Centre Cook – Educare Lincoln Village

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic Centre Cook who is passionate about providing nutritious meals for the hungry bellies at our Early Learning Centre located at Educare Lincoln Village. This is a permanent part time job with set hours.

We believe that happy bellies create happy tamariki!

Hours & Pay: Part-time: 27.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 2.30 pm (set hours, not negotiable) Pay rate is determined by experience and qualifications - Hourly rate range between $25-$29.

This role could suit someone with rest home, ECE, school, or community cooking experience - someone who’s confident cooking for groups and understands dietary needs, even if they don’t consider themselves a professional chef.

About You – He kōrero mōu You’re a multi-tasker with great time-management skills and a friendly, can-do attitude.

Preparing morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea each day for tamariki doesn’t faze you. You're happy to have baking on the go while prepping lunch, and you keep your kitchen tidy and organised even during the busy moments.

As our Cook/Nutritionist, you’ll be a valued member of our team, helping ensure a well-run kitchen and quality food service that meets tamariki’s nutritional needs — tasty, child-friendly, and cooked with care.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• Excellent communication skills
• Pride in preparing consistent and delicious meals
• An understanding of — or willingness to learn — ECE food guidelines
• Familiarity with food hygiene and safety standards
• Previous kitchen experience (rest home, ECE, school or similar preferred)
• Food Safety certification is an advantage but not essential

You’ll also need to be able to:

• Follow strict hygiene practices
• Manage menus for children with allergies, intolerances, or cultural dietary needs
• Complete kitchen-related paperwork to a high standard
• Collaborate well with the teaching team

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

You’ll create and serve nutritious meals in a timely, hygienic, and appealing way — to some of the most honest (and adorable) critics around!

Your responsibilities include:

• Preparing and serving kai (morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea)
• Managing kitchen supplies and purchasing groceries within budget
• Catering for special dietary needs (allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences)
• Keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and compliant with our policies
• Cleaning eating areas after meals and maintaining a safe food environment

Join Us – Tūhono mai

If you’ve come this far and think this sounds like the right role for you, click Apply Now.

Please apply via TradeMe with your CV, cover letter, and any qualifications.

Educare completes Worker Safety Checks on all its employees, including a Police Check. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Overseas applicants will not be considered, and visa sponsorship is not available.