About the role

Pedder Wilderness Lodge is seeking an experienced, motivated and hands-on Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, maintain exceptional food standards and contribute to the ongoing development of the food and beverage offering. The Lodge combines the warmth and comfort of a wilderness retreat with the operational demands of catering for a major infrastructure workforce. The kitchen delivers two distinct dining experiences: nutritious, satisfying buffet meals for Gordon Power Station personnel, alongside a quality à la carte menu showcasing fresh, seasonal produce for visiting guests. This is a full-time, live-in position suited to someone seeking long-term employment and the opportunity to become a valued member of the team.

Key responsibilities

- Lead and oversee all daily kitchen operations, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and group catering

- Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious, varied buffet meals for Gordon Power Station workforce personnel

- Design and execute seasonal à la carte menus for Lodge visitors, balancing creativity, quality and commercial performance

- Ensure consistency in food quality, flavour, portion sizes and presentation

- Lead, hire, train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive, supportive and productive team environment

- Prepare kitchen rosters in accordance with occupancy forecasts, service requirements and labour budgets

- Manage food ordering, stock control and supplier relationships

- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety

- Ensure compliance with relevant Tasmanian food safety regulations and procedures

- Take an active, hands-on approach to all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning and general kitchen duties

About you

- Minimum 3 years' experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, ideally within a hotel,



resort, or remote hospitality environment

- Previous experience living and working in remote locations, with an understanding of the independence, adaptability and planning required

- A genuinely hands-on, team-first attitude, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and tackle all aspects of the job

- Proven experience delivering both buffet-style catering and quality à la carte dining

- Solid leadership skills, with the ability to train, motivate and support a small kitchen team

- Experience in menu development, food costing, ordering, stock control and supplier management

- Sound financial understanding, including labour costs, food costs and menu profitability

- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple service requirements

- Ability to think quickly on your feet, remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing priorities

- Full Australian working rights and a genuine interest in long-term employment

Benefits

- Full-time, live-in employment

- Accommodation, dinner and on-shift meals included

- Competitive remuneration based on experience and applicable employment conditions

- The opportunity to lead and develop a kitchen team in a unique wilderness hospitality environment

- Creative input into menu development and the Lodge's future food offering

- A varied role combining workforce catering, à la carte dining and special events

- A supportive, close-knit team environment

About us

Located in the heart of Tasmania's spectacular Southwest Wilderness, Pedder Wilderness Lodge offers a truly unique hospitality experience, welcoming travellers from around the world alongside workers on the mighty Gordon Dam and Power Station. The Lodge combines the warmth and comfort of a wilderness retreat with the operational demands of catering for a major infrastructure workforce.

📌 Head Chef (Strathgordon)
🏢 Pedder Wilderness Lodge
📍 Strathgordon