SALARY BAND: SG3 - Subject to qualifications and experience
RESPONSIBLE TO: Island Manager
HOURS OF WORK: 40 hrs per week, and upon request overtime
LOCATION: Aldabra Atoll Research Station (remote island posting)
DURATION: Contract-based
Summary of duties –
The Cook/Gardener is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals for staff and visitors, ensuring kitchen hygiene, and maintaining food stocks and equipment. The role includes baking, meal planning, and managing a small garden to supply fresh produce. In addition to culinary duties, the Cook/Gardener assists with general maintenance of the station and facilities during quiet periods.
The role requires adherence to SIF’s environmental, conservation, and HR policies, participation in anti-poaching patrols, waste management, and guiding visitors while promoting environmentally responsible behaviour. The position also involves record-keeping, reporting, and the responsible use and care of tools and equipment.
Given the remote and isolated location of Aldabra, the Cook/Gardener must be self-reliant, respectful of diverse cultures, physically fit, and capable of adapting to challenging conditions.
Duties and job responsibilities
1. Prepare and serve meals for staff and visitors, ensuring cleanliness, hygiene, and maintenance of all kitchen facilities, utensils, and equipment.
2. Provide full catering services, including the baking of bread and pastries, as required by the Island Manager.
3. Liaise with the Island Manager regarding food stocks, meal planning, and monthly costings. Maintain inventory records of kitchen supplies and equipment.
4. Maintain and manage a kitchen garden for fresh produce. When there are no visitors, assist with general maintenance of the Research Station, field camps, trails, settlement, and related equipment.
5. Adhere to all SIF policies, including those related to wildlife, plants, the environment, and Human Resources, such as code of conduct, confidentiality, health and safety, and workplace behavior.
6. Support anti-poaching patrols and surveillance under the direction of the Island Manager or designated personnel.
7. Accompany and guide visitors, ensuring environmentally responsible conduct and adherence to SIF policies.
8. Enforce waste management procedures and participate in regular clean-up activities, particularly in tourist and visitor areas.
9. Maintain daily logs of meals served, stock levels, and equipment usage, and submit monthly reports to the Island Manager.
10. Use and maintain kitchen appliances, gardening tools, and other assigned equipment responsibly.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by the Island Manager or designated supervisor.
Minimum entry requirements
· Academic Qualification: Certificate in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts (Level 2 or above) from the Seychelles Tourism Academy or an equivalent recognised institution; OR
· Experience: A minimum of 5 years' experience working as a Senior Cook, preferably in a remote or similar environment.
Required skills and competencies
· Ability to plan and prepare varied, nutritious meals for groups
· Knowledge of food safety standards and hygiene practices
· Gardening or small-scale farming skills
· Basic inventory and cost management
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively
· Basic maintenance skills (an advantage)
· Respectful and tolerant of diverse cultures and beliefs
· Flexibility and adaptability to living and working in isolation
Language requirements
· Basic to Intermediate proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required — sufficient to:
o Understand and follow instructions from the Island Manager and team
o Read and apply food safety guidelines and written recipes
o Communicate effectively with team members and visitors in a respectful and professional manner
Working conditions
· This is a remote island posting on Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
· The successful candidate must be prepared to live in isolation for extended periods with limited access to communication and amenities.
· The role may involve physically demanding work and exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions.
· Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination and demonstrate physical and mental readiness for the working and living conditions on Aldabra.
Apply now with an application form (which can be downloaded from our website, or collected at Mont Fleuri or Vallée de Mai Visitor Centre), your C.V. & a cover letter sent to recruitment@sif.sc . Kindly note deadline for application is 28th July 2025.