At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist chefs in preparing delicious meals for up to 250 visitors daily.
- Company: Join Essex Outdoors, a vibrant outdoor activity centre with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, and opportunities for recognised qualifications.
- Other info: Work in beautiful countryside settings with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a fun, fast-paced environment while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just bring your energy and teamwork spirit!
The predicted salary is between 25081 - 25081 € per year.
Essex Outdoors are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people to join our catering teams at Danbury between April and September 2026. Aged 16 years or over, while experience isn't essential, you’ll need to have plenty of energy and initiative and be great at working as part of a team as well as on your own.
Based at one of our very busy outdoor activity centres, you will assist Chefs and Cooks in providing three great choice and quality meals a day for up to 250 residential visitors. You will be part of a friendly, customer-focused group of people in a vibrant fast-paced environment. Full in-house training is provided, and there may also be the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications.
- Responsible for basic food preparation
- Washing up, using a fully automated machine and cleaning some larger cooking items by hand
- To ensure that cleanliness is maintained within the facilities and are adequately stocked
- To maintain a high standard of personal and general cleanliness and hygiene to comply with statutory regulations
- To use powered cleaning and catering equipment in accordance with the relevant safety requirements
During the season there may be some early starts and late finishes, as well as the requirement to work weekends or bank holidays. In return we provide a competitive salary, full in-house training for all staff, as well as an Essex Outdoors t-shirt to wear with your own presentable attire and appropriate footwear.
Danbury – A large centre set on a 70-acre site of beautiful countryside and woodlands. Danbury runs a large range of both land-based and water-based activities.
To apply, you need to be aged 16 or over at the start of your employment, be available to work throughout the main season which runs May to August. We ask for details of your availability in the form. You must be able to get to the centre of your choice. Our Mersea centre is not on a route with frequent public transport.
Essex Outdoors is part of Essex County Council (ECC). As part of your employment with ECC a DBS check is required and must be registered with the DBS update service. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you are a successful candidate, your personal data will be shared with other systems at Essex County Council in order to progress your application.
Job details:
- Locations: Danbury
- Salary: From £25,081pa (From £13 per hour)*
- Contract type: Fixed term full or part time contracts, subject to the requirements of the service.
- Good to know: Full training is provided. Applicants must be 16 and complete an enhanced DBS check prior to employment.
Catering Assistants employer: Essex Outdoors Mersea
Essex Outdoors is an excellent employer for Catering Assistants, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture at our beautiful Danbury centre. With full in-house training provided and opportunities for nationally recognised qualifications, we prioritise employee growth and development while ensuring a friendly, team-oriented environment. Join us for a rewarding experience where you can contribute to creating memorable meals for our visitors amidst stunning countryside settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Essex Outdoors. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions and rehearse your answers. Focus on how your energy and initiative can contribute to the catering team. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though you'll be working in a casual setting, showing up in presentable attire for your interview can make a great first impression. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it ensures that all your details are submitted correctly. Don’t forget to highlight your availability and any relevant skills you have!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for catering and working in a team shine through. We love seeing candidates who are excited about the role and ready to bring their energy to our busy outdoor centres!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Even if you don’t have direct experience, think about any skills or experiences that relate to teamwork, food preparation, or customer service. We want to know how you can contribute to our friendly and vibrant environment!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application. Since we need people who can work throughout the main season, it’s important for us to know when you’re free to join our catering team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with Essex Outdoors. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Outdoors Mersea
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Essex Outdoors is looking for motivated individuals, so make sure to express your enthusiasm during the interview. Share why you’re excited about working in a vibrant, fast-paced environment and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working as part of a team, be ready to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Give examples of how you've successfully worked with others, whether in school projects or previous jobs, to show that you're a team player.
✨Demonstrate Initiative
The role requires plenty of energy and initiative. Prepare to share instances where you've taken the lead or gone above and beyond in your responsibilities. This will show that you can handle the demands of a busy catering environment.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the job description and responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle tasks like food preparation and maintaining cleanliness. Showing that you understand what’s expected will impress the interviewers.
