Kitchen Hand

Kitchen Hand – Immediate Start Available

About the Role

The Kitchen Hand supports safe, efficient and high-quality kitchen operations across ActivateUTS hospitality venues (Aerial Function Centre, Terrace Cafe, The Loft & The Underground Bars). This role is responsible for maintaining clean, hygienic and organised back-of-house areas, assisting with basic food preparation, and supporting kitchen and front-of-house teams before, during and after service. Team members may be rostered across venues according to operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Venue Support

• Wash, dry and store dishes, utensils, pots, pans and kitchen equipment appropriately.
• Operate commercial dishwashing and cleaning equipment safely and in accordance with instructions.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of work surfaces, floors, bins, storage areas and kitchen equipment.
• Assist with kitchen setup and pack-down before and after service.
• Receive, move and store deliveries, including stock rotation, date labelling and storage checks.
• Dispose of waste and recycling in line with hygiene, environmental and venue requirements.

Basic Food Preparation

• Assist chefs with basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, portioning and assembling food items.
• Prepare ingredients and supplies for service as directed.
• Assist with simple reheating, toasting, food assembly and other service-related food tasks within training and competency requirements.
• Handle food safely and hygienically and help prevent cross-contamination.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Follow food safety, hygiene and cleaning procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain high personal hygiene standards appropriate to a food-handling environment.
• Use personal protective equipment, cleaning chemicals, kitchen tools and equipment safely.
• Follow cleaning schedules and promptly address spills and hygiene risks.

Team & Service Support

• Work collaboratively with chefs, kitchen staff, bar teams and front-of-house staff.
• Respond to changing service priorities and follow reasonable directions from venue leaders.
• Attend team briefings and training as required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and accountable workplace culture.

Work Health & Safety

• Follow WHS policies, procedures and safe work practices, including safe manual handling.
• Report hazards, incidents, injuries, equipment faults and maintenance concerns promptly.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects the health and safety of employees, customers and others in the workplace.

About You

You are a reliable and team-focused individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced hospitality environment. You take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, communicate effectively with others, and can adapt to changing priorities during busy service periods. You are committed to workplace safety, food handling standards and contributing to an inclusive and respectful team culture.

Essential Criteria

• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• High standard of cleanliness, hygiene and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of safe food handling, cleaning and hygiene practices.
• Good communication, reliability, punctuality and time management skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and remain effective during busy service periods.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and safely perform manual tasks associated with the role.
• Flexible availability to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to an inclusive, respectful and safe workplace.
• Completion of mandatory food handling and allergen awareness training before commencing work.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, café, bar, function centre or other hospitality environment.
• Understanding of WHS procedures in a kitchen environment.

Our Values

At ActivateUTS, our values shape how we work and support our people:

• Passion – Our heart is in everything we do. We bring energy and enthusiasm to every project, driving a positive culture and creating memorable experiences.
• Growth – Our potential knows no bounds. We continuously seek innovative ways to improve and enhance our services, meeting our community’s evolving needs.
• Collaboration – Our strength lies in unity. We collaborate internally and work closely with students, UTS, clients, and partners to create unified and engaging outcomes.
• Trust – Our word is our bond. We build strong relationships through honest, transparent, and ethical practices.
• Inclusion – Everyone has a seat at our table. We celebrate diverse backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives, fostering a welcoming community where everyone feels valued.

Why Join Us

Be part of a dynamic, inclusive organisation at the heart of UTS, supporting student growth and campus life. At ActivateUTS, we offer:

• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to work across multiple hospitality venues and events
• Flexible casual shifts that fit around study and other commitments
• Free gym membership and daily meal allowance
• A fun, inclusive team culture

Life at ActivateUTS

• 190 student clubs and societies (22,000+ memberships)
• Major campus events including O’Day and O’Fest
• Sports programs supporting 350+ student-athletes
• Food and beverage venues, a commercial function centre, and ActivateFit – the on-campus gym

Learn more at activateuts.com.au

Follow us: @activateuts | @activatefit.gym | @theloftuts | @undergrounduts | @aerialutsfunctioncentre | @theutsstore

We are looking to fill this role quickly. Apply now — shortlisting is underway and interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.