At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for on-duty fire crews every weekend.
- Company: Join the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service team with a commitment to community safety.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing essential meals in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial cooking and a basic food hygiene certificate are essential.
The predicted salary is between 7024 - 7365 £ per year.
Salary: GBP7,024 per annum rising to GBP7,365 per annum (plus weekend allowance)
Basis: Part time
Package: 10 hours per week, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Holiday allowance of 25 days (pro rata) plus public holidays on joining.
Contractual Hours: 10
Region: South
Job Category: Support
Job Description: Saturday and Sunday 0900 to 1400 - 10 hours per week
We are looking for an experienced and passionate cook to join our busy station, providing catering facilities to on-duty fire crews. You will have some experience working as a cook in a commercial or industrial catering environment. You will be responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking a variety of menus to a high standard. A catering qualification or equivalent experience is essential for this role. A thorough understanding of food safety is crucial, and you must hold a basic food hygiene certificate.
In addition to food preparation, you will also be required to carry out cleaning routines in line with the Safer Food Better Business scheme to maintain a hygienic environment. You will also be required to provide relief cover during periods of annual leave, public holiday leave, sickness, or other absences for the Station Cook (Weekday). Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided and must be worn. You will be required to shop for and purchase food daily and must hold a current full driving licence with no pending issues.
For more details on the essential criteria required for the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Next steps: If this role is of interest, please visit our website for further information and to make a formal application. We ask that you include your full career history and reference your skills and experience, in line with the job description and person specification, within your application and supporting statement.
Closing date: Sunday 2 August 2026
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are spent under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Services recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we encourage applications from those who have served, are serving, or are part of a military family. Your skills and experience are valued here.
Internal BFRS staff only: Internal applicants who meet the essential criteria and are at risk of redundancy, or who are under notice as a result of Service redesign, will be given priority consideration in accordance with Service policy.
Station Cook Stopsley (Weekend) - Stopsley in Bushey employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee welfare and inclusivity. With flexible hours and a commitment to professional development, this part-time Payroll Officer role not only provides competitive salary and benefits but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community's safety and well-being.
Contact Details:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Station Cook Stopsley (Weekend) - Stopsley in Bushey
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Station Cook Stopsley (Weekend) - Stopsley in Bushey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
