At a Glance
- Tasks: Support weddings and events, ensuring guests have a fantastic experience.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, the UK's number one zoo, dedicated to conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, free zoo visits, discounts, and a healthcare plan.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team in a unique environment with amazing animals!
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and teamwork are essential; bar experience is a plus.
- Other info: Multiple contracts available; apply quickly as positions may close early.
We\’re looking for Events Team Members to join our Food & Beverage team at the UK\’s number 1 zoo
Multiple positions available – permanent 20 hour contract and temporary minimum 8 hour contract. Additional hours potentially available during busy periods. Please state in your cover letter, which role you would prefer to be considered for.
As part of our Events Team, you\’ll play an important role in delivering exceptional service across our stunning wedding and events space The Square and our award-winning British gastro-pub, The Oakfield. With exciting plans for 2025 and beyond, there\’s never been a better time to join us
The Role
As an Events Team Member, you\’ll support the smooth running of weddings, parties, conferences, and other exciting events at the zoo. Your role will be hands-on, varied, and focused on ensuring every guest enjoys a world-class experience.
Duties include:
- Assisting with event setups and pack downs, ensuring spaces look their best
- Welcoming and serving guests with a friendly, professional manner
- Supporting food and beverage service, including serving meals, drinks, and clearing tables
- Maintaining cleanliness and presentation across event spaces
- Working with colleagues and managers to deliver seamless events from start to finish
The Package
You\’ll be working a variety of shifts, including during our core zoo opening hours, as well as early morning or evening work for events such as weddings and corporate functions or late-night opening.
- Multiple contracts available (permanent & temporary)
- £12.21 per hour
- Working hours vary based on contract, 5 out of 7 availability. Will include weekends, bank holidays and evenings. Additional hours potentially available during busy periods and overtime will be paid.
- Annual leave which is accrued based on days worked
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
- Free travel to and from work on the X1 bus service from Chester and Ellesmere Port
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme (dependant on contract)
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme (dependant on contract)
- Subsidised staff canteen
- Online Discount/Cashback scheme
- Free entry to affiliated zoo\’s and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium
Our Requirements
- Excellent customer service skills, ideally gained in a similar environment such as an event space
- Excellent communication skills and teamwork
- A good level of numeracy and literacy, to help with taking orders, reading menus and processing payments
- Cash handling experience
- Ability to think on your feet and adapt to a multitude of difference scenarios
- A keen eye for detail and passion for high standards
- Due to licencing requirements, you must be aged 18 or older
- Desirable Requirements
- Bar and/or barista experience would be desirable
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
Well, where do we start? Here goes…
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 up to 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?
We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live. We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date.
Food & Beverage Assistant- Events employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Assistant- Events
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chester Zoo's events and food offerings. Understanding their unique selling points will help you engage confidently during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chester Zoo, especially those in the Food & Beverage team. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your customer service skills in a practical way. Think of examples from past experiences where you provided exceptional service, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding shifts. Since the role requires working weekends and evenings, showing that you're adaptable can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Assistant- Events
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Food & Beverage Assistant role. Highlight your customer service skills and any relevant experience in event spaces. Don’t forget to mention which contract type you prefer!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles that involved customer service, teamwork, or event management. If you have bar or barista experience, make sure to include that as well.
Highlight Key Skills: Focus on skills that are essential for the role, such as communication, numeracy, and attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Food & Beverage Assistant, excellent customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided outstanding service in previous roles, especially in event settings.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
This role requires working closely with colleagues to ensure events run smoothly. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to think on your feet. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to handle difficult guests or unexpected situations during an event.
✨Express Your Passion for Events
Show enthusiasm for the events you'll be part of at Chester Zoo. Discuss any relevant experience you have in event settings and why you’re excited about contributing to memorable experiences for guests.