished cook (highly skilled home cooks are welcomed)
• Proven organisational skills with strong accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated exemplary rapport and relationships with children
• Proven ability to work as a team member
• Proven ability to maintain the confidence and respect of staff, students and parents
• Ability to meet the energetic and physical demands of the role, including standing for long periods, lifting and carrying
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment
• FirstAid,CPR&Anaphylaxiscertificate(orwillingtoobtain)
• Food Handling Certificate (or willing to obtain)

A valid Employee Working with Children Check is a requirement of employment for this position.

The School:

At Carey, our staff are integral members of our vibrant community, embodying a deep commitment to learning and an innate ability to ignite the same passions within our students.

Grounded in the core values of Care, Growth, and Respect, our staff play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture where every individual is valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.