Selection Criteria 1. Culinary Expertise and Food Safety Demonstrated experience working in a commercial or community kitchen, with strong understanding of safe food handling, hygiene standards, and allergy management. Relevant cookery qualifications and/or Food Safety Supervisor certification. 2. Operational and Organisational Skills Ability to independently manage kitchen operations including stock ordering, food preparation, equipment maintenance, and record-keeping. Experience preparing meals at scale in a time-sensitive setting. 3. Interpersonal and Collaborative Approach Warm and inclusive communication style, with the ability to work respectfully with students, families, and staff. Willingness to contribute to a collaborative school culture and support the integration of food education. 4. Alignment with School and Department Values Commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion, and community. Alignment with Wirrigirri's school values of Respect, Curiosity, and Collaboration, and the Department of Education's values and policies. Role We are seeking a passionate Cook or Chef to lead the daily operation of this program. The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking team that is not only delivering excellent education, but also reshaping how schools can support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and nutritionally. The Cook / Chef will lead the day-to-day operations of Wirrigirri's school meals program. This includes preparing nutritious meals for all students, managing kitchen systems, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, and contributing to the culture of the school through inclusive and welcoming food experiences. This full-time role offers an excellent work-life balance, with no evening or weekend work, and time off during school holidays in accordance with Education Support employment conditions. https://wirrigirrips.vic.edu.au/about/school-meals-program/ Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs. Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management. The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations. This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management. An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee¿s position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher. Responsibilities Plan and prepare daily lunch meals for all students using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Develop rotating, inclusive menus that accommodate diverse dietary needs and cultural backgrounds. Maintain a clean, efficient, and compliant kitchen in line with food safety regulations. Manage ordering, inventory, food storage, and waste minimisation practices. Keep accurate records (e.g. food safety logs, invoices, allergy management). Supervise and support any kitchen volunteers, support staff or casual workers. Collaborate with staff to promote a positive and respectful mealtime environment. Support integration of food education experiences where relevant (e.g. cooking, sustainability). Engage in training and school initiatives aligned to child safety, inclusion, and wellbeing. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. EEO AND OHS Commitment Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines ). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via marrung@education.vic.gov.au Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview Conditions of Employment All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx Location Profile Wirrigirri Primary School, located at 110 Saltlake Boulevard, Wollert VIC 3750, opened its doors in Term 1, 2025 to serve the growing population in Melbourne's outer northern suburbs. With a current enrolment of 115 students from Prep to Year 6 and expected ongoing growth each year, Wirrigirri is a purpose-built school committed to establishing a learning environment grounded in respect, curiosity, and collaboration. Our school community is united by a shared belief in the power of relationships, equity, and creativity to shape meaningful learning. We place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, student voice, and inclusive practices that reflect the diverse cultural and social context of our families. As part of our holistic and innovative approach to education, Wirrigirri Primary School is launching a universal School Meals Program in September 2025. Every student will receive a healthy, freshly cooked lunch daily & designed to support learning, wellbeing, and connection while providing consistency and convenience for families. We are seeking a passionate Cook or Chef to lead the daily operation of this program. The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking team that is not only delivering excellent education, but also reshaping how schools can support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and nutritionally. The Cook / Chef will lead the day-to-day operations of Wirrigirri's school meals program. This includes preparing nutritious meals for all students, managing kitchen systems, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, and contributing to the culture of the school through inclusive and welcoming food experiences. This full-time role offers an excellent work-life balance, with no evening or weekend work, and time off during school holidays in accordance with Education Support employment conditions. https://wirrigirrips.vic.edu.au/about/school-meals-program/