Executive Chef

About Jenolan Caves

Located within the UNESCO-listed Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Jenolan Caves is one of Australia's most iconic tourism destinations and one of the oldest cave systems in the world. Home to the heritage-listed Caves House, Chisholm's Restaurant and a range of visitor experiences, Jenolan has welcomed generations of visitors to this extraordinary destination.

Following a major flood event in 2024, Jenolan Caves temporarily closed to visitors while significant restoration, infrastructure and conservation works commenced. Today, an ambitious program of upgrades is transforming the precinct, including the refurbishment of Caves House, the construction of a new Blue Lake Boardwalk and improvements across visitor facilities and public spaces.

The reopening of Jenolan Caves is highly anticipated and will play an important role in the economic and social fabric of the Central West and Blue Mountains regions. As Jenolan prepares to welcome visitors again, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the next chapter of one of Australia's most significant tourism destinations.

The Opportunity

• Executive Chef (Clerk 7-8)
• Temporary full-time role up to 2 years
• Located at Jenolan Caves, 3 hours from Sydney and 25 minutes from Oberon
• Package includes base salary from $116,981.00 to $129,492.00, plus employer's contribution to superannuation
• Great opportunity to work at a world heritage site at an idyllic location and play a pivotal role in the creation of life changing visitor experiences

We're looking for an exceptional Executive Housekeeper to help shape the accommodation experience at Jenolan Caves as we prepare for reopening and future growth.

As the Executive Housekeeper, you will be accountable for leading and coordinating all housekeeping operations across Jenolan Caves Hotel & Hospitality, including Caves House, Mountain Lodge, guest accommodation, public areas and staff accommodation.

You will manage resources, systems, cleaning standards, linen and amenities, inventory, workforce deployment, workplace safety and team performance to ensure consistently high standards of cleanliness, presentation and guest experience throughout the Jenolan Visitor Use and Services Zone.

The role will work closely with Front Office and the broader Hotel & Hospitality leadership team to coordinate room readiness, arrivals, departures, special guest requirements and the day-to-day operation of the accommodation portfolio.

This role also plays a critical part in preparing Jenolan's accommodation operations for reopening, establishing housekeeping procedures and standards, training and developing the housekeeping team and creating a positive and accountable team culture. This is an opportunity to build something special and establish the accommodation and presentation standards that will define the Jenolan guest experience for years to come.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Demonstrated ability to lead housekeeping teams and coordinate daily housekeeping operations across multiple accommodation areas.
• Experience managing room allocations, room turnaround, public-area cleaning and accommodation presentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor and develop housekeeping team members while building a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Experience managing linen, guest amenities, cleaning chemicals, housekeeping equipment, stock levels and supplier requirements.
• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety, hygiene, chemical handling and safe housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain housekeeping procedures, room standards, inspection processes and quality-control systems.
• Experience coordinating closely with Front Office and other hotel departments to manage room readiness, guest requests and operational priorities.
• Ability to plan staffing requirements and deploy housekeeping resources effectively in response to occupancy and operational demand.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain consistently high presentation standards across a diverse accommodation portfolio.
• A practical and hands-on leadership style with the ability to support a team through reopening, operational change and future growth.

Essential requirements

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Current First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain.

To view the Role Description: Executive Chef

Accommodation & Working Arrangement

Due to the unique operational environment at Jenolan Caves and the Executive Housekeeper playing a critical role in overseeing housekeeping operations across Caves House, Mountain Lodge, guest accommodation, public areas and staff accommodation, the position requires a strong onsite leadership presence to support the day-to-day operation.

Given the remote location and evolving operational environment, this position is well suited to candidates seeking a FIFO-style hospitality leadership opportunity, with onsite accommodation arrangements available if required.

Our Mission

At Jenolan Caves our mission is to connect our visitors with the unique natural and cultural heritage of Jenolan Caves, and through that connection, stimulate the urge to care for and protect all such special places. Put simply, our mission is to Protect and Connect.

What we can offer you

Jenolan Caves is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Onsite accommodation arrangements if required.
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
• Staff discounts on dining and cave tours.

How to apply

Apply by answering all pre-screening questions, submit a current resume and a one-page cover letter that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the role.

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. DCCEEW supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

For more information about the role contact Aiden Lizotte via aiden.lizotte@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: Sunday, 30 August 2026 @11:55 pm

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

•  Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
•  How we encourage and support people with disability
•  Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Naz Keya via naz.keya@dpie.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 552368).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.  

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