The Role and Department The Department of Engineering is consistently one of the very best UK engineering departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students, and is an excellent place to work. The strategic vision for the Department includes a planned growth in excess of 50% over the next five years, so it is an exciting time to join this expanding Department and make your mark.
The coffee bar is an important part of the Department, acting as a hub to bring staff, students and visitors together. We are currently seeking a part time coffee bar assistant to run this facility, and serve staff, students and visitors with refreshments. The post holder will be responsible to the Department Manager, and the main duties of the role involve: serving drinks, sandwiches and snacks, making tea and coffee, ensuring a safe and clean working environment, loading and unloading the dishwasher, replenishing stocks, ordering sandwiches, reviewing stock sales and ordering replacement stock, and daily purchasing of fresh fruit. You will also assist with catering and setting up for and clearing away after events, cashing up, and cleaning up at the end of each day.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about working in an educational environment, making a difference and achieving results. You will be a positive and adaptive individual with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to develop and nurture relationships with others. You will also have a commitment to the principles of continuous improvement and a drive to get things done.
The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to diversity within all aspects of life in the Department and reflecting the supportive, collegiate and positive environment within the Department.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is indicated below.
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here .
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
- 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days, including time off between Christmas and New Year.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
- On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
- Provide an excellent service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
- Undertake relevant training for the role, including mandatory University training, and Basic Food Handling and Allergens training.
- Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided and being aware of any hazards.
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools, e.g. electrical appliances, from more experienced colleagues.
- Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
- Help check and monitor stock controls.
Teamwork
- Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
- Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
- Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
Communication/Personal
- Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
- Promote an optimistic and helpful working culture through positive working practices and behaviour.
- Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
- Any other reasonable duties.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
Essential criteria
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
3. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
4. Experience of working in a team.
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.
Desirable criteria
7. Positive outlook.
8. Flexible working approach.
9. Ability to self manage.
10. Willing to work additional hours to cover holidays.
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dr Ruth Vater ( ruth.vater@durham.ac.uk ) would be happy to speak to you.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
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