We are currently seeking a creative, passionate & enthusiastic Chef to join our vibrant team. This position is a full-time ongoing role, working 38 hours per week, based in Julia Creek, Queensland.

About Us

Drover’s Dog Hotel is a well-known country hotel located in the heart of Julia Creek, offering genuine outback hospitality to locals and travellers alike. The venue features a welcoming public bar and bistro serving lunch and dinner daily, with a focus on hearty meals, quality pub classics, and a relaxed dining atmosphere. The hotel prides itself on friendly service, excellent food, and being a popular gathering place for the local community and visitors exploring regional Queensland.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Chef to join our growing kitchen team, ensuring excellence in food preparation and presentation while managing kitchen operations efficiently. Day-to-day tasks will vary; however, you will be primarily responsible for the following tasks which include but are not limited to:

· Plan, prepare, season and cook a variety of dishes including classic pub-style meals and daily specials

· Assist with menu planning and development, including seasonal menu updates and new dish ideas

· Ensure all food is prepared and presented to a consistently high standard

· Monitor food preparation processes to maintain quality, consistency, and efficiency during service

· Supervise and coordinate the activities of kitchen staff during food preparation and service.

· Assist with stock control, ordering supplies and liaising with suppliers for kitchen ingredients

· Ensure proper storage, handling,



and rotation of food products in accordance with food safety standards

· Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Work Health & Safety (WHS) requirements

· Train and support junior kitchen staff to ensure adherence to kitchen procedures and quality standards

· Identifying opportunities to improve and expand the services and facilities offered by the restaurant.

Skills & Experience – Who we’re looking for:

For this position, it is expected that you will possess the following qualifications/work experience:

· Minimum Diploma qualification in Hospitality or a related field, OR at least 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of formal qualifications

· Minimum 2 years of experience working as a Chef in a pub, hotel, bistro, or busy restaurant kitchen

· Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and kitchen operations

· Experience preparing high quality pub-style meals and managing high-volume service periods

· Ability to supervise and coordinate kitchen staff during busy service periods

· Experience with menu planning, food costing and stock management

· Strong understanding of food safety regulations, kitchen hygiene, and WHS practices

· Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment

· Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively

· Strong teamwork and communication skills when working with kitchen and front – of – house staff

· High standards of cleanliness, organisation and attention to detail

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

📌 Chef (Julia Creek)
🏢 Drovers Dog Hotel
📍 Julia Creek