Casual Catering Assistants at Edinburgh Zoo

Be part of something greater.
  • Job reference: SDX/TP/2701413/163216
  • Location: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road
  • Job type: Part Time
  • Salary: £12.72 hourly, paid weekly.
  • Closing date: 17 November 2026
Apply now
Map displaying job location
Logo for Casual Catering Assistants at Edinburgh Zoo role

About the role

Heritage Portfolio are looking for talented and enthusiastic Catering Assistants to join our casual team based at Edinburgh Zoo!

As part of our casual catering team, you will be a pivotal part in delivering outstanding service and team support across our unique catering spaces across the Zoo. Edinburgh Zoo offers a variety of catering spaces including The Gannet, a large relaxed space offering freshly prepared food across the day. The Penguin Café, a coffee and cake spot with the enviable view of the penguin habitat. The Grasslands, offering up tasty street food options. And our historic Mansion House where we host a variety of exciting and glamorous events. We also have our magical Giant Lanterns event approaching which has a Galactic Safari twist this year and you will play a key role in delivering this stunning event to our guests.

What you’ll do

  • Work across our various catering venues within the Zoo.
  • Greet and serve customers efficiently with a friendly, welcoming attitude.
  • Take orders and handle payments accurately.
  • Provide full table service, ensuring that guests have an excellent dining experience.
  • Prepare and serve high-quality coffee and beverages (training provided but prior experience beneficial).
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the café and catering areas.
  • Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Assist with food preparation, service, and general upkeep.

What you’ll bring

  • Positive attitude, being friendly yet professional.
  • Well presented, punctual and reliable.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with both team and management around the site.
  • A team player with an ability to work in a busy environment.
  • Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills.
  • 18+ due to the licensing restrictions.
  • Experience in dealing with guest complaints promptly and efficiently.
  • Previous experience in a similar setting desirable.

What we offer: 

  • £12.72 per hour.
  • Weekly pay, accruing holiday pay as you work.
  • Casual hours across the week, day and evening shifts.
  • An exciting and fun working environment.
  • Amazing training and development opportunities.
  • Opportunity to get involved across the wider business during peak times.
  • Employee discounts!

What you'll do

  • Work across our various catering venues within the Zoo.
  • Greet and serve customers efficiently with a friendly, welcoming attitude.
  • Take orders and handle payments accurately.
  • Provide full table service, ensuring that guests have an excellent dining experience.
  • Prepare and serve high-quality coffee and beverages (training provided but prior experience beneficial).
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the café and catering areas.
  • Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Assist with food preparation, service, and general upkeep.

What you'll bring

  • Previous experience in a similar setting desirable.
  • Positive attitude, being friendly yet professional.
  • Well presented, punctual and reliable.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with both team and management around the site.
  • A team player with an ability to work in a busy environment.
  • Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills.
  • 18+ due to the licensing restrictions.
  • Experience in dealing with guest complaints promptly and efficiently.

Why Sodexo?

  • £12.72 per hour.
  • Weekly pay, accruing holiday pay as you work.
  • Casual hours across the week, day and evening shifts.
  • An exciting and fun working environment.
  • Amazing training and development opportunities.
  • Opportunity to get involved across the wider business during peak times.
  • Employee discounts!

Apply Now

KEY BENEFITS

  • Advice and guidance

    Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it.
  • Pension Plan

    Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan.
  • Wellbeing support

    Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7.
  • Generous leave

    For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge.
  • Discounts and savings

    Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme
  • Virtual GP

    24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.

Social Impact

Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.

We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.

Learn more

Map showing location of Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, United Kingdom, EH12 6TS
Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, United Kingdom, EH12 6TS

Build your CV using our online tool

At Sodexo, we’re here to support everyone applying to join us. If you need help getting your CV together, our handy tool can help. 

Build your CV

Register your interest

Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.

Set up a profile now

Related Vacancies

View all vacancies
  • Chef de Partie at Edinburgh Zoo

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Edinburgh Zoo
    Salary
    £14.50 per hour
    View details
  • Casual Catering Supervisors at Edinburgh Zoo

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road
    Salary
    £13.22 hourly, paid weekly.
    View details
  • Kitchen Porter at Café Portrait

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    1 Queen Street, Edinburgh
    Salary
    £13.50 - £14.50 per hour, depending on experience
    View details
  • Finance Manager

    Category
    Finance
    Location
    Edinburgh
    Salary
    38000.00 - 40000.00
    View details
  • Kitchen Porter Team Leader at Heritage Portfolio

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    49 North Fort Street, Edinburgh
    Salary
    £13.00 per hour
    View details
  • Lead Chef at Heritage Portfolio

    Category
    Food Service/Catering
    Location
    Heritage Portfolio - 49 North Fort Street
    Salary
    £17.00 per hour
    View details