Upton Country Park Food and Beverage Assistant - SEASONAL CASUAL in Poole

The pay for this role will be £13.45 per hour plus holiday pay per hour worked. We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team.

A fantastic opportunity has become available for Seasonal Casual Food & Beverage Assistants to support the delivery of catering services within an award‑winning country park in Poole. With a passion for 5‑star service and customer experience, this is a great opportunity to develop within a well‑established business, working flexible hours to ensure the smooth‑running of our Tea Rooms, ice cream kiosk and events.

Role Purpose

To provide a warm, friendly and efficient food and beverage service to our visitors, ensuring excellent service standards are delivered and maintained at all times in line with our customer expectations. Although this is a casual role you will be required to work regular weekends to support the busy 7 day Tea Rooms and events operation.

Main Responsibilities

• To maintain point of sale operations, take payments, process orders and provide a welcoming customer‑focused service in accordance with our visitor expectations.
• To maintain the efficient and consistent preparation, presentation and serving of high‑quality food and drink in accordance with Food Safety and implementing latest Allergen standards.
• Wash, dry and restock crockery, cutlery and other equipment as necessary to support and maintain front and back of house activities.
• Provide efficient table service to include delivery of products and cleaning of tables in accordance with the Food Safety Standards and visitor expectations.
• Solve standard day to day problems as they arise and refer more complex queries to the Catering Supervisor in a timely manner to support a prompt effective service.
• Maintain high levels of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and service area to include catering equipment, work surfaces, floors and walls including the removal and disposal of waste in accordance to the daily cleaning schedules.
• To provide a high quality bar service at Upton House events and weddings as necessary, including bar equipment checks and restocking, particularly throughout busier summer seasons (18+ only - full training will be given).
• To assist with the Upton House event bookings by setting up catering requirements and supporting the Supervisors in planning ahead in accordance with the bookings calendar.
• Maintain a high level of presentation on all products, adhering to use by dates and minimising waste by ensuring stock rotation.
• Maintain a clean environment, including the removal and disposal of waste, to ensure compliance with all Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.
• To work towards the Council’s and Site’s vision, objectives and values.
• To undertake such other duties as listed in the full job description attached and as may be required from time to time commensurate with the level of the post.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience of working in a high‑volume, fast paced catering environment.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience of communicating with members of the public.
• 3 GCSE certification qualifications or equivalent in English and Maths.
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering is desirable though not essential.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and sustain relationships with colleagues, visitors, and volunteers.
• Willing to problem‑solve and show proactivity with a flexible ‘can do’ approach, and a readiness to work individually or in a team.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, forward plan and prioritise tasks.
• Well organised and efficient with attention to detail.
• Available to work regular weekends and occasional evenings, including Bank Holidays, as part of a 7‑day duty rota.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. We can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunity

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly.