Love cooking but want to avoid the pressure of a busy restaurant?
Help us deliver memorable meals to our visitors, while supporting our mission to inspire people to care for the environment.
Why you’ll love working with us:
1. Permanent seasonal role: average 37.5 hours/week, February–November
2. Full-time equivalent salary: circa £27,350 per annum
3. Predictable hours and structured shifts for a healthy work–life balance
4. No late-night shifts – finish time is normally by 8pm!
5. Excellent benefits including life assurance (5x salary), health and wellbeing support app, pro rata of 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and loyalty days.
6. Flexibility over the winter months to travel or enjoy other interests
7. Accommodation available during the season – relocate to Cumbria and make the most of your days off exploring the Lake District
What you’ll be doing
As our Seasonal Chef, you’ll support our Lead Chef and play a key role in delivering our catering operations. This will include:
8. Cooking, kitchen management, and deputising for the Head Chef
9. Assisting with supervising and supporting the small catering team during daily service
10. We operate fixed mealtimes with one or two sittings, using simple set menus with two or three food choices.
Your weekly hours will vary across the season, with more during busy periods and fewer in quieter weeks.
Please view the vacancy pack for further details on the full responsibilities of this role.
Where you’ll be based
Blencathra sits in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by fells, forests, and sparkling lakes. Picture starting your day with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and endless opportunities for adventure — from hillwalking and mountain biking to wildlife spotting and watersports.
Working at Blencathra isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to bring your culinary skills to life while immersing yourself in one of England’s most beautiful national parks. You’ll be part of a close-knit team, delivering delicious, sustainable meals to visitors from near and far.
We’ve been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award, recognising our commitment to serving healthy, nutritious, and sustainable meals. Join us in creating dishes that delight visitors and reflect our commitment to a greener future!
Who we’re looking for
11. Previous catering experience
12. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete before starting)
13. Pride in your work, flexibility, and strong work ethic
14. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
15. Enthusiasm for sustainability and the mission of Field Studies Council
Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
16. Competitive salary
17. Pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
18. Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
19. Health and Wellbeing Support App
20. 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
21. Cycle to work and EV schemes
22. Discounts and cashback opportunities
23. Flexible working options where roles permit
24. Quality learning and development opportunities
Ready to apply?
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you!
The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 11.59pm on 4 January 2025
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the close date and interviews will be arranged accordingly
If you don’t meet every requirement listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply and tell us about the unique skills and experiences you can bring to the role. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks