Chef with Passion for Food, People, and Change

Full-time position based in Cairns, QLD.

Are you passionate about cooking and helping people transform their lives? Do you want to make a real difference while creating amazing food? We’re looking for a highly motivated Chef to join our team at Wild Thyme—a unique role that combines culinary creativity, mentorship, and social impact.

In this role, you will:

- Inspire and Teach: Use your passion for good food to train young, disadvantaged learners, helping them achieve their goals and build vital life skills.

- Empower Through Mentorship: Support and mentor individuals with disabilities, helping them grow and develop both personally and professionally.

- Elevate Our Catering Business: Work with enthusiasm and creativity to expand our catering services, creating memorable food experiences for our clients.

What we’re looking for:

- A chef with exceptional culinary skills and a creative flair for food.

- Someone enthusiastic about mentoring and empowering young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts with a calm, approachable demeanour.

- A team player who can build rapport with clients and colleagues while maintaining a fun, supportive, and professional environment.

- A proactive individual who is confident liaising with clients and promoting our catering business.

Why join us?

You’ll have the opportunity to combine your love for food with your passion for helping others. Working out of our restaurant, Wild Thyme, you’ll play a key role in creating a positive impact in the community while being part of a growing and dynamic team.

If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves a challenge, and has a genuine desire to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

To be considered for the position, you will need to have:

- Experience as Chef/cook required.



Qualification preferred but not essential.

- Experience as a Trainer and Assessor required, current qualification preferred but not essential.

- Excellent communication skills

- Ability to work efficiently under pressure

- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards

- Creativity and a keen eye for detail in food presentation

- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds is preferred, as you will be working with people facing various barriers to overcome any workplace challenges

- Ability to work autonomously and with initiative

Our Employee Package:

As an employee of NJL you will receive:

- A workplace that always puts ‘Family and Friends First’

- Above award wages and generous remuneration package

- Salary packaging

- Access to free 24/7 support services through our Employee Assistance Program

- Discounts on Health Insurance and wellness support

It is a requirement of employment that you have access to digital ID (myID) and are comfortable using Biometrics Security.

At NJL we are committed to creating a secure and inclusive environment which values and respects diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

A current driver’s licence and car is required and as a Child Safe Organisation you will currently hold (or be willing to obtain) a valid Working with Children Check, NDIS clearance and ability to pass a Criminal History Check.

To apply please attach a Resume and Cover Letter addressing the required skills. As you will be reviewing and updating job applications as part of this role, we expect a high standard, it's your chance to show us what you can do.

We welcome and encourage women, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

For more information, please contact at ****@njl.org.au

Applications Close: Friday 11th September 2026

We may proceed with interviewing prior to this date and the advertisement will be

📌 Chef (Cairns)
🏢 National Joblink
📍 Cairns