Mining camps run on food, energy, and routine. Thousands of workers start and end their shifts in the same place, the camp dining hall. Behind every hot breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner service is a team of kitchenhands and catering staff who keep the meals flowing and the morale high.
If you are looking for a stable, well-paid entry into the FIFO world, a kitchenhand or catering assistant role is one of the best ways to begin. You do not need prior mining experience, but you do need energy, teamwork, and the ability to work fast in a busy kitchen.
This guide explains what FIFO kitchenhand and catering jobs are like in 2025, what skills and training are required, who hires, how much you can earn, and what career paths open once you get started.
1. What a FIFO Kitchenhand or Catering Assistant Actually Does
Kitchenhands and catering assistants work in large, industrial-style kitchens serving hundreds or even thousands of meals a day. The food operation never stops! Breakfast at 4am, lunch packs for day shifts, and hot dinners late at night.
Typical Duties
- Preparing food ingredients, salads, and side dishes
- Assisting chefs with cooking and plating meals
- Serving food during meal times and refilling buffet lines
- Cleaning benches, floors, and equipment
- Operating commercial dishwashers
- Stocking fridges and storerooms
- Packing takeaway lunches and snack boxes
- Following food safety, hygiene, and WHS procedures
- Reporting damaged equipment or food hazards
It is fast-paced work that requires coordination, cleanliness, and stamina. Every shift is run to the minute, and teamwork keeps it all running smoothly.
2. Where FIFO Kitchenhand Jobs Are Based
Catering teams are found on nearly every remote resource site, from massive mining operations to small construction projects.
Western Australia
- Pilbara: Karratha, Port Hedland, and Newman are major hubs where Compass Group (ESS) and Sodexo manage catering for BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue.
- Goldfields: Kalgoorlie, Laverton, and Leinster have long-running mining camps with consistent catering roles.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Towns like Moranbah, Dysart, and Emerald are major bases for camp kitchen jobs.
- Surat Basin: Gas projects around Roma and Chinchilla hire large catering teams.
South Australia and the Northern Territory
- Olympic Dam (Roxby Downs), Prominent Hill, and Darwin’s gas operations often recruit FIFO kitchen staff.
Main Employers:
- Sodexo
- Compass Group (ESS)
- Morris Corporation
- Cater Care
- ISS Facility Services
- Spotless / Downer
These companies provide catering contracts for major miners and government infrastructure projects.
3. Required Qualifications and Skills
You do not need a chef qualification to start as a FIFO kitchenhand, but employers expect you to meet basic training and safety requirements.
Mandatory Requirements
- White Card (CPCWHS1001): Required for working near construction or maintenance areas.
- Standard 11 Mining Induction: Needed for most Queensland sites.
- Manual Handling Certificate: Essential for lifting trays, boxes, and heavy kitchen gear.
- Food Safety Certificate (Level 1 or 2): Required for handling or serving food.
- National Police Clearance: Must be less than 12 months old.
- Pre-Employment Medical: Includes hearing, vision, strength, and drug and alcohol testing.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in hospitality or commercial kitchens
- Teamwork and time management
- Awareness of safe food handling
- Basic literacy and numeracy (for stock and safety forms)
- Positive attitude and strong communication
Many employers train new recruits onsite, so a good work ethic and willingness to learn matter more than formal experience.
4. Pay and Roster Information
Average Pay in 2025:
- Entry-level kitchenhands: $33–$40 per hour
- Experienced catering assistants: $38–$45 per hour
- Supervisors and head catering attendants: $45–$55 per hour
With overtime and allowances, annual income often ranges between $85,000 and $105,000.
Common Rosters:
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off)
- 8:6 and 14:7 schedules for larger operations
- Shifts typically 10–12 hours with one meal break and short rest periods
5. A Typical Day in the Kitchen
A FIFO kitchenhand’s day starts early, often before sunrise. Breakfast service begins around 4:30am, and every task is timed.
