Centre Assistant
Location: RSPB UKHQ - The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part Time, 16 hours per week
Salary: £24,571.00 - £26,231.00 Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)
Our busy catering operation at The Lodge Reserve Café is looking for a Catering Assistant to join the team. We are looking for an individual who is able to deliver the highest standards of customer care and assist with the day-to-day running of the café operation, in line with set RSPB procedures and routines.
The Lodge, Sandy has the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire. This rare habitat is the place to spot some of the reserves iconic species such as breeding Hobby, Ravens, Common lizard and Natterjack toads.
You will need to be available to work during the day, weekends, and Bank Holiday working will also be essential. The shift pattern is 4 hours per day Wednesday to Saturday. There will be the opportunity to pick up additional hours and in person and online training will be given.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
* Enthusiastic approach to work,
* High understanding of the principals of food hygiene;
* 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;
* Working in target driven/pressured environment;
* Working on the till, card machine, cashing up;
* Ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
* Experience of working at a café/bar/pub;
* Till operation and payment handling;
* Knowledge of food and food service skills;
* Computer skills.
Closing date: 23:59, Sun, 4th Jan 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from Wednesday 14th January 2026.
Interested?
If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.
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.
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. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete 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.
No agencies please