This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027

Western Australian College of Agriculture – Harvey (WACOA - Harvey) is located about 1.5 hours south of Perth, Western Australia and is 20 minutes from the ocean and 30 minutes north of Bunbury. It is situated in the heart of the Harvey irrigation district, which services the dairy and horticultural industries and enjoys access to a significant range of agricultural industry and recreational opportunities.

The College is co-educational and can fully board up to 128 students who come from all areas of the state. A small percentage of students access the program on a daytime basis from closer locations.

Find out more about our school by visiting www.harveyag.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

WACOA - Harvey is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Chef to join their team.

The successful applicant will work together with the Head Chef to instruct and supervise all kitchen staff in day-to-day operations. You will manage the day-to-day catering requirements of the College and external groups, catering for special occasions and functions as required.

The role includes:

• menu planning and preparation incorporating the use of college produce
• liaising with college farm enterprises for the supply of college produce
• cooking
• stock control
• purchasing of goods
• budget monitoring
• supervising and training of catering staff

The successful applicant will ideally be a team player and possess strong organisational skills to manage catering for the College boarding facility. You are required to hold a trade qualification in cooking or equivalent, as per the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

• 80 hours per fortnight
• 10 hour shifts
• 8 working days and 6 days off in each fortnightly roster cycle
• Family friendly hours
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) opportunities
• 4 weeks annual leave over the Christmas period
• Opportunity to enjoy one week of the school holidays off throughout the year

Roster

Weekdays

Wednesday & Thursday: 8.30am - 7.00pm

Friday: 8.00am - 6.30pm

Every Second Weekend

Saturday & Sunday: 8.00am - 6.30pm   (Weekend penalties)

The successful applicant will contribute to the development comprehensive menus and cater for approximately 200 students aged 15 to 18.

The successful applicant will also be responsible for managing high levels of quality control, storage, and hygiene in accordance with occupational health and safety standards. It is highly desirable for applicants to have experience catering for large groups.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Bernie Murnane, Principal on (08) 9782 2100 or emailing  Bernard.Murnane@education.wa.edu.au.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at schoolsrecruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A four (4) page statement addressing the selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF

1. Demonstrated experience in a commercial cooking environment and ability to organise and prepare meals for approximately 100 people on a daily basis.
2. Demonstrated leadership and management skills including the ability to train and supervise catering staff.
3. Demonstrated experience in stock control, including budgeting and purchasing of food and kitchen supplies.
4. Demonstrated organisational skills with the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and prioritise tasks to meet conflicting timelines.
5. Demonstrated well developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to effectively liaise with individuals at all levels.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1069571

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 16 November 2026