Job Description

Nurture curiosity, spark a lifelong love of learning, and help shape the earliest years at a vibrant University campus.

· Above-award salary + 12% superannuation

· 2 full-time, continuing positions

· Gumnut Cottage Child Care Centre, U@MQ Ltd — Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Do you believe that the early years are a unique and valuable time in a child's life? At Gumnut Cottage Child Care Centre, one of Campus Life's early learning centres on Macquarie University's campus, you will play a meaningful part in delivering high-quality, play-based early education within a welcoming community. This is an opportunity to grow your career in an environment where your development is prioritised and your contribution is genuinely valued.

About the Role

We are looking for 2 full-time Certificate III qualified Educators to join the team at Gumnut Cottage Child Care Centre. Reporting to the Room Leader, you will be an advocate for children, champion quality early education, and value the relationships that make learning thrive. In return, you will enjoy an above-award salary, generous benefits, and a workplace built around care, respect, and shared purpose.

As a Certificate III Educator, you will help create an inclusive, engaging educational program that puts the wellbeing and growth of every child first. Working alongside a large and diverse team, your day-to-day contributions will include:

• Contributing to the educational program, including maintaining developmental records.
• Interacting positively and respectfully with children and families.
• Working effectively and collaboratively within a large, diverse team.
• Maintaining a current understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards.
• Contributing to all diversity, equity, and inclusion activities.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.
• Following approved policies and procedures to help keep children safe (child protection, supervision, health and wellbeing).

You will also enjoy a range of benefits designed to help you thrive, including:

• Education and professional development opportunities
• Paid lunch breaks with no requirement to remain on premises
• Paid staff meetings and generous release time
• Free access to the Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Additional paid concessional days
• Access to our staff wellbeing program, staff support services, and employee flu shot program
• Discounted corporate health insurance
• Rewards app to earn points on purchases at selected Campus Life outlets
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays

About Us

U@MQ Ltd is a not-for-profit controlled entity of Macquarie University, known as Campus Life. Located at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, Campus Life operates four early learning centers providing high-quality education to children from six weeks of age, along with a vacation care program for primary school–aged children.

Our play-based educational and school holiday programs are built around encouraging a love of learning through curiosity, creativity, and innovation; building relationships with others, oneself, and the environment; fostering each child's dispositions for learning; prioritising children's wellbeing; and celebrating childhood as a unique and valuable time. At Gumnut Cottage, relationships are central to everything we do, and belonging is inclusive for all. You can read more in our Gumnut Cottage Philosophy.

We have access to university spaces and facilities to support and enhance our programs and collaborate regularly with the University’s community, including the Macquarie School of Education.

We are committed to the safety of children and our people. We embrace diversity, welcome our people just as they are, and prioritise professional development. At Campus Life, you will benefit from being part of a dynamic, committed and supportive team.

About You

You are an enthusiastic early childhood educator who believes in the value of quality early education and the relationships that underpin it. You bring a genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing, an inclusive and collaborative approach, and a desire to continue developing professionally. You will share our organisational values of Courage, Agility, Rigour, Empowerment and Support (CARES) and demonstrate these through your actions and interactions.

Selection Criteria

• ACECQA-approved Certificate III in early childhood education
• Demonstrated experience working with children aged 0–5 years in a regulated early learning setting,
• Experience contributing to inclusive educational programs that support children’s learning, development and wellbeing,
• Sound understanding of the National Quality Framework, including the EYLF, National Law, Regulations, and child protection legislation, including responsibilities as a Mandatory Reporter,
• Ability to build positive, respectful and ethical relationships with children, families, colleagues and the broader community,
• Ability to actively supervise children and contribute to a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment, and
• Strong communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to contribute positively within a large and diverse team.

Qualifications & Specific Requirements (The following must be current or completed before commencement)

• First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualification
• Working with Children Check
• Geccko child safety training qualification
• Food Handling training
• Current Child Protection training, including a recognised course code for CHCPRT025 – Identify and Report Children and Young People at Risk

*** You must be legally entitled to work in Australia.

How to Apply

If being part of an inclusive, vibrant, team orientated organisation is something you are passionate about, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered, please apply online. You do not need to submit a cover letter, but please be prepared to respond to questions at interview related to the Selection Criteria listed above.

For general enquiries or a copy of the Position Description, please contact Tara Kelly, Gumnut Cottage, on 9850 7740, or TARA.KELLY@mq.edu.au.

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments throughout this recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide the support you need.

Applications Close: Sunday 27 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

Child Safe Commitment Statement

Campus Life is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of all children and young people engaging in our programs, and to protecting them from foreseeable harm. We treat all allegations and complaints about the safety and wellbeing of children seriously, and we ensure that our staff, volunteers, and contractors understand their legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Every Campus Life employee has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, both individually and collectively, to keep the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people at the forefront of everything they do.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

27/09/2026 11:59 PM

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A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.