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.
- Other info: Flexible roles across various areas with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- 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!
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
At Paignton Zoo, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. As a Seasonal Food and Beverage Host, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata, free uniform, and access to comprehensive training opportunities. With a focus on employee wellbeing and a culture that champions equality, working here means being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our visitors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Food and Beverage Host in Paignton
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Wild Planet Trust are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Food and Beverage Host in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Wild Planet Trust.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Wild Planet Trust. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
