Chef/qualified Cook

About the role

As Chef at Fairhill Café, you play a key role in ensuring continuity, quality, and momentum across the kitchen. Independently running the kitchen on some days, especially busy during school holidays and peak trading periods, stepping into a lead role as required. You will deliver exceptional, health-focused food inspired by Australian and French cuisines, with an emphasis on local, seasonal, and indigenous ingredients, within a vibrant, community-focused venue set in Queensland's original native botanical gardens.

Key responsibilities

• Confidently lead kitchen operations as requried

• Prepare and deliver consistent, high-quality food during service

• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen upholding ood safety, hygiene, and workplace compliance

• Maintain high standards of presentation, portion control, and efficiency

• Work closely with the management team on prep systems, service flow, and planning

• Foster a positive, calm, energetic and industrious team culture

• Communicate clearly to ensure smooth service

• Contribute to a whole-of-venue mindset, supporting Fairhill as a destination hospitality experience

About you

• Demonstrated experience working in a commercial kitchen

• Ability to work independently and confidently run a service when required (after training)

• Interest in Australian, seasonal, and fresh food cooking

• Working knowledge of HACCP, WHS, and Australian food safety compliance

• High standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food quality

• Clear and respectful communication with team members, management, suppliers, and customers

• Confidence stepping into relief, sous and lead roles

• Adaptability across short order service

• Passion for local produce, sustainability, and paddock-to-plate food

• Calm, capable, and solutions-focused under pressure

Benefits

• KPI-based performance bonuses

• Meals provided during shifts

• Team member discounts and access to Fairhill events

• Support for professional development and skills growth

• Superannuation of course

• Staff accommodation can be provided

About us

You'll be working with our exceptional French Chefs. Fairhill's Gardens Café is a bright, airy dining space nestled within the award-winning Fairhill Adventure Gardens, including Fairhill Native Botanical Gardens. Our kitchen showcases local and farm-grown produce, including pasture-raised pork and eggs from our farm, herbs from our gardens. Fairhill is the Sunshine Coast's farm-to-table and paddock-to-plate destination, serving breakfasts, lunches, pastries, including handmade savoury and sweet dishes inspired by Australian, French and Asia–Pacific flavours. We are keen to introduce spit roasting as part of outdoor cooking and dining experiences.

Fairhill Gardens is a multi-faceted botanical, hospitality, and visitor destination with a long-standing legacy of native plant conservation, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

As a farm and gardens, some roles are valid for WHV.

No sponsorships offered.

Daytime hours, no split shifts. Weekly pay. Accommodation available if required. Live the dream on the Sunshine Coast.