The Qualified Cook is responsible for delivering high-quality food services across the Mary Valley Rattler Café, onboard train services and special events. Working within the Guest Experience team and reporting to the Operations & Marketing Manager, the Qualified Cook is responsible for maintaining exceptional food quality, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, supporting kitchen operations, and contributing to memorable visitor experiences.
The role requires a motivated and experienced cook who can work independently, support and supervise kitchen staff and volunteers when required, maintain high culinary standards, and adapt to a diverse range of tourism and event operations.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals in accordance with café menus, train catering and event menus.
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and portion control.
- Assist with the development and improvement of seasonal menus, specials and event catering offerings.
- Lead kitchen operations during service, ensuring efficient workflow and timely meal preparation.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff and volunteers as required.
- Monitor food quality, stock levels and minimise waste through effective stock rotation and inventory management.
- Conduct stocktakes and assist with ordering and inventory control.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is operated safely and maintained in good working order, reporting maintenance requirements promptly.
- Complete daily opening and closing kitchen procedures, including cleaning and kitchen presentation.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, Workplace Health & Safety and organisational policies and procedures.
- Assist in planning and delivering catering for special events, charter trains and tourism experiences.
- Build positive working relationships across the Guest Experience team and wider organisation.
- Provide excellent customer service where required and contribute to a positive visitor experience.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Operations & Marketing Manager.
Skills, Experience & Requirements
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (mandatory).
- Previous experience as a Qualified Cook in a commercial kitchen.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and present high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and safe food handling practices.
- Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or ability to obtain prior to commencement).
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and pride in food quality and presentation.
- Availability to work weekends, public holidays and occasional evenings.
- Current Queensland Blue Card and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience in tourism, hospitality or event catering.
- First Aid Certificate.
- Experience with stock ordering and inventory management.
- Knowledge of dietary requirements, allergens and special dietary catering.
Personal Attributes
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- A passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Initiative and the ability to solve problems under pressure.
- Reliability, professionalism and accountability.
- A positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues across departments.
- Maintain a professional standard of personal presentation, hygiene and uniform at all times.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing operational requirements.
- Commitment to the Mary Valley Rattler's values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect.
