Employment Opportunities
Gowrie SA is a community-based organisation leading the development of innovative and responsive services for children and families. Founded on a rich history of children’s rights to quality education and care, our programs today are focused on a vision that holds the rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators at its heart.
We offer unique, relationship based programs which allow time for each child and their family to develop rich connections with their primary educators. Within our infant-toddler (0-3 years) and kindergarten (3-5 years) program, educators use these connections to enrich learning experiences that stimulate children’s curiosity, wonder and learning. Our spacious natural gardens support all children to explore their world freely and feel accepted and respected culturally, intellectually, emotionally and physically.
Gowrie SA focuses on community, social justice and the capacities of each child to inform their programs.
We are committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.
We also encourage culturally diverse applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.
We offer fully funded leadership and professional learning opportunities, both internally and externally, to support our educators in their ongoing learning, which assists professional growth and career development. We offer additional leave, above Award salaries, a professional career path and a supportive working environment. We have lovely modern facilities which are fit for purpose, and our programs are located in an area rich with trees and plants.
Gowrie SA is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity; with all employment decisions being based on an applicant’s ability to undertake their desired role. Considerations are made to ensure employees succeed in fulfilling their position requirements.
Testimonial – ‘I really enjoyed being part of a team that was so supportive and worked so well together. It felt like my opinions were valued and my needs were respected. I feel lucky to have been in such a cohesive and genuinely caring environment.’
Gowrie SA is committed to creating a child safe environment where all children feel valued and safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out DHS Working with Children Checks and reference checks (as we see fit), as well as careful examination of employment history, to ensure that we are recruiting the right people for our organisation. All employees are aware of Child Safe practices and alert leaders if they have any concerns.
Team Leader
Gowrie SA is seeking an experienced Diploma qualified Team Leader to fulfil a full-time position in the infant and toddler program at Thebarton.
The position commences June/July 2026.
- Are you passionate about pedagogy and curriculum in an integrated infant-toddler and/or kindergarten setting?
- Do you value the professional benefits of working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?
- Are you seeking a workplace that values you through above award salaries and conditions and supportive conditions?
- Are you seeking a workplace that invests in your professional learning and development and allows space for growth, innovation and creative thinking?
To be successful in this role, you must:
- have the relevant qualifications (minimum Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care)
- be able to demonstrate experience in educating in early childhood
- have experience in educational leadership
- be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the NQF and EYLF
- be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of contemporary early childhood practices and pedagogy
- have a systematic approach to improving practice and outcomes
- understand the importance of working collaboratively with the Director to maintain high quality programs
Your passion for reconciliation, sustainability, natural learning environments and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.
If this position sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, or if you want to be considered for future roles, send in your application to us.
For more information, please click here to view the job description.
To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to recruit@gowriesa.org.au. We strongly encourage you to use your cover letter to support your application for the role.
Children’s Services Employee - Part time
Are you passionate about pedagogy and curriculum in an integrated infant-toddler and/or kindergarten setting?
We currently have Children's Services Employee part-time opportunity for an exceptional Diploma qualified Educator, who has a strong focus on children’s learning and wellbeing to join our Children’s Program team at our Thebarton site.
The position will be contracted for a 12-month period initially, with a strong likelihood of an ongoing position for the right person.
To be successful in the role, you must have the relevant qualifications and a sound knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Regulations. Your knowledge or interest in primary caregiving and relationship-based practice, will be an advantage.
To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to recruit@gowriesa.org.au
Cook (Children's Support Worker) Part time
Gowrie SA is seeking a Cook (Children's Support Worker) to join our childcare team on a part-time basis at our Underdale location. This is a vital role that combines culinary expertise in Early childhood Education and Care, ensuring that children receive nutritious and engaging meals. As a Cook (Children's Support Worker), you will play an integral part in our centre's daily operations, contributing to the wellbeing and development of the children in our programs through food preparation.
What you'll be doing
- Preparing and cooking nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children in accordance with dietary requirements and centre policies
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and sanitation in the kitchen and food preparation areas
- Planning menus that are balanced, varied and considerate of allergies, cultural preferences and individual dietary needs
- Managing kitchen stock, ordering supplies and monitoring food inventory to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Collaborating with educators and management to understand children's individual needs and preferences
- Maintaining detailed records of meals prepared, and any incidents or observations related to children's nutrition and wellbeing
- Contributing to a positive, inclusive and supportive centre environment that reflects our commitment to quality childcare
What we're looking for
- Food Safety Supervisor Certification or equivalent food safety qualification
- Proven experience working in a commercial kitchen or Early Childcare Settings, with demonstrated knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and menu planning
- Strong understanding of nutrition principles and dietary requirements, particularly for young children
- Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with educators, families and other team members
- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently whilst maintaining attention to detail and food safety standards
- A genuine passion for supporting children's health, wellbeing and development through quality food provision
- Experience in a childcare or educational setting is highly valued
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (optional but beneficial)
- First aid certification or willingness to obtain it is desirable
This position will be contracted for a 12-month period initially, (with the possibility of extension).
To be successful for this role, you must have experience and be passionate about providing a nutritious and exciting menu that meets children’s dietary and allergy requirements. The successful person will have experience in preparing snacks and meals for large numbers of children (approximately 50 per day). You will demonstrate a strong ability to work independently and as part of the service community. Qualifications in cookery and food preparation are essential.
For more information, please click here to view the job description.
To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to recruit@gowriesa.org.au
Flying Start Pathways Program
The Government of South Australia is investing $9.7 million in the Flying Start Pathways Program, delivered in partnership with Gowrie SA to attract and retain early childhood educators and teachers through integrated career progression and wrap-around support services. This approach will help students – particularly from underrepresented backgrounds – to complete early childhood qualifications.
This new and innovative project aims to support career pathways into the early education and care sector through:
- Pre-certificate early education and care ‘taster’ courses
- A unique student support model
- Diploma Bridging Courses
- Placement Support workshops for services
- Placement planning and support for students
- Facilitating placement exchanges.
This project will be predominantly supporting:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- young people not engaged in education, employment, or training
- gender diverse (including men)
- mature aged
- long-term unemployed
- culturally and linguistically diverse
- people with disability
- those with additional needs (e.g. language, literacy and numeracy support)
- first in family tertiary students.
Key Connector (FT/PT available)
Minimum 18 hours per week up to 38 hours
The successful candidate will:
- assist promotion of these opportunities through our stakeholder networks and to prospective students
- work in a Key Connector model of wraparound student support and apply a relational approach to supporting a cohort of students throughout their study pathway by walking alongside them
- provide tailored support including but not limited to advocacy, coaching/mentoring, referral pathways to support organisations, assistance with enrolment, career guidance, wellbeing, and study network supports
- utilise project tools and templates when working with students
- collaborate with project partners to ensure all project deliverables are met
- facilitate components of the project, including attendance at courses
- support students, training providers and services before and during placements.
This project aims to support a diverse range of learners including those currently in the early childhood sector, and people with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
This position will be contracted until June 30, 2027, with the likelihood of a 1+1+1 year extension.
Position Description available here
To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to recruit@gowriesa.org.au. Please note, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please use your cover letter to support your application for the role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are encouraged to apply
