Catering Assistants
Role detail

We are looking for two Catering Assistants. The Catering Assistant works with the other members of the Catering Long Term Staff to manage the Short Term Staff and to provide meals for our guests and staff. The person is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Catering operations, including cleanliness and safety of the kitchen, as well as the quality and timeliness of served meals. If you have some cooking skills, are able to manage and motivate an international team of volunteers, and would like to gain experience in running a kitchen, we look forward to your application.
Requirements
- Needs to be at least 18 years old
- Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
- Communicates well in written and spoken English
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
- Ability to motivate and lead a team of volunteers
- Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines
- Affinity for customer service and guest contact
- Basic understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures
- Willingness to work according to a flexible schedule
Desirable
- Has previously been a member of staff at KISC
- Certification in cooking/kitchen operation and/or management
- Basic understanding of dietary requirements and allergens
- Experience in people management
- Ability to communicate in German
- Holds a driver’s licence
Main tasks
Main tasks
- Prepare meals for guests and staff (including catering for special dietary requirements)
- Work within the hygiene standards set out by KISC
- Keep a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness of all work areas
- Take charge of shifts on a rotational basis with other members of the Catering Team
- Distribute food products ordered by guests
- Manage contact with food suppliers
- Work with other teams in all matters relating to food provision
- Work with the Programme team to provide Summer barbecues, hut food packages and other meals/food products connected with Programme
- Work to attract more catering bookings, especially in low seasons
- Organise and prepare special meals for events at KISC
- Ensure a high standard of guest service at all times
- Support the Catering Manager in running the kitchen
Other responsibilities
- Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
- Run and develop staff training
- Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
- Involvement in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
- Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests
Management
General
The position is part of the Catering team within the wider Guest Services team at KISC. The Catering team consists of the Hygiene Supervisor (permanent), one Catering Manager (12-month role), two Catering Assistants (12-month roles) and two Summer Catering Assistants (4-month roles).
Line manager
The line manager for this position is the Guest Services Director, with daily work coordinated by the Catering Manager. The Catering Assistant has weekly meetings with the line manager and the Catering team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.
Team management
The Catering Assistant takes responsibility for being in charge of Catering shifts on a rotational basis with the other Catering Long Term Staff. The Catering Assistant deputises for the Catering Manager during their absence from the Centre. The Catering Assistant will have regular contact with other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to build a good working relationship and honest communication with them.
Staff management
The Catering team also work with Short Term Staff on a rotation basis with other teams in the Centre. Catering Long Term Staff take responsibility for all staff that are working in the kitchen.
Practical information
Insurance
- Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
- Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
- Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
- Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.
Benefits
- A room in one of the shared flats in Kandersteg
- All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
- 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
- Pocket money starting from 450 CHF per month
- A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation in Switzerland)
- Management and leadership training
- Administration of work permits
- Other benefits as detailed here on our website
Important information
Visa
- Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
- Citizens of the United Kingdom require a visa to work in Switzerland.
- For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries (including the United Kingdom), there is a lower chance of a successful visa application in 2022. Positions starting in 2023 have higher chances of successful visa.
- The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.