Qualified Chef or Experienced Cook

The Rockhampton Grammar School is seeking to employ a Qualified Chef or Experienced Cook to be part of our Food Services Team.

This is a permanent full-time, term-time role with a lifestyle roster (night and weekend work required as per roster) commencing in March 2024.

Applications are willing to be considered by any of the following:

• Qualified Chef
• Cook*
• 4th Year Apprentice*

*Pending suitability and experience, we are willing to assist the successful candidate in obtaining a formal qualification and offer extensive professional development opportunities. 

If you have previous experience working in a fast paced environment, this may be the role for you. Experience in the provision of food services within a school environment or similar preferred, but not essential. Food Handlers Certificate and Food Safety Supervisor Certificate required.

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school private school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years. The School is the largest independent boarding school in Queensland and the second largest co-educational boarding school in Australia. It is a leading school in regional Queensland and one of the foremost schools in regional Australia. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 142 years. The School has a total enrolment of 1,400 students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship.

• Term-Time role, with majority of school holidays off (some work may be required for events during holidays)
• Social/Lifestyle roster (family-friendly/work-life balance)
• Access to additional employer superannuation contributions when voluntary contributions are made
• Salary packaging options
• Uniform subsidies
• Staff meals provided
• An inspiring campus with excellent resources and facilities
• Extensive career and professional development opportunities
• A collegial and supportive work environment
• Wellbeing services such as staff yoga and staff gym sessions
• Health Services - annual flu vaccinations (voluntary)
• Annual first aid training
• Paid maternity leave (14 weeks for full time staff)
• Long Service Leave (after seven years of service) 

The position of Chef plays an integral role in supporting the Food Services Manager in the daily operation of the dining room;   

• Preparation, cooking and service of food to:
  • Boarding Students;
  • Residential Staff;
  • Staff;
  • School functions;
  • Early Learning Centre;
  • After School Care & Vacation Care;
  • School Hire Camps;
  • Other catering/events as required;
• Assist in preparation of orders for School camps/trips/functions;
• Regular consultation with the Food Services Manager regarding worksheets and function requests;
• Safely transport food to other sites, when required;
• Ensure all food items produced and delivered from the kitchen are fresh and of high quality;
• Manage food use and wastage factor in the operation of the kitchen;
• Control weights and commodities used within the kitchen;
• In conjunction with the Food Services Storeperson, check ordering and control of all food items required for kitchen operation as required;
• Undertake daily cleaning and maintenance of kitchen and equipment;
• Daily cleaning of chef fridges and blast chiller and correct stowage and rotation of food items within;
• Ensure all staff are using correct food handling procedures within the kitchen;
• Maintaining food preparation and kitchen standards of cleanliness and hygiene so that they comply with the Food Safety Standards;
• Daily completion of food safety paperwork and end of day checklist;
• Practicing appropriate work methods to comply with Workplace Health & Safety requirements;
• Monitor and take full care of health and safety of self and others within area of responsibility;
• Attending staff development programmes, when and if appropriate;
• Maintain the standard of excellence required by the School’s reputation and uphold the philosophy of the School;
• Supervision of kitchen staff in the execution of their daily duties, in the absence of the Food Services Manager;
• Work cohesively as a team member and as required, assist team members to ensure all work tasks are completed;
• Any other duties as directed by the Food Services Manager or their delegate.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

The demands of this role include the ability to be on your feet for the rostered hours and involve a high level of manual handling and physical ability. A capacity to deal with the requirements and demands of meeting service deadlines is required.

• Superior knife skills;
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the requirements of a menu;
• Possess a solid knowledge of current food safety practices and standards;
• Demonstrated understanding of infection control, manual handling, hazard identification;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and multi-task;
• Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment;
• Ability to work accurately and with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work as a team member to assist team, complete tasks as required;
• Ability to adapt quickly to change of routine;
• Available to work over a 7-day roster;
• Immaculate grooming and excellent communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment, focused on a high quality of service to our boarders, staff and school guests. 

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process. 

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to: 

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;
• Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;

Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks, qualification check and professional registration checks.

• Appropriate Chef qualifications and work experience, essential;
• Experience in large commercial kitchen and dining hall environment;
• Experience in the provision of food services within a School environment or similar preferred, but not essential.

• Working with Children Check;
• Police Check;
• Food Handler’s Certificate
• Current Full Driver’s Licence for a manual vehicle.

1. Read the Notice to all Candidates – Staff Safer Recruitment Policy and Recruitment and Selection Policy on the RGS website (http://www.rgs.qld.edu.au/employment)
2. Complete an Application for Employment Form (Non-Teaching) – found on RGS website (http://www.rgs.qld.edu.au/employment)
3. Submit your completed Application for Employment Form with your Cover Letter and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and two referees to *********@rgs.qld.edu.au
4. Enquiries can be directed to Rodney Norris (Services Manager) via email - *********@rgs.qld.edu.au - Apply Immediately!
5. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
6. Applicants must be from Australia with full working rights. No overseas applications will be considered.
7. The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any legislative and/or operational requirements.