At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of Barnstaple Town Council, helping residents and visitors with their queries.
- Company: Join a vibrant council dedicated to community spirit and local heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible hours, and beautiful North Devon surroundings.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in public service and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26824 - 28142 £ per year.
Barnstaple Town Council are looking for two friendly, organised, and proactive Administration Assistants to be the welcoming face of our new Town Council reception. If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working in a team-focused environment, this could be the perfect role for you.
The Role of an Administration Assistant
It will be vital that an administration assistant understands how the Council works and how it differs from other councils and their services. A good working knowledge of local government will be useful in this post, but more importantly, knowledge of the local area will be essential. You will need proven experience of working with the public, dealing with difficult queries and remaining calm and courteous under pressure.
You will be the first point of contact for all the Town Council's services, offering a professional but friendly face to help both residents and visitors to find the information they need. You will need to have the ability to build relationships with local partners to gather and share relevant information and good team working skills to gather information internally to share with the public.
Our ideal candidates will possess an attention to detail, strong organisational skills, significant experience in managing a busy reception or public space, will think creatively about promoting the work of the Town Council, and the flexibility to work during evenings and weekends.
In return we offer a competitive salary, Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working hours, and a life in the beautiful surroundings of North Devon.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Experience of working with the public
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience in managing a busy reception or public space.
- Flexibility to work during evenings and weekends.
Why Join Us?
Barnstaple is a vibrant and growing town with a proud past and an exciting future. With major investment in cultural infrastructure and a strong community spirit, this is a fantastic time to get involved. You’ll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking council committed to celebrating heritage, fostering community pride, and making a real difference.
For further details, the application pack including job description and person specification can be found on the Council's website. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 21 January 2026. All applications need to be returned to or the Barnstaple Town Council Reception. Only applications received with a completed application form will be considered.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,824.00-£28,142.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate: Barnstaple EX32 8LS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education: GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience: Public Service: 2 years (preferred)
Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Administration Assistants x2 in Barnstaple employer: Barnstaple Town Council
Contact Detail:
Barnstaple Town Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administration Assistants x2 in Barnstaple
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Barnstaple! Familiarise yourself with the local area and its services. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since you'll be the friendly face of the Town Council, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and courteously is key. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've dealt with difficult queries or situations. This will demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Completing the application form directly on the Barnstaple Town Council site ensures your application is seen. Plus, it shows you're proactive and ready to take the first step towards joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Administration Assistants x2 in Barnstaple
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into the application, take a moment to explore our website. Understanding Barnstaple Town Council and its values will help you tailor your application and show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Yourself: When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We’re looking for friendly and proactive individuals, so don’t be afraid to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have in public service or managing a busy reception. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so give us specific examples of how you've handled difficult queries or built relationships in the past.
Double-Check Your Application: Before hitting submit, take a moment to review your application. A keen eye for detail is crucial for this role, so ensure everything is clear, concise, and free from typos. We can’t wait to read your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnstaple Town Council
✨Know Your Local Area
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Barnstaple and the surrounding areas. Understanding local issues, services, and community events will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and can connect with residents and visitors.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact for the Town Council, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in dealing with the public. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult queries or resolved conflicts while remaining calm and courteous.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is key for this role. Think of specific instances where you've managed a busy reception or public space effectively. Share how you prioritised tasks and maintained a welcoming environment, even during peak times.
✨Be Flexible and Ready to Adapt
The job requires flexibility, especially with evening and weekend shifts. Be prepared to discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you've had to adapt your schedule to meet the needs of your team or organisation.