Cook (Ida Bar)

 Are You Ready to Energise Campus Life? Join UMSU as a Cook  

• Position: Cook (Ida Bar)
• Division: UMSU Office of the Chief Executive Officer
• Employment Status: Casual
• Casual Salary Level: Level 3 (UMSU Student Union Ltd Collective Agreement 2023-2025
• and Restaurant Award [MA000119].
• Location: Ida bar, University of Melbourne, Parkville
• [?] Start Date: February 2026

About The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU)

The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is a dynamic, for-purpose incorporated association, serving as the representative body for all students at the University of Melbourne. Structured around student control of student affairs, UMSU is governed by an elected Students’ Council and twelve student departments, chosen by and from the student body.

Located in the heart of the University of Melbourne’s award-winning student precinct, UMSU is a vibrant, creative, and diverse social justice organization committed to representing and supporting University of Melbourne students. Our vast arts and culture programs for emerging student artists are run in a state-of-the-art theatre, a professional art gallery, the iconic Rowden White Library and the Ida Bar – the only student bar on campus.

About the role

Under the supervision of the Head Chef, the Cook is responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen at UMSU’s Ida Bar. This role focuses on

• Preparing and presenting high-quality dishes
• Ensuring that all customers receive prompt and courteous service while adhering to safe food handling practices.
• Requires on-site work, including some after-hours shifts, and may involve manual handling of kitchen equipment.
• Assist in the daily management of kitchen operations, including coordinating with team members to ensure efficient service.
• Help maintain inventory and stock levels, reporting any shortages or necessary orders to the Head Chef.

How to Apply?

To find out more information about this position, please View the position description here.

All applications should include:

• A cover letter responding to the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages of text)
• A brief CV highlighting relevant experience, and
• The names and contact details of 3 professional referees.  

Applications for this position close at Midnight Sunday, 11 January 2026 and should be submitted via the Recruitment Form.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please contact us at recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au

Key Duties

• Provide and maintain a high quality of food offerings and service that meets customer expectations, actively seeking feedback to improve.
• Work confidently across multiple stations and produce dishes to a consistent standard.
• Foster a positive dining experience by interacting with customers and addressing any concerns promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with other staff members to enhance the overall service and support special events hosted at UMSU

Key Selection Criteria

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated skills and commitment to high-level customer service;
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to show initiative and flexibility;
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team member;
• Demonstrated knowledge of interpreting and applying guidelines, practices and procedures;
• General knowledge of and interest in contemporary culture of interest to students, particularly in the areas of popular culture;
• Ability to communicate sensitively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to meet the changing needs, trends and interests of all levels of patrons;
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to students and young people;
• Excellent computer skills incl. word processing;
• Ability to assist students in their use of the Internet and other electronic resources; and
• Previous Library experience would be desirable.

Additional information

Please note, all applicants will require to hold or obtain a valid Employee Working with Children Check and provide verification of unrestricted working rights in Australia.  

UMSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

UMSU acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land where we operate. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Applications may be assessed as they are received. UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process. Late applications will not be accepted.