Chef

Field Studies Council; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organisation in the Lake District is seeking a Seasonal Chef to support their catering operations. You'll oversee kitchen management, assist in supervising a small team, and provide delicious meals to visitors, all while enjoying a stunning natural environment. The role offers a competitive salary of circa £27,350 per annum, structured hours for work-life balance, and generous benefits including health support and additional leave days.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pro rata of 28 days holiday

Health and Wellbeing Support

Counselling Helpline

Cycle to work schemes

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Previous catering experience.
• Willingness to complete Food Hygiene Certificate before starting.
• Flexibility and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Chef in catering operations.
• Manage kitchen and supervise catering team.
• Prepare meals using simple set menus.

Skills

Catering experience

Ability to work independently

Work ethic

Enthusiasm for sustainability

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Love cooking but want to avoid the pressure of a busy restaurant?

Help us deliver memorable meals to our visitors, while supporting our mission to inspire people to care for the environment.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Permanent seasonal role: average 37.5 hours/week, February–November
• Full-time equivalent salary: circa £27,350 per annum
• Predictable hours and structured shifts for a healthy work–life balance
• No late-night shifts – finish time is normally by 8pm!
• Excellent benefits including life assurance (5x salary), health and wellbeing support app, pro rata of 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and loyalty days.
• Flexibility over the winter months to travel or enjoy other interests

What you’ll be doing

As our Seasonal Chef, you’ll support our Lead Chef and play a key role in delivering our catering operations. This will include:

• Cooking, kitchen management, and deputising for the Head Chef
• Assisting with supervising and supporting the small catering team during daily service
• We operate fixed mealtimes with one or two sittings, using simple set menus with two or three food choices.

Your weekly hours will vary across the season, with more during busy periods and fewer in quieter weeks.

Please view the vacancy pack for further details on the full responsibilities of this role.

Where you’ll be based

Blencathra sits in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by fells, forests, and sparkling lakes. Picture starting your day with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and endless opportunities for adventure — from hillwalking and mountain biking to wildlife spotting and watersports.

Working at Blencathra isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to bring your culinary skills to life while immersing yourself in one of England’s most beautiful national parks. You’ll be part of a close-knit team, delivering delicious, sustainable meals to visitors from near and far.

We’ve been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award, recognising our commitment to serving healthy, nutritious, and sustainable meals. Join us in creating dishes that delight visitors and reflect our commitment to a greener future!

Who we’re looking for

• Previous catering experience
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete before starting)
• Pride in your work, flexibility, and strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for sustainability and the mission of Field Studies Council

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Competitive salary
• Pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Health and Wellbeing Support App
• 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities
• Flexible working options where roles permitQuality learning and development opportunities

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 11.59pm on 4 January 2025

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the close date and interviews will be arranged accordingly

If youdon’tmeet every requirement listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply and tell us about the unique skills and experiences you can bring to the role. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, includingappropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks