Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This position has a starting salary of £11,624.33 per annum based on working 780 hours per year (annualised hours contract), pro-rata to £24,330.
We are excited to be hiring a new Catering Assistant to join our fantastic team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). The primary base is High Ashurst Outdoor Centre, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ with a requirement to work at our other centres in Richmond and Guildford if required.
The anticipated start-date for this position will be 1st April 2026.
Our Offer to You
1. Generous annual leave allowance
2. Play a valuable part of the outdoor learning experience for our guests
3. Training, development and ongoing support
4. Working with a friendly and dynamic team
5. Working in our unique centres in beautiful locations
6. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme supporting health and wellbeing
7. A generous local government salary related pension
8. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
9. Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
10. A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
SOLD is a provider of high-quality outdoor learning programmes. Our catering team prides itself on feeding our visitors homecooked and freshly prepared nutritious meals, fuelling busy, active days in the outdoors! We offer a hearty and delicious menu and the team cater for a range of dietary needs. The dining experience plays a key role in the overall high-quality experience of our visitors. To find out more about what we do, please visit our website:
As a Catering Assistant in our vibrant and lively team, you will play a key role in helping to prepare and cook healthy, tasty and nutritious meals, including serving our guests and clearing. In all that you do, you will offer an excellent customer experience.
To get a flavour of what it's like working at SOLD, have a look at .
Working Hours
Our usual shifts are 7am – 11am and 3pm - 7pm, although this may vary depending on the needs of the groups.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with :
11. Experience of working in a kitchen environment
12. Enjoyment of cooking, whether it be home cooking or in a commercial environment
13. Ability to follow instructions and work independently
14. A willingness to learn and participate in training, to include working towards Food Hygiene Level 2
15. A positive 'can do' attitude
16. The willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role
High Ashurst near Dorking, and Henley Fort near Guildford are in remote locations, so please consider your transport arrangements.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:
17. Please tell us what motivated you to apply for the role of Catering Assistant with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development?
18. Please tell us what key skills, abilities, and experience you have that you believe would help you succeed in this role? Please include any transferable skills.
19. How do you describe your style of cooking?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and to get an insight into working at Surrey.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25th January 2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Contact Us
We look forward to receiving your application,