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Chef & Senior Chef - Antarctica/sub-Antarctic
Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Full-Time

Live & work in Antarctica - a unique experience

Meet remarkable people & make lifelong friendships

Contracts from 4 - 12+ months, starting mid to late 2026

Live & work in Antarctica - a unique experience

Meet remarkable people & make lifelong friendships

Contracts from 4 - 12+ months, starting mid to late 2026

Chef

As a Chef with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), you will be responsible for Station cooking and catering, food safety and kitchen hygiene, control of all foodstuffs and consumables, and for contributing to re-ordering of foodstuffs and consumables for the succeeding expedition. Additionally, the Chef assigned to Casey station will be required to be available to relieve the Wilkins Aerodrome Chef at times throughout the flying season. Duties whilst at Wilkins Aerodrome are outlined in the job description when you click "Apply".

Chefs can be employed in either summer or winter jobs; shorter winter opportunities may also arise. Chefs are employed at all three Antarctic stations as well as Macquarie Island and Wilkins Aerodrome.

Senior Chef

In addition to the duties of Chef, as a Senior Chef you will be required to participate in the Station Leadership group, attending regular meetings as the representative of the Catering Services section. The Senior Chef provides direction and mentorship where there is more than a single Chef on station, driving menu planning and completing regular reporting.

To apply for these roles, you must have the skills and licences listed below:

Qualifications/licences

Provide copy with your application:

  • Cooking qualification - completed indentured apprenticeship in commercial cookery (or equivalent)
  • Driver’s licence – current, unrestricted “C” class (manual) Australian driver’s licence
  • Citizenship – in accordance with the PS Act 1999, Australian Public Service employees are required to be Australian citizens. Persons who are not Australian citizens will generally only be considered where there are no suitable Australian applicants, with next considerations being Australian residents with work rights and New Zealand citizens.

Obtain prior to job commencement:

  • Valid Passport – The expiry date of the passport (and any relevant visa) must be at least 6 months beyond the planned end date of your intended stay in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic.
  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID0011) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement
  • Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID010) must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the date of commencement.
  • Provide CPR (HLTAID009) must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of commencement.
Knowledge and experience
  • Hands-on experience at least 5 years’ post apprenticeship.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a kitchen environment.

Chef & Senior Chef - Antarctica/sub-Antarctic
Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water