Food & Beverage Events Assistant in Chester

We have an exciting opportunity to work in a truly unique environment at the UK's number 1 zoo. As a Food & Beverage Events Assistant in our Food & Beverage department, you will be responsible for assisting the Events Management team in the successful running of all Events across the Zoo.

The Role

You will be responsible for all front of house duties such as welcoming and seating guests, bartending and serving food; in addition to helping with the setup, break down and preparations for each event. You will be predominantly based in our award winning gastro-pub, 'The Oakfield' as well as our purpose-built wedding and events space, 'The Square'. You will help us to maintain and improve upon our exceptionally high standards to deliver a world class experience to all visitors. On non-event days, you will also support the wider Food & Beverage team along with the other commercial teams.

The Package

You'll be working a variety of shifts, including weekdays, weekends and evenings, for events such as weddings, private parties and corporate functions. Contracted hours are a minimum of 8 hours per week, with additional hours available during peak periods. Temporary contract, until 6 September 2026. Rate of pay of £12.21 per hour regardless of age. Working on a rota basis with a minimum of 8 hours per week up to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Hours will vary and can be significantly more during busy periods. This includes weekends, bank holidays and evenings. Annual leave which accrues based on hours of work. Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus complimentary tickets for your friends and family. Free bus travel available on the X1 from Chester and Ellesmere Port train stations. Staff discount in our restaurants and retail outlets. Subsidised staff canteen. Online Discount/Cashback scheme. Free entry to affiliated zoos and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium.

Our Requirements

• Experience of working within a hospitality setting
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Good numeracy and literacy skills to help with taking orders, reading menus and processing payments
• Shift pattern flexibility
• Professional, friendly and energetic
• Cash handling experience
• Ability to confidently work under pressure and in a busy environment
• Ability to multi-task
• Have a keen eye for detail and take pride in your work
• Excellent time management skills
• Due to licensing requirements, you must be aged 18 or over
• Due to the nature of the role involving late evening and early morning shifts, you must be able to commute to and from work outside of standard public transport hours

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Experience of working events such as weddings and/or corporate functions
• Bartending experience
• NVQ or equivalent guest care or customer service
• Basic food hygiene certificate
• Driving license

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

We're a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place. As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey. Our working environment could not be more different from a typical place of work – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans, rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?