At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our kitchen team and help create a welcoming café experience in nature.
- Company: Join the London Wildlife Trust and make a difference for wildlife.
- Benefits: Earn £13.80 per hour with free lunch and tea/coffee on shift.
- Other info: Potential for contract extension after the busy Summer months.
- Why this job: Work in beautiful surroundings while contributing to nature recovery in London.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen or hospitality environment and strong teamwork skills.
Want to work for a good cause and benefit from spectacular views? We’re looking for team members to join our back of house team at Walthamstow Wetlands, to help us achieve our vision of London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife.
Pay rate: £13.80 per hour (with free lunch and tea/coffee on shift)
Location: Walthamstow Wetlands (N17 9NH). There may be additional opportunities to work across our other cafes at Grosvenor Square, Woodberry Wetlands, and Camley Street Natural Park.
Role & Responsibilities
Our cafés bring Londoners closer to the wild spaces we care for, offering welcoming spaces for people to relax and connect with nature. As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll play an important back of house role in helping our cafés operate safely and efficiently, supporting the kitchen team to deliver a high-quality food offer while maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety and organisation. By helping our cafés run smoothly, you'll support the Trust's vision of nature recovery for a thriving city.
As a Kitchen Assistant, your responsibilities will include:
- Receiving and checking deliveries, ensuring stock is stored safely and correctly, and following stock rotation procedures
- Operating dishwashing equipment and maintaining high standards of cleanliness across all spaces
- Carrying out daily, weekly and deep cleaning tasks in line with cleaning schedules
- Supporting the kitchen team with basic food preparation tasks
- Ensuring prepared food is correctly labelled, stored and rotated
- Using cleaning products, chemicals and equipment safely
- Supporting effective waste management, recycling and general kitchen organisation
- Assisting with kitchen setup, close-down procedures and handovers
- Complying with all food hygiene, health and safety, fire safety and safe-working procedures
- Working collaboratively with chefs, front-of-house colleagues and other teams to support the smooth operation of our cafés and visitor experiences
Contract: we’re currently recruiting team members to join us during the busy Summer months - there is potential for the contract to be extended.
Our ideal Kitchen Assistant will have:
- Demonstrable experience working in a kitchen, catering or hospitality environment
- A good understanding of Health & Safety and food hygiene requirements
- The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining high standards
- A proactive approach, with the ability to follow instructions and use initiative
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you! Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore London’s wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of London’s diverse communities.
Kitchen Assistant in London employer: London Wildlife Trust
As an Assistant Reserves Officer with London Wildlife Trust, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to conserving nature in South London. The organisation offers a supportive work culture that values employee growth through training and development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced parental leave and wellness initiatives. With flexible working hours and a focus on community engagement, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on local wildlife and habitats.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Wildlife Trust
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at London Wildlife Trust. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
