Chef

Chef at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Positions

This is an outstanding opportunity to be part of an exciting team at Sydney Zoo in the role of Chef on a casual biases, utilising your skills in an area that you are genuinely passionate about. This role will commence as soon as possible.

The Chef will be responsible for assisting Sous Chefs and our Head Chef with food preparation and cooking required across all outlets at Sydney Zoo, including functions and events.

This position is a casual role. Sydney Zoo is open 365 days per year, weekend and public holiday and evening/ night time work will be required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated organisational skills.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to take and apply instructions.
• Proven experience in a high volume multi-outlet operation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strong ability to prioritise completing tasks.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Workplace Health & Safety, Equal Employment Opportunities, HACCP principles, including compliance with Awards and other workplace legislation.
• Act and ensure kitchen staff act with appropriate caution in a high-risk area including working with knives and hot surfaces.
• Demonstrate ability to assist and give direction to all staff.
• Certificate III in commercial cookery or equivalent.
• Have minimum three years' experience as a qualified chef.
• Flexibility to work across a 7 day roster including public holidays, weekends and nights.

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

am are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo's values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile

We are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney 'home.' We love the individuality across our team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. Whether you are looking for your first job, wanting to jump back into the workforce, or simply need a stimulating change to shake up your career, we encourage you to take the next step and join in our vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. We know how important it is to recognise and thank our staff for making Sydney Zoo great and we do this by providing our team with free annual flu vaccinations, workplace massages, quarterly staff BBQs, training opportunities, and fulfilling fundraising events, just to name a few If you would like to become part of an amazing team that does all of this and so much more, then look no further… Sydney Zoo is for you

Applications

Please apply directly via the Sydney Zoo Website Careers Page 

Applicants will be required to provide a current resume and a covering letter outlining your ability to meet the above selection requirements. Applications close at 9am Thursday, 25th September 2025.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your triple vaccination status prior to commencement. Please contact us for general enquiries, including if you have any queries regarding our policy or to obtain a copy of the Sydney Zoo Vaccination policy.

You can contact us by email  or by phone to

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.