Cook - Early Childhood Education

Casual

Band 3 - Starting from $35.58 Per hour + Superannuation 

• Supportive and Friendly team environment where we value growth and development
• Excellent employee benefits and competitive hourly rates

Are children, nutrition, culture, and community important to you?

Do you enjoy working with others to provide healthy food and service to children and families?

We are currently seeking experienced and reliable Casual Cooks to support our Early Childhood Education and Care Centres across the City of Yarra. This role is essential in supporting the health, nutrition, and wellbeing of children through the preparation of healthy, fresh, and culturally inclusive meals.

As the Cook in one of our Children’s Centres, you will prepare nutritionally balanced meals which cater to the individual needs, special dietary requirements and cultural practices of the children attending the centre. It would also be beneficial to have a practical understanding of the State Food Act requirements and the principles of the Education and Care Services National Quality Framework. You will know how food affects a child with anaphylaxis or allergy, and you will have experience in cooking/catering and food handling.

Your work environment will be safe, hygienic and comply with occupational health and safety standards. You will be working in a spacious high-quality commercial kitchen which is stocked with commercial cooking and cleaning appliances. 

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea in accordance with centre menus and dietary needs
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen in line with food safety standards
• Manage stock, ordering, and safe food storage
• Collaborate with centre staff to meet individual dietary and allergy requirements
• Support diverse cultural food practices and inclusive meal planning 

About You

• Previous experience as a cook in an early childhood, school, or similar setting
• Food Handling Certificate (mandatory)
• Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergy management
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Flexible and available to work on-call across multiple centres

Yarra City Council is dynamic and progressive organisation. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion. We aim to make a positive difference in people’s lives through our commitment to critical reflection and continuous improvement.

City of Yarra Council is a progressive, inner-city local government just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. We are committed to creating inclusive, connected, and sustainable communities. Our diverse and vibrant municipality is home to people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds—and our services reflect that richness. As an organisation, we value integrity, respect, and social equity, and we are proud to support the wellbeing and development of children and families through our early years programs.

Apply Now

Submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your experience and availability.

For more information, contact the Early Years Workforce Supervisor at Carlos.Cardenas@yarracity.vic.gov.au or see the position description below

 100559 - Casual cook - Childrens Services - Position description - June 2025.pdf

Applications for this role will close on Sunday 10 August 2025

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people, young people, older people, women, and people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer. We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.

*This position is subject to satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check, prior to commencement. Pre-employment checks are not used by Yarra City Council to prevent any applicant from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.