General Assistant

We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our hospitality team and help support our charity’s mission of connecting people with nature.

• Permanent contract – Part time, average 25 hours per week. Weekly hours may vary—more during busy periods, less during quieter times.
• Competitive salary – approximately £12.45 per hour
• Excellent benefits, including life assurance and a health cash plan (see the full list below)
• Work in a beautiful location and enjoy being surrounded by nature during your breaks

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

When you join our team as a General Assistant, each working day will be varied, depending on the needs of the centre. Therefore, you will be adaptable to the changing environment of our learning location and be happy to help where required.  

Your primary focus will be supporting our housekeeping operations, including tasks such as cleaning and laundry.. In addition to assisting our catering team with setting up the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. 

Other duties can include working in the kitchen assisting with food preparation and serving food to our visitors. As well as occasionally assisting with the maintenance of our centre and grounds. 

Please refer to the vacancy pack for further details on the full responsibilities of this role. 

Where you’ll be based

Field Studies Council Slapton is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to Field Sites in Dartmoor National Park. We maintain two residential centres (Slapton Ley and Start Bay) in the coastal village of Slapton, as well as Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve.  

Start Bay is especially popular with primary schools and self-catering groups, offering exclusive use for up to 40 visitors. Slapton Ley caters to larger groups, such as GCSE, A Level, and university students, and can accommodate up to 120 visitors.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone with a strong customer service ethos and ideally some experience in hospitality, along with:

• A great work ethic where aptitude and attitude are key
• A natural pride in the work you produce
• A flexible and adaptive approach able to perform using your own initiative both independently and as a team player
• A professional manner in all that you do
• An empathy with the aims and objectives of Field Studies Council
• A committed and proactive approach to personal development; motivated to learn new skills and overcome new challenges

Excited to join us? Apply today and be part of a team that’s passionate about nature and making a difference! We look forward to your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health and Wellbeing - Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
• Additional benefits - We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Catherine Hollingworth on 01548 580466.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 20th June 2025

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Slapton in week beginning 23rd June 2025

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.

As an Investors in People charity, we realise that to achieve our vision we need diverse teams of staff who have a wide range of skills, a real passion for the work of the charity and pride in their role within it. No matter what role you perform at the FSC, everyone can make a difference and every role is vital to delivering our mission and vision…if this inspires you, we would love to hear from you.