Job Description

Closing date: Monday 17 November 2025
Salary: The starting salary will be 23,137.50 per annum (FTE 24,375.00)
Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time
Location:

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre

,

Carlton Marshes

Burnt Hill Lane

Lowestoft

Suffolk

NR33 8HU
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Carlton Marshes cafe - Peter Cook


We're looking for an enthusiastic and organised Assistant Cafe Supervisor to help deliver an outstanding visitor experience at our Visitor Centre at Carlton Marshes.
Carlton Marshes, located in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk Broads near Lowestoft and part of the Suffolk Broads, is a mosaic habitats including grazing marsh, fens, peat pools, meadows, dykes and scrub that have evolved over centuries to support specialised wildlife.



Strategically placed beside the watercourse, the visitor centre offers panoramic reserve views and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy freshly baked goods, refreshments and a gift shop area. It also connects to an all-weather network of paths and viewpoints. The surrounding landscape features a play area and a picnic lawn with easy servery access.



Carlton Marshes - John Lord



Barbara Meyer



Black winged Stilts at Carlton Marshes, Gavin Durrant



Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography



As the Assistant Cafe Supervisor, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth, day-to-day running of the cafe and ensuring an exceptional experience for every visitor. Working closely with the Cafe Supervisor, you will help lead the cafe team to deliver outstanding service, maintain high standards of presentation and uphold the welcoming, nature-inspired atmosphere that defines the Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre.



You will have responsibility for key operational areas including food preparation, stock management, and staff supervision deputising for the Cafe Supervisor when needed. Through your leadership, attention to detail and enthusiasm for great service, you will help ensure the cafe's success as a friendly, efficient and financially sustainable part of the visitor experience -- while supporting Suffolk Wildlife Trust's mission to connect people with nature and bring wildlife back.



The successful candidate will have excellent communication and customer service skills, with confidence in preparing and serving food, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and working well as part of a team. Experience in a similar environment is essential, along with the ability to support and guide others in a busy setting. Proficiency with EPOS till systems and barista skills are desirable, as is previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role.



This is a permanent position working five out of seven days each week, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. The starting salary will be 23,137.50 per annum (FTE 24,375.00). The hours of work within Monday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm will be:


April to October - 36 hours per week over five days March to November - 35 hours per week across five days


To apply for this opportunity, please submit an online application via our website by 9:00am on Monday 17 November 2025. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Wednesday 26 November 2025 at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre. Please indicate on the application your availability for interview. (between 9:30am and 4:00pm).

Supporting Documents

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Recruitment Pack Role Description Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.



Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of "A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help".



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