If you've had enough of squinting at online job ads that want you to be a ninja, rockstar, or "dynamic self-starter", welcome. This is a round-up of proper jobs that pay actual money, based right here in Shepton and its sleepy-lively surrounds. Here's what's out there:

If you can handle a knife and keep your cool under kitchen heat, there's a Chef Kitchen role going in Shepton Mallet. Permanent, £14/hour, assisting across all sections – hot, cold and desserts. Experience helps, but mainly they want someone who shows up and mucks in. No shouting chefs mentioned, which is promising.

For the mechanically inclined, a Maintenance Engineer role with a tidy salary of up to £53K is on offer. It's permanent, nights, and plant-based (in the industrial sense). NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Maintenance required. Welding, cutting, and a sense of humour highly desirable.

Meanwhile, if you prefer your engines roadworthy, there's a HGV Technician / Mechanic role in Shepton. Paying up to £47,133 with generous holiday, it's a Monday-to-Friday affair in a well-kitted-out workshop. MOT prep, fault diagnosis and general tinkering with large machinery included.

On the food factory floor, Rapid Personnel are after Production Operatives to help cut and package the goods. It's a temp role through the end of 2025, 6am–2pm weekdays, starting at £12.60/hour. Food production experience preferred. Great if you're an early bird who doesn't mind hairnets.

Into numbers, not knives? A local firm needs a Finance Administrator for 6–8 weeks of temp cover. Office-based in Shepton, £15/hour. You'll be posting invoices, chasing payments, and generally keeping the books tidy. Parking included. Immediate start.

Over in Castle Cary, there's a Plumber (Full Training into Gas) role for someone ready to upskill. £35–£42K, full-time, with performance bonuses and on-site meals. If you've got the plumbing qualifications and want to go further, this one's worth a look.

Education-wise, there's a strong call for tutors and teachers. A SEND Specialist Tutor is needed in Shepton for 1:1 support work with young people who can't access mainstream schools. Pay starts around £30/hour, with flexible hours. Patience, creativity, and a solid background in SEN essential.

Similarly, SEN Teachers are wanted in Castle Cary and Bruton, delivering tailored Maths, English or Science sessions to children with additional needs. These roles are permanent and pay up to £35/hour. It's holistic, flexible work with real impact.

Finally, if you're more at home in a high-end kitchen than a high-vis jacket, a new venue in Bruton is hunting for a Head Chef. £45K, permanent, and a chance to shape a new food concept with local produce. If that doesn't tempt you to sharpen your knives, nothing will.

Still browsing? Find more listings on the full Shepton Mallet Nub News jobs board. It's not all glamour, but it's all local.