POSITION SUMMARY
The key objective of this role is to ensure that the preparation and service of food is of the highest standard, provide guidance to the team and to teach others. Follow set targets with food costs, kitchen wages, food safety and hygiene plus overall kitchen control. Applicants must have experience in people management and be able to lead, support, and empower their staff.
The Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre chef will also ensure all staff are aware of all compliance and government regulations under the Victorian Food Act 1984, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and any other required legislation, regulations, and standards.
* This is a Permanent, Full-Time role.
* There are no split shifts and no night work.
* The workdays are Wednesday through Sunday.
* Based in Breakaway Creek, VIC 3303.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Cooking Duties
* Work to create menus and recipes reflecting the style and provenance of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape.
* Plan & monitor ingredient requirements to meet production schedules.
* Cost all menus to ensure all are within budget.
* Monitor work quality, productivity of the members of the team to ensure that production requirements are met.
* Document recipes methods and work instructions.
* Create open communication with all areas.
* Have and maintain superior knowledge with regards to food products.
* Ensure stock ordering is completed successfully each week keeping within set budgets and upcoming bookings.
* Process invoices in a timely manner to the finance department for processing.
* Roster all kitchen staff to balance required days off with needs.
* Control kitchen wages within budget.
* Advise management of equipment malfunction and ensure repairs are done quickly.
* Ensure standards are met to HACCP guidelines.
* Ensure compliance with and Food Safety guidelines including the appointment of a Food Safety Supervisor.
* Ensure WHS is best practice.
Generic Duties
* Attend events and actively promote BBCLT and its products.
* Maintain up to date product knowledge of the Aquaculture Centre, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape sites, and related activities.
* Resolve visitor complaints to the visitor's satisfaction within your level of authority or escalate as needed.
* Represent BBCLT in a positive and professional manner at all times.
* Demonstrate your ability and willingness to work for and with team members at all times.
* Maintain excellent grooming, personal hygiene and presentation standards.
* Familiarise yourself with company philosophy, values, background and history.
* Maintain the privacy of all company, visitor and employee information.
* Ensure that all Workplace Health and Safety requirements for the company are adhered to.
* Report any workplace hazards to your manager.
* Support the company in its endeavour to provide a safe workplace and be responsible for an appropriate outcome.
* Ensure that all policies are adhered to within your department.
* Abide by reasonable instructions, company policies, regulations and common law.
* Any other duties required by the General Manager or Operations Manager.
These key responsibilities and performance standards may be modified from time to time to ensure that the desired project outcomes are achieved.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.
Knowledge and Skills
* Have 3+ years of experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen.
* Be Trade Qualified Chef – Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
* An understanding of indigenous and native produce and bush foods, or previous experience in preparing or cooking native foods would be highly advantageous.
* Have the ability to organise kitchen staff to achieve high quality output in volume.
* Have a good understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures.
* Have a sound knowledge of stock control, ordering, hygiene, safety awareness.
* Have an excellent record of kitchen and staff management.
* Have experience in handling emergency situations and providing solutions.
* Knowledge of quality management systems.
* Have competent financial reporting and cost management skills.
* Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive outlook and professional manner.
* Flexible approach and attitude.
* Good communication skills.
* Hard working and reliable.
* Ability to work on weekends and public holidays.
* Takes initiative and can deal with complex issues, schedule own work, exercise judgement and work under limited direction.
* Has the ability to support Program/project implementation and delivery
* Strong understanding of OH&S/WHS policies and procedures and actively contribute to a safe and respectful workplace.
Specialist/Technical Expertise
* An awareness and understanding of the impact of colonisation, and the historical and current issues affecting Gunditjmara people and country; as well as the broader Australian Aboriginal and Torres Islander community and their relationships with the broader Australian society in order to communicate effectively and sensitively with Gunditjmara people and other stakeholders.
* An understanding of GMTOAC & GMSPL, its operations, and activities.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
* Must have a Victorian Drivers Licence.
* Ability to obtain a positive National Police and Working with Children Check.
* Based in Breakaway Creek, VIC 3303.
GMTOAC is an equal opportunity employer – If you believe you may be unable to achieve a positive check result, we have the ability to review your results and act with discretion. This allows us to employ staff only if we consider the outcome of this record will not have any negative impact to GMTOAC operations or reputation, or the role the staff member is completing.
APPLICATIONS
This position is located in BREAKAWAY CREEK, VIC 3303. Approximately 3 hours from Geelong and 4 hours from Melbourne.
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing their suitability for the role, specifically addressing the Key Selection Criteria or main responsibilities of the position.
For Position Description:
This position will close on 8 February 2026.