At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to serve food, maintain hygiene, and set up meeting rooms.
- Company: Kirkwall Community Centre, a vibrant hub for the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Permanent position with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for service and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 17.6 - 17.6 £ per hour.
16 hours per week over a 3-week rota
Permanent
£31,883 - £32,124 pro rata
£17.47 - £17.60 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Centre Supervisor.
The working pattern for this post will be on a 3-week rota, working between three and four days each week, including two Saturdays per 3-week period. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to work as part of the centre team primarily in the café serving the public, preparing, cooking and serving food and beverages, cleaning the kitchen areas. Also setting up and clearing meeting and conference rooms within the complex.
A Centre Assistant is required to join our enthusiastic, committed team helping to prepare, cook and serve a range of foods and beverages offered within the Kirkwall Community Centre, while helping to maintain our excellent standards of quality and hygiene. Your duties will also include washing dishes, stock control, cleaning the kitchen areas, helping to prepare sandwiches and setting up and clearing down of function and meeting rooms.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
For a discussion about the role, contact Scott Pring at scott.pring@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 879238.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 28 June 2026, with shortlisting and interviews taking place during the week commencing 29 June 2026.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants. We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Centre Assistant, Kirkwall Community Centre - ORK10449 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join the Kirkwall Community Centre team, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Centre Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive pay including a Distant Islands Allowance, and opportunities for personal growth within our vibrant community hub. Our commitment to quality service and teamwork ensures that every day is rewarding and meaningful, making us an excellent employer in the heart of Orkney.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant, Kirkwall Community Centre - ORK10449
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Orkney Islands Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant, Kirkwall Community Centre - ORK10449
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Orkney Islands Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Orkney Islands Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Orkney Islands Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Orkney Islands Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
