RELIEF FRONT OF HOUSE ASSISTANT & KITCHEN PORTER

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our Front of House and Kitchen team. This role provides relief cover across Admissions and Food & Beverage, as well as supporting Kitchen Porter duties. By helping to cover holidays, sickness, and busy periods, you will play an essential part in the smooth day‑to‑day running of the Calanais Visitor Centre.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Calanais Visitor Centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in spring 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. This role provides relief cover across Admissions and Food & Beverage, as well as supporting Kitchen Porter duties. By helping to cover holidays, sickness, and busy periods, you will play an essential part in the smooth day‑to‑day running of the Calanais Visitor Centre. This role will be guaranteed a minimum of 150 hours per annum.

Reports to: Visitor Operations Manager / Head Chef

Responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors to the centre and to the café.
• Use the EPoS system to sell admission tickets and retail merchandise.
• Check in‑group bookings and pre‑booked visits.
• Contribute to achieving commercial revenue targets.
• Undertake cash handling and end‑of‑day banking procedures in line with policies.
• Maintain a well‑stocked and well‑presented retail and café area.
• Process stock deliveries.
• Support events and public programmes.
• Monitor visitor spaces and report any health and safety issues or defects to the Visitor Operations Manager.
• Respond calmly to emergencies or incidents, following established procedures and policies.
• Assist in daily opening and closing procedures.
• Use coffee machines and other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, following internal procedures.
• Prepare a range of basic menu items following established method and recipes.
• Ensure a prompt service taking orders and serving drinks / refreshments.
• Ensure rotation of stock and safe storage of food in accordance with food safety regulations, legislation and internal policies and procedures.
• Be helpful and knowledgeable about the site, the Standing Stones and the surrounding area.
• Contribute ideas to improve service, increase revenue and enhance the visitor experience.
• Undertake First Aid responsibilities and Fire Marshall duties as required.

KITCHEN PORTER COVER

• Operate industrial dishwashers to clean all cutlery, glassware, and crockery quickly to maintain service flow.
• Manually clean and sanitise heavy‑duty kitchen equipment, such as pans and baking trays, essential for fresh food production.
• Maintain the cleanliness of floors, walls and work surfaces to ensure full compliance with Food Standards Scotland and hygiene regulations.
• Empty bins, sort recycling and keep bin storage tidy, aligning with the centre’s commitment to sustainability.
• Assist with the unloading of deliveries and ensure ingredients are stored correctly according to food safety standards.
• Ensure all cleaned equipment is returned to its correct place so chefs can work efficiently.
• Follow strict COSHH guidelines when using cleaning chemicals to protect yourself and the team.
• Contribute to the culture of care, kindness, and professionalism required at the centre.
• Work with the facilities manager to ensure the kitchen remains a safe environment for all staff.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, ensuring compliance to food safety and health regulations.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Previous experience working in a café or catering environment.
• Ability to engage confidently with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent team working skills and ability to work under your own initiative.
• A flexible approach to working hours throughout the week, Monday‑Saturday including Bank Holidays and some evenings.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Gaelic language skills.
• Food hygiene certificate.
• Barista trained.
• Enthusiasm for heritage and history of the site.

What We Offer

• Fair Work Scotland Accreditation – Commitment to being a Living Wage employer and promoting Fair Work principles.
• Personal & Professional Development – Ongoing training, leadership development, and opportunities for career growth.
• Work‑Life Balance – A flexible and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.
• Recognition & Reward – A culture that values contributions and celebrates achievements.
• An Inclusive & Supportive Workplace – A welcoming and dynamic environment where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.

If you are a hard‑working, passionate individual, then join us in shaping the future of the Calanais Visitor Centre and ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

Questions? No query is too small or not worth asking, so please get in touch with Visitor Operations Manager, Janet Donaldson. Email: careers@calanais.org