Seasonal Catering Assistant

Wild Planet Trust; Paignton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to conservation and education as a Catering Assistant. This role offers a chance to engage with visitors while ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and service in a vibrant zoo environment. As part of a passionate team, you'll contribute to an unforgettable experience for guests, all while enjoying benefits like paid holidays, free zoo entry for staff and family, and ongoing training opportunities. If you're friendly, detail-oriented, and eager to make a difference in a unique setting, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

33 days paid holiday pro-rata

Branded uniform provided

Internal and external training

Free entry to zoos for staff and family

Discounts in Catering and Retail

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar catering environment preferred.
• Understanding of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Food production, serving, and cleaning duties.
• Ensuring a smooth and efficient service for guests.

Skills

Food Hygiene Regulations

Health and Safety Regulations

Customer Service

Attention to Detail

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Job description

Location Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU Salary National Minimum Wage Application Deadline Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Job Summary

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for Catering Assistants to join our Catering team for our 2025 season on a part time basis. Hours range from a minimum of 6 hours to 12per week. The hours will be over a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is national minimum wage.

What will this role involve?

There are a range of roles available where duties can include food production, serving food and drink, using the till, washing up, cleaning and clearing kitchen areas, helping to unload deliveries, cleaning tables, sweeping and mopping the floor and the daily running of the catering outlets around the site to ensure a smooth and efficient service. You’ll play a key role in the overall experience of our guests. You’ll be the face of the Wild Planet Trust for every guest that walks through our door and meets you as they explore the zoo. If you are a friendly, outgoing person who enjoys meeting people and working in an amazing environment this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What skills and experience are required?

Experience of working in a similar environment and a Level 2 Food Hygiene preferred but not essential as full training will be given. We are looking for team members who take pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, have an understanding of Food Hygiene Regulations, Health and Safety Regulations and Licensing laws and an understanding of identifying allergens present in products and how to deal with customer enquiries related to allergens. Our ideal team members will have a positive attitude, strong work-ethic and are passionate about delivering the highest standard of visitor experience. Candidates should have a great eye for detail and an understanding of what amazing visitor experience looks like.

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided

• Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family

• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

• Free staff parking

• Employee Assistance Programme

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for these roles. The roles may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

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