At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals for kids and manage kitchen operations in a fun, community-focused environment.
- Company: Join Early Learning Victoria, a leader in early childhood education with a commitment to safety and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly hours, competitive pay, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments for children.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while honing your culinary skills in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, knowledge of food safety, and a passion for child nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 16.2 - 19.8 $ per hour.
Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is leading the roll-out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of child safety. ELV is approved for the Commonwealth Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.
About the Role
Opening in 2027 and co-located with Nicholson Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Nicholson and District is a 102-place centre and will provide long day care, three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs. This centre is located 293KMs from Melbourne and 13KMS from Bairnsdale. Part-time Centre Cook, (0.6FTE) – family friendly hours available over 5 days.
In this role, you will:
- Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety policy
- Ensure all food is prepared to meet individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community
- Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements
- Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies
- Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required
About You
- Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef, providing high-volume, nutritious meals in a timely manner
- Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and food handling and hygiene requirements
- Ability to cater for a diverse range of dietary, allergy and cultural requirements
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities
Qualifications and Experience
- Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate
- Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)
- First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years
Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 October 2026. ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. Our Staff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory. The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Centre Cook in Sale employer: Early Learning Victoria
Early Learning Victoria is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional growth, the organisation offers numerous opportunities for development while prioritising child safety and community engagement. Working at the new Portland South Primary School centre not only allows you to contribute to high-quality early childhood education but also to be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and innovation.
