Chef

• Full Time
• Application Closes 15 Mar 2026
• Canterbury - Christchurch City
• Chef and Head Cook

Mo tatou | About us - What we do

Our role at Antarctica New Zealand is to support world-leading science and environmental protection in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Scott Base is the hub of New Zealand's activities in Antarctica and each year, we employ seasonal staff to manage base activity and support science in the field.

Mō te mahi | About the role - What you’ll be doing

It takes a passionate, diverse, and highly skilled team to run Scott Base. You will join a diverse and motivated team in the world’s most dynamic workplace.

Our chefs are responsible for operating the Scott Base kitchen and ensuring the planning, preparation, and presentation of all meals meet the needs of the Scott Base community. 

 There are two roles available, one (summer) role from August 2026 to February 2027 and one thirteen-month (winter) role from August 2026 to October 2027 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Planning, preparation and delivery of high quality, nutritious and varied meals for a variety of dietary requirements
• Reducing food waste through careful planning and execution of meal preparation
• Ensuring all tasks associated with food production are performed with due regard for all Health and Safety and Food Safety regulations
• Stock taking, ordering, report writing and general kitchen administrative duties
• Serving on the Scott Base Fire Crew

This is a 6 month (summer) role from approximately August 2026 to February 2027.

Mōu | About you - What you’ll bring

We operate in one of the most remote locations in the globe, so our team needs to work well together, focus on safety and integrate successfully into the small community lifestyle. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the team’s wellbeing in one of the remotest parts of the globe. We’re looking for a highly motivated person to join our close-knit, passionate and supportive team.

Skills and Experience Include:

• Relevant cookery trade qualification or equivalent
• At least five years' broad post-qualification experience
• Previous experience cooking high quality and variety of buffet style meals
• Creativity to produce healthy, nutritious and varied meal options with limited ingredients 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with the team
• Deep understanding of food safety regulations and industry best practices and completion of a Food Safety course within the past three years.
• Current full NZ Class 1 driver’s licence and ability to drive a manual vehicle

Tono mai ināianei | Apply now:

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of an organisation with a real and tangible purpose - for further details and to view a role description click apply. 

Applications close 12pm, 15 March 2026

For any questions, please contact people@antarcticanz.govt.nz

One of Antarctica New Zealand's core values is 'we care for each other and the environment’. We actively encourage applications from all cultures, beliefs and backgrounds and are committed to ensuring our culture is welcoming, accessible, equitable and safe for all. The successful candidate will undergo pre-employment checks including medical assessment.  All applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.