Catering Assistant

THE WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST; Comber; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A nature conservation charity is seeking a Catering Assistant to join their Trading team at Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Comber. This hands-on role focuses on creating an exceptional visitor experience through excellent customer service, food preparation, and maintaining a welcoming environment. Previous catering experience is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided. The role is casual with hours offered on an ad-hoc basis, and candidates must be available for weekend and holiday work.

Qualifications

• Passion for great customer service.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve customers including making hot drinks and clearing tables.
• Keep the catering area clean and assist in food preparation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Food preparation

Job description

About The RoleWe are excited to announce an opportunity to join our Trading team.We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who thrives in a team environment, embraces change, and is eager to learn within our catering operation at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.This is a hands‑on role with the opportunity to help shape an unforgettable visitor experience at our centre. This role involves working within our catering team and may offer the opportunity to work within our retail and admissions team. Our Catering Assistant position offers a great opportunity to work not only in a setting of exceptional natural beauty but within a predominantly daytime operation. Castle Espie is just a short drive from Comber and easily commutable from Newtownards, Belfast and Bangor. As a member of our Trading Team, you’ll not only have the chance to make an impact on the visitor experience, you will also support our wildlife conservation efforts, as the profits we generate are reinvested back into our charity. This is a casual position where hours are offered on an ad hoc basis. Candidates will need to be willing to work some weekends, bank holidays and during the school holidays. Typically you will be working daytime hours, although, you may be required to work the occasional evening for a special event or function. When visiting our website, you will notice the position is referred to as Trading Assistant. This is how the role is known internally at WWT.About YouThe role requires a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will have a passion for great customer service. As Catering Assistant, you will support the catering offer at Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Working closely with the Trading Manager, Supervisors and wider Trading and Catering team you will:Shape the visitor experience by generating a warm and welcoming environment which is inspirational, vibrant and represents the WWT brand.Service customer needs including making hot drinks, clearing tables, keeping our catering area clean and food preparation. Previous catering experience is preferred but not essential. Successful candidates with no catering background will be given full training to complete their duties to the highest standard.Fully adhere to and comply with all standards, in particular Industry Food Hygiene standards. We will be actively reviewing applications and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The advert may close early if a successful candidate is found.

Responsibilities

• To serve customers including making hot drinks, clearing tables, keeping our catering area clean and food preparation.

Skills and Qualifications

• Previous catering experience is preferred but not essential.
• Successful candidates with no catering background will be given full training to complete their duties to the highest standard.

Location: Comber, Salary: £12.25 per hour, Contract: Temporary, Hours: Weekly hours 0, Worktime: This is a casual position, therefore, hours are offered and worked on an ad‑hoc basis. Closing date: 05/02/2026.