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- Tasks: Join our café team to provide friendly service and support daily operations.
- Company: RSPB Saltholme, a vibrant nature reserve in Teesside.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a difference by creating a welcoming experience for nature lovers.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic attitude, food hygiene knowledge, and teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for contract extension; apply soon!
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Location: RSPB Saltholme, TS2
Salary: £13.45 - £14.35 Per Hour
Contract: Fixed-term until 1st September 2026
Hours: 4 hours per week, covering the summer period
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
Our busy catering operation at RSPB Saltholme Nature Reserve is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Centre Assistant to join the team for the summer season. You’ll be an important part of the team, helping to create a warm, positive and professional customer experience while supporting the day-to-day running of the café operation.
Key responsibilities:
- Providing friendly, helpful and efficient service to all customers
- Preparing and serving food and drinks in line with food safety standards
- Operating the till, card machine and handling payments accurately
- Carrying out regular cleaning duties in kitchen, café and customer areas
- Following food hygiene, health & safety and RSPB procedures at all times
- Supporting stock control, deliveries and basic food preparation
- Working as part of a close-knit team to deliver smooth café operations
- Responding positively to customer feedback and queries
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Enthusiastic and positive approach to work
- Good understanding of the principles of food hygiene
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- High standards of cleanliness and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to manage and respond to customer needs and feedback
- Experience of working in a target-driven or pressured environment
- Experience using a till, card machine and cashing up
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Experience of working in a café, bar, pub or similar environment
- Till operation and payment handling
- Knowledge of food and food service skills
- Basic computer skills
You will need to be available to work during the day, including weekends, and Bank Holiday working will also be essential.
This is a fixed-term, part-time role for 4 hours per week, covering the summer period. The contract will end on 1st September 2026.
The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising, dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
Closing date: 22:59, Thursday, 30th April 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position as soon as suitable candidates present themselves, so please do not delay in applying. Interviews are likely to be held on Wednesdays.
Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received.
If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.
This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.
No agencies please.
Seasonal Centre Assistant – Cafe employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Centre Assistant – Cafe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café vibe! Before your interview, swing by RSPB Saltholme and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with staff or customers if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the place and help you connect during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your enthusiasm! When you apply through our website, let your passion for customer service shine through. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your friendly approach and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle customer feedback or a busy shift. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress us during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Centre Assistant – Cafe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and your love for working in a café environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have, especially in food service or customer-facing roles. We’re looking for those who can bring a friendly vibe to our café, so emphasise your people skills!
Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure to upload your CV and any additional documents as requested. If you want to include a cover letter, just add it at the end of your CV document upload – easy peasy!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We’re keen to fill this position quickly, so the sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of getting an interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know the Café Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research RSPB Saltholme and its café. Familiarise yourself with their menu, values, and the overall visitor experience they aim to provide. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or received positive feedback. This is crucial for a role that focuses on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team goal or helped a colleague. Highlighting your ability to work well in a fast-paced environment will be key.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you're familiar with basic food hygiene principles and safety standards. You might be asked about these during the interview, so having a solid understanding will not only boost your confidence but also show that you're serious about maintaining high standards in the café.