An exciting opportunity exists for a motivated and skilled Chief Cook to join the Western Cape College Boarding Campus kitchen team in Term 3, for 12 months unless otherwise determined.

Based in Weipa, Far North Queensland, our boarding campus provides a safe and supportive home away from home for 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands while they attend school. The kitchen is at the heart of boarding life, providing nutritious, quality meals that support the health and wellbeing of our students.

If you are an experienced cook who enjoys leading a team, takes pride in preparing fresh, nutritious meals and is looking for a rewarding role making a positive difference in the lives of young people, we encourage you to apply.

Job details

About our College:

Western Cape College is a Prep to Year 12 educational institution serving the Western Cape region of Cape York. Established on 1 January 2002 through the amalgamation of several schools, the College currently comprises the Mapoon Primary, Weipa Primary and Weipa Secondary campuses. In 2012, a boarding facility was opened in Weipa through a partnership with the Indigenous Land Corporation. The College serves a diverse student population across a broad geographic area and is committed to maximising educational outcomes and future opportunities for all students. Strong emphasis is placed on high standards of behaviour, student engagement, academic achievement, and retention through to Year 12, with success measured by students' pathways into further education, training, or employment. Western Cape College works in partnership with families, community organisations, industry, and Department of Education services to provide a safe, supportive learning environment and strengthen educational and post-school pathways. Student progress is monitored through systematic data collection and case management processes.

About the Role:

As Chief Cook, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the boarding kitchen, including menu planning, food preparation, stock control and maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.

You will oversee the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as support catering for functions and special events.

Working closely with the boarding team, you will help create a welcoming dining environment where students feel at home.

Relocation expenses may be negotiated with the successful applicant.  Subsidised departmental accommodation may be available for eligible applicants.

About You:

• The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a Chief Cook role, preferably with pastry or baking experience.
• Good communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels is essential, as is personal innovation and passion for quality food.
• Experience working in boarding houses or an equivalent environment is preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support kitchen staff in food preparation and service delivery.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance with regulations.
• Oversee kitchen operations, equipment maintenance, and meal service.
• Train staff and students in safe kitchen practices
• Monitor food storage, cleaning, and maintenance standards.
• Assist with staff recruitment and development.

Please refer to the Role Description for a full list of responsibilities.

Benefits:

Subsidised departmental accommodation may be available for eligible applicants. 

This is a full-time role and will initially be offered initially for 12 months, unless otherwise determined. The position will be required to work on a roster during the school term, which will include weekend work, and split shifts.

Mandatory requirements:

• In accordance with the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 a person is prohibited from working in regulated child-related employment unless the person holds a current Working with Children Check clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

It would be highly desirable for the successful applicant to possess a recognised;

• Trade qualification in Cookery – Minimum – Cert IV in Commercial Cookery.
• Certification in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Based Food Safety Planning and/or equivalent.

Interested? To Apply:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 1-page written statement in response to the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions. 

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• FNR693228_26T - Role Description (PDF, 299KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 286KB)
  Information Package for Applicants