At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in the kitchen, prepare food, and maintain cleanliness.
- Company: Join Hostelling Scotland, a non-profit charity dedicated to community and adventure.
- Benefits: Enjoy meal discounts, pension, holidays, and access to high street discounts.
- Other info: Explore beautiful Scotland during your time off and make a real difference!
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while gaining valuable experience in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and excellent time management skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Job Reference: EDIKA087
Position: Kitchen Assistant / Team Member
Locations: Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, Provisional start date 01/Jun/2026 until 31/Oct/2026
Hours per week: 24
Salary: £13.00
Accommodation: This is a live-out position.
Join our team, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you can also enjoy exploring cities, hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities and amazing surroundings in your spare time. As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, the chance of a well needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes. Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference! You will be part of our dedicated and friendly team at our Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.
About the role of Kitchen Assistant:
- Carrying in food deliveries and putting them into store
- Cleaning ovens, dishes, pans and other equipment
- Cleaning the floor and disposing of kitchen waste and rubbish correctly
- Keeping kitchen walls and work surfaces clean
- Bringing food in from the storeroom
- Checking sell-by dates and rotating stock
- Peeling and cutting vegetables, chopping meat, plucking poultry, skinning and gutting fish
- Preparing simple food
- Using machinery such as slicers and mixers
Ideal you will have:
- Previous experience of working in busy contract catering environment
- Excellent time management skills
We can offer:
- Membership of Hostelling Scotland
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension and holidays
- Meal discounts on shift
- Uniform is provided
- Access to many high street discounts through the Salary extras scheme
Additional Information:
A successful candidate is required to provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance. You must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to starting with us.
Who we are:
Hostelling Scotland is a not-for-profit charity with over 60 youth and affiliate hostels. Since 1931, we have welcomed millions of visitors through our doors, helping them to ‘get outside’, to explore what Scotland has to offer, discovering the beautiful locations and the natural benefits of the great outdoors.
How to apply:
If you would like to apply, please visit our website www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/careers to learn about how we process job applicants’ information and apply through our website.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Kitchen Assistant - Edinburgh Youth Hostel employer: Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where team members are encouraged to embrace their adventurous spirit while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our guests. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our Kitchen Assistants enjoy not only competitive pay and benefits such as meal discounts and pension contributions but also the opportunity to engage with the community and develop valuable skills through our youth programmes. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that champions exploration and personal growth in one of Scotland's most beautiful settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant - Edinburgh Youth Hostel
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hostelling Scotland. Understand their mission and values, and think about how you can contribute to their goal of helping people explore Scotland.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on your previous experience in busy kitchens and how it relates to the role of Kitchen Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the outdoors! Since this role is all about helping guests enjoy Scotland, share your own experiences with outdoor activities and how they’ve shaped your love for the country.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re keen and professional, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant - Edinburgh Youth Hostel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Scotland:When you're writing your application, let your love for Scotland shine through! We want to see that adventurous spirit and how you can help our guests experience the real Scotland. Share any personal stories or experiences that connect you to the outdoors or hostelling.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in busy catering environments. We’re looking for specific skills like time management and teamwork, so don’t be shy about showcasing those in your written application!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Kitchen Assistant role. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!
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 ensures you’re following the right process. Plus, you can find more info about how we handle applications there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, cleaning, and stock management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Since this position is all about creating a welcoming environment for guests, be prepared to share why you love working in hospitality. Talk about any previous experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for helping others and being part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Time Management Skills
Time management is crucial in a busy kitchen. Think of examples from your past work where you successfully managed your time under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure everything runs smoothly during peak times.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team culture, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