Morning Tasks
- Preparing breakfast items like eggs, bacon, fruit, and cereals
- Cleaning dining areas and washing equipment
- Setting up takeaway lunches for day-shift workers
Afternoon Tasks
- Assisting with dinner prep and serving food to night-shift crews
- Restocking, cleaning, and sanitising kitchen areas
- Recording fridge temperatures and checking storage safety
Evening
- Packing down, completing cleaning checklists, and waste disposal
- Briefing with the head chef for the next day’s menu and schedule
Camp kitchens are industrial scale, feeding hundreds daily, so teamwork and communication are everything.
6. How to Apply for FIFO Kitchenhand and Catering Jobs
Step 1: Get Your Tickets
- White Card
- Food Safety Certificate
- Manual Handling
- Standard 11 (for QLD)
These can be completed through short online courses or at registered training organisations (RTOs).
Step 2: Create a Professional Resume
Highlight:
- Hospitality or cleaning experience
- Knowledge of food hygiene and teamwork
- Strong attention to safety and detail
Step 3: Apply with Major Contractors
Register with:
- Sodexo Careers
- Compass Group / ESS Careers
- Morris Corporation Jobs
- Cater Care Careers
- ISS Facility Services Jobs
Applications are handled online and often include a brief phone interview before medical screening.
Step 4: Prepare for Mobilisation
Once approved, you will complete an induction and fly directly to site. The company covers flights, meals, uniforms, and accommodation.
7. Career Progression and Long-Term Opportunities
A kitchenhand role is an excellent starting point for hospitality professionals wanting to grow within FIFO.
Career Progression Examples
- Kitchenhand → Cook → Qualified Chef → Head Chef
- Kitchenhand → Catering Assistant → Camp Supervisor → Site Services Manager
- Kitchenhand → Safety Representative → WHS Coordinator
Adding certificates such as First Aid, Fire Safety, Working at Heights, and G2 Risk Management expands your options and makes you a candidate for leadership or safety roles.
Many chefs, catering managers, and site supervisors began as kitchenhands and advanced through consistency and training.
8. The Lifestyle: Challenges and Benefits
Advantages
- Reliable income with accommodation and meals provided
- Opportunity to save money and travel during time off
- Clear career pathways and strong job security
- Valuable teamwork experience in high-pressure environments
Challenges
- Early mornings and long shifts
- Heat, noise, and fast-paced work
- Extended time away from home
- Strict hygiene and safety standards
You will need resilience, discipline, and a willingness to adapt to site life. In return, you gain stable employment and transferable skills.
9. Tips for Success on Site
- Always arrive early and ready to work
- Keep your uniform clean and follow food hygiene rules
- Learn from chefs and senior catering staff
- Stay organised during meal rushes
- Communicate clearly with your team
- Treat cleaning and food safety as priorities
- Maintain a positive attitude during long swings
10. Ready to Start? Here’s What to Do Next
- Complete your White Card and Food Safety Level 1 or 2 training.
- Obtain your Standard 11 if applying for Queensland sites.
- Prepare your resume and police clearance.
- Apply directly through Sodexo, Compass Group, or Morris Corp.
- Be prepared for a site medical and induction before your first flight.
Conclusion: The Gateway to a FIFO Career
Working as a FIFO kitchenhand or catering assistant is more than just serving meals. It is about supporting a team that keeps Australia’s biggest projects running. The work is demanding but rewarding, and the experience you gain can lead to higher-paying hospitality, logistics, or safety roles within months.
If you are reliable, motivated, and take pride in your work, you will not stay entry-level for long. The FIFO industry rewards effort, and the kitchen is one of the best places to start proving yourself.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Cleaner Jobs in Australia (2025 Guide)
- FIFO Utility Worker Jobs (The All-Rounder Role Explained)
- White Card Training for FIFO Workers
- Standard 11 Mining Induction Guide (2025)
