Kitchen Porter in Chester

We are looking for enthusiastic kitchen porters to work within our heritage team, working either in The Oakfield, our award-winning gastro pub or our newly refurbished event space, The Square.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work? 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 nearly 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. Our futures depend on the sustainable work we do today, and our team of Chefs are conscious that every little effort counts. We work alongside the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil to ensure all palm oil used is certified sustainable, and during 2018 our food and beverage department removed over 2 million pieces of plastic from our operation.

The Role

Working with our team of Chefs and front of house team, you’ll ensure they have everything they need to produce high-quality meals, all whilst ensuring we adhere to relevant food safety guidelines at all times. You’ll be working in The Oakfield pub-restaurant (located in the heart of our zoo) which was once home to the zoo’s founder and his family, as well as The Square, our new events space. Our Kitchen Porters work under the direction of the Chef team, supporting in the day-to-day running of our kitchen, helping to ensure The Oakfield maintains its world-class reputation as a gastro pub and venue destination.

You will:

• Ensure all key equipment (e.g. canopies, grills, and fryers) and food preparation areas are cleaned effectively in line with the daily cleaning schedule and food safety regulations, reporting any maintenance issues.
• Monitor levels of cleaning equipment and materials and report ordering requirements, to ensure the department is fully stocked.
• Ensure the Chef team has sufficient equipment, crockery, etc. for service.
• Receive goods including fresh produce safely and disperse into storage in accordance with food safety policy and food hygiene practice.
• Support the Chef team in the movement of stock, specifically maintaining a ‘first in, first out’ stock movement process in conjunction with the safe storage of food.

The Package

Temporary contract until 6 September 2026. £12.21 per hour increasing to £12.71 per hour from 1 April 2026. 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. You’ll be working hours typically during zoo opening hours which are generally between 10am – 6pm, although evening or early morning work will be required for events such as weddings or corporate functions. Contract hours are minimum 8 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays and overtime will be paid for agreed additional hours.

Our Requirements

• A commitment to high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Teamwork skills and a flexible approach to work.
• Good communication skills and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Previous Kitchen Porter experience, preferably gained within a leading British Gastro Pub.
• A Food Safety Level 2 qualification is preferable.

More About Us

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 37,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.