At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and create memorable experiences for zoo visitors.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Paignton Zoo, where fun meets responsibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of holiday, free uniform, and discounts for family and friends.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and make a positive impact on visitors' experiences.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
- Other info: Flexible roles across various areas with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Location: Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU
Salary: National Minimum Wage
Contract: Seasonal (April to September 2026)
Job Summary
Join our friendly team and help deliver great food, great service and great experiences for every visitor! We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment and providing high‑quality customer service.
The Role
- Support daily catering operations, serve visitors, prepare food and maintain excellent hygiene and safety standards.
- Help keep the café and service areas clean, stocked and welcoming, ensuring our guests have a positive experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve visitors professionally and efficiently
- Prepare and present food to required standards
- Follow all food hygiene, health & safety and allergen procedures
- Keep work areas and seating areas clean and tidy
- Operate tills and follow cash‑handling procedures
- Rotate stock, take deliveries and support stock checks
- Report issues and support smooth daily operations
- Work flexibly across restaurant, cabins or kitchen as needed
About You
- Friendly, approachable and customer‑focused
- Works well in a busy, team‑based environment
- Good attention to detail and able to follow procedures
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Experience in catering or customer service is helpful but not essential — full training provided.
At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata, free branded uniform to keep you looking sharp, and access to top‑tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme.
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date.
Seasonal Food and Beverage Host in Paignton employer: Wild Planet Trust
Contact Detail:
Wild Planet Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Food and Beverage Host in Paignton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Paignton Zoo. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Seasonal Food and Beverage Host. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a casual environment, looking smart and presentable can make a great first impression. Plus, it shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the zoo well.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Food and Beverage Host in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for customer service shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to bring a positive attitude to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we’re looking for!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward applications. Stick to the point and make sure your writing is easy to read. This helps us get a quick sense of who you are and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Seasonal Food and Beverage Host entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like serving visitors, maintaining hygiene standards, and operating tills. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing great customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. Whether it’s a time you handled a difficult situation or simply made someone’s day better, sharing these stories will highlight your suitability for the job.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer about the team culture, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the position and the company.
✨Dress for Success
Even though the role is in a casual environment, it’s important to look presentable for your interview. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects your professionalism while still being comfortable. This will help create a positive first impression and show that you take the opportunity seriously.