Cook - Paluma Environmental Education Centre

Nestled amongst the lush tropical rainforests of the Paluma Range National Park, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the Paluma Environmental Education Centre offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for cooking with an exceptional natural setting. We are seeking enthusiastic and reliable individuals to fill multiple casual Cook positions. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will support the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, preparing and serving quality meals while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and customer service. The positions being offered are in a Temporary Part-Time capacity (0.10FTE).

About the Paluma Environmental Education Centre:

Located approximately 80 kilometres north of Townsville, the Paluma Environmental Education Centre is nestled within the stunning rainforest of the Paluma Range National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Centre provides immersive outdoor and environmental learning experiences for visiting school groups from across Queensland. Operating from the historic grounds of the former Paluma State School, the Centre accommodates up to 70 guests in bunk-style accommodation and delivers curriculum-aligned programs that connect students with one of Australia's most diverse and significant natural environments. Supported by experienced teachers and support staff, students participate in hands-on learning, environmental studies, adventure activities and outdoor education experiences designed to inspire curiosity, resilience and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The Centre's unique location, strong educational focus and welcoming community make it a rewarding and memorable place to work.

About the Role:

• Effectively manage the kitchen and prepare rosters, menus and food orders.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of hygienic operations within the kitchen and supervise food preparation and cooking practices.
• Formal qualifications for this role will be highly regarded.  A Working with Children blue card is required prior to commencing employment.

Responsibilities:

• Guide kitchen staff in appropriate cooking and food preparation techniques.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, utensils and the handling of food and preparation of meals is performed in a hygienic and safe manner.
• Monitor the use of kitchen appliances and equipment and advise when items need replacing, repairing or removing.
• Oversee the serving of meals, washing up and disposal of scraps.
• Oversee the cleaning and maintenance of food preparation surfaces, cold room shelving and internal shelving in refrigeration and freezer units.
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of kitchen appliances to kitchen staff and students and provide training in their use.
• Ensure food storage is appropriate, hygienic and in accordance with the standards outlined by health controlling authorities within relevant legislation and regulations.

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

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 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.