Hospitality Services Operator
As a Hospitality Services Operator, you’ll be part of a hands-on team ensuring the smooth day-to-day hospitality, and retail services onboard Navy ships. You’ll specialise in front-of-house, dining room operations hospitality and facilities and hygiene maintenance, and be trained in speciality event management, retail services and service funds accounting and business logistics supporting the welfare of your crew. You’ll work in a team that provides quality hospitality services that excel at hosting official receptions.
Whether you have recently finished school, are currently studying, are already in the workforce, or have no experience, you’ll be paid from day one. You’ll gain all the skills needed with extensive on-the-job training.
What you'll do
You’ll excel at hosting and have a range of duties to provide exceptional hospitality service wherever needed. This might involve serving food and beverages at official events or functions, managing daily operations of a Navy Officer’s mess including sanitation and facility operations, handling retail point-of-sale, and progressing to service funds accounting and business logistics in a maritime environment.
As a sailor, you'll perform additional duties and learn more skills to become highly trained and efficient in supporting the whole ship. This may include ship security, firefighting, flood repair, line handling, first aid, flight deck duties, replenishment at sea, medical emergency team member, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties.
Your duties may include:
- hospitality services – food, beverage and barista
- providing quality hospitality services aboard Navy ships and establishments
- hospitality service to VIPs, official guests and dignitaries
- managing retail services, including service funds accounts, business and logistics processes
- managing retail services, including ships canteen, retail point-of-sale and financial operations
- front-of-house hospitality services
- dining room setup and table service including hospitality event support
- hospitality event logistics, planning, coordination and execution
- hospitality sanitation and facility management
- dining room and function venue setup. executive attendant support to commanding officers.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
There are also opportunities for progression with future job prospects including, working as a personal assistant to VIPs such as the Governor General and the Chief of Navy.
Following training, you could serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis.
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My favourite part of the job is delivering hospitality and interacting with guests and dignitaries at official events whilst the ship is deployed in overseas ports, showcasing the best of Australia.
My favourite part of the job is delivering hospitality and interacting with guests and dignitaries at official events whilst the ship is deployed in overseas ports, showcasing the best of Australia.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Initial Maritime Logistics - Support Operations Course
Duration: 19 weeks
Location: Chisolm TAFE, Frankston, Vic and ADF School of Catering, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You'll learn all the hospitality skills necessary to perform the tasks of a Hospitality Services Operator. Run by Chisolm TAFE, Vic and the ADF School of Catering this course focuses on developing the skills required by the Industry and ADF Competency standards including Maritime-specific training. You’ll sign up in a traineeship with Apprenticeships Victoria and be awarded a civilian qualification upon completion.
Topics include:
- working effectively in the hospitality service with others
- showing social and cultural sensitivity
- participating in safe work practices
- sourcing and using information on the hospitality industry
- using hygienic practices for food safety
- cleaning kitchen premises and equipment
- receiving and storing stock
- serving food and beverage to customers
- providing Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
- participating in safe food handling practices
- using food preparation equipment
- operating a bar
- processing financial transactions
- coaching others in job skills
- managing conflict
- customer service
- providing valet service
- preparing simple dishes
- wardroom and canteen waste control procedures
- Navy hospitality skills and knowledge
- providing housekeeping services
- basic service funds accounting, business and logistics theory
- basic service funds accounting, business and logistics systems.
On completion of the ADF Initial Support Operations Course, you’ll be awarded the Certificate III in Hospitality through Chisolm Institute.
Course: Ship’s Medical Emergency Team Training
Duration: 10 days
Location: HMAS Penguin, Sydney
Gain the necessary skills to competently assist ship's medical staff in providing emergency medical care. Conducted during the 19 week Initial Maritime Logistics - Support Operations Course.
This course includes:
- conducting complete casualty assessment and determine injuries and treatment priorities
- ventilating a patient using pocket mask, air-viva oxy-viva
- performing first aid treatment for a trauma victim
- performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- performing first aid for casualty's envenomated by venomous creatures
- describing, in writing, the first aid treatment for a patient suffering - hypothermia and hyperthermia
- managing a casualty with chemical, radiation or atmospheric contaminated related injuries
- preparing battle dressing station / emergency operating station to receive casualties
- preparing medications for administration as directed by medical staff
- preparing an intravenous therapy line for infusion and maintain drip flow rate
- participating in a mass casualty incident.
Within the training framework, you’ll need to comply with the Competency Based Training Assessment that certifies personnel progression through maintenance of a Capability Evidence Journal. If you successfully complete and are competitive for promotion, you may be selected to return to the ADF School of Catering for further training.
The Supervisors course (as a guide, this can be achieved approximately 4 years after category training) is provided for Able Seaman promoting to Leading Seaman. The training focuses on developing the following skills:
- supervisory accounting, business and logistics practices (Intermediate)
- hospitality and catering hygiene practices and standards
- ADF hospitality and event management
- supervision of people.
Completion of Supervisors Course and Leading Seaman Promotion Course will satisfy eligibility for promotion to Leading Seamen Maritime Logistics - Support Operations.
Advanced training through the Managers Course is provided for Leading Seaman promoting to Petty Officer (as a guide, this can be achieved approximately 8 years after category training). The training focuses on developing the following skills:
- accounting small business and logistics (Advanced)
- developing and implementing operational plans
- small business and logistics management training (Retail and Navy messes)
- managing human resources
- contracting management
- providing quality client service.
Successful completion of Managers Course and Petty Officers Promotion Course will satisfy eligibility for promotion to Petty Officer Maritime Logistics - Support Operations.
Completion of the Chief Petty Officer Promotion Course will satisfy eligibility for promotion to Chief Petty Officer Maritime Logistics - Support Operations (as a guide, promotion to Chief Petty Officer can be achieved approximately 12 years after category training).
Completion of the Warrant Officers Promotion Course will satisfy eligibility for promotion to Warrant Officer (as a guide, promotion to Warrant Officer can be achieved approximately 17 years after category training). Further training may be required though specified posting requirements.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
A Certificate in Adult General Education (CAGE) is an acceptable education substitute for the Year 10 Certificate for Mathematics and English.
You will require a current Certificate III in Hospitality and relevant post qualification industry work experience. An assessment of individual qualifications and experience will be made by the Employment Category Manager in consultation with the ADF School of Catering, prior to enlistment.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Qualified Entry Hospitality Support Operator
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: ADF School of Catering, HMAS Cerberus VIC
If endorsed for qualified entry, the training requirement will be reduced to approximately six weeks, covering only the Navy‑specific components of the Initial Maritime Logistics – Support Operations Course and the Ship’s Medical Emergency Team training.
Course: Ships Medical Emergency Team Course
Duration: 10 days
Location: HMAS Stirling or HMAS Penguin
Gain the necessary skills to competently assist Ship's Medical Staff in providing emergency medical care.