Seasonal Centre Assistant - Cafe in York

Our busy catering operation at RSPB Saltholme Nature Reserve, a nationally important wetland and visitor destination in Teesside, is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Centre Assistant to join the team for the summer season. Saltholme welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy wildlife, nature and great food in our cafe. Our catering team plays a vital role in ensuring visitors feel welcomed, comfortable and well looked after during their visit. 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 cafe operation, in line with set RSPB procedures and routines. This role is based in a fast‑paced environment, particularly during peak visitor periods, and maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene across all areas of the cafe will be a key part of your day‑to‑day responsibilities.

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, cafe 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 cafe operations
• Responding positively to customer feedback and queries

Key Skills & Qualifications

• 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 cafe, bar, pub or similar environment
• Till operation and payment handling
• Knowledge of food and food service skills
• Basic computer skills

Additional Requirements

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.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. 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.