Kitchen hand

ABOUT US

At Habitat Early Learning, we believe children thrive when their education, nutrition, and health are all nurtured together. Rated Exceeding under the National Quality Standard, we’re proud to set the benchmark in early learning by giving children the very best start in life.

Our philosophy is simple: Happy Staff, Happy Children, Happy Families.

WHY HABITAT?

• Grow your skills and leadership potential through our in-house professional development sessions, delivered by our expert Emergent and Montessori curriculum leaders

• Accelerated Apprenticeship opportunities – From upskilling support to transparent progression pathways, we give you the confidence and tools to reach your next career milestone

• Curriculum: Enjoy the unique opportunity to work across both Play‑Based and Montessori approaches, enriching your practice and professional growth through hands‑on, meaningful practice.

• Above award rates + EWRA: Habitat are proud to provide you access to the Government Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Retention Payment on top of our above award rates

• Staff childcare priority access & discounts: Secure priority enrolment for your child and benefit from a 50% reduction in gap fees, making quality early learning more affordable and accessible

• Bonuses that celebrate YOU: From birthday and anniversary bonuses to monthly recognition awards, you and your contributions never go unnoticed. Plus, earn $500 for every successful educator referral — our way of thanking you for helping grow the Habitat community!

• Free daily chef-made lunches: Our staff enjoy nutritious, freshly made meals every day, crafted by our talented in‑house kitchen team. It’s one of the many ways we support your wellbeing and make your workday easier

• Free annual Flu vaccinations: Your health matters. Our Habitat Nurse provides complimentary flu vaccinations each year, giving you extra protection, peace of mind, and support throughout flu season!

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our valued educators through confidential counselling and guidance services, ensuring you have access to help whenever you need it

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a passionate Kitchen Hand to join the team at Habitat Early Learning, supporting the preparation and service of high-quality morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea each day for all children across the service. We are offering Monday to Friday daytime hours – no nights, no weekends!

Responsibilities:

• Food preparation, plating, and service for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon snack

• Ensuring food is prepared and handled in accordance with food safety standards and children’s nutritional, dietary, allergy, medical and anaphylaxis requirements

• Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene across all kitchen areas, including dishwashing areas, cool room and dry store, in accordance with the Food Safety Program

• Assist with orders and stock control

• Transportation and handling of food and delivery vehicle between service sites

• Comply with regulatory and legislative requirements

ABOUT YOU

You will bring previous experience as a Kitchen Hand or equivalent in a high volume Early Childhood setting, along with a strong understanding of children’s nutrition, allergy management, and dietary requirements, and a genuine commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing through healthy food!

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Current QLD Working with Children Check (Blue Card)

• Willingness to obtain Safety Food Supervisor qualification

• Relevant qualification in food handling/hospitality preferred but not essential

• Previous experience as an Educator/Kitchenhand within a childcare Centre desirable, but not essential

• Knowledge of relevant regulations in relation to food hygiene standards and workplace safety

• A proven ability to manage the kitchen environment in a safe and responsible manner

• An ability to work independently as well as an effective team member

• Well-developed understanding of children's nutritional and dietary requirements

If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and have a genuine passion for providing outstanding, nutritious meals, we want to hear from you! 

Please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information about Habitat Early Learning, please visit our website www.habitatlearning.qld.edu.au or contact HR via ••••@habitatlearning.com.au

This role requires a criminal record check (also known as a police check) as part of the recruitment process. Such checks help us maintain our strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. Preferred applicants will be required to obtain a criminal record check through our checking process, and provide the necessary documentation. Please note that providing consent for a criminal record check is a condition of employment. 

At Habitat Early Learning, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play. Our learning community walks together in the spirit of Reconciliation.

We are guided by the principle “Notice. Act. Protect.”, where concerns reported, are concerns addressed. Speaking up is encouraged, supported, and acted upon.

Habitat Early Learning is a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. We are committed to embedding child safe principles into all recruitment, selection, and employment practices to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing is prioritised at all times.