At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the public, promote the festival, and assist with event logistics.
- Company: Join the British Science Association for an exciting festival experience.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, plus training pay and flexible hours.
- Other info: Opportunity to gain valuable experience in a dynamic event environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant science festival and connect with the community.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for science are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Overview
Duration: 16 - 20 September 2026, plus training day on Monday 14 September. Core Hours: Assigned between 08:00-22:00, confirmed on appointment. You will be allocated no less than 35 hours over the course of the festival and may be scheduled for up to 48 hours between 14 and 20 September 2026. Some roles may involve minimal supervision and could require working late evenings or early mornings.
About the role
The British Science Association is recruiting Festival Ambassadors to work during the British Science Festival 2026. The Festival will be held across Southampton from 16 - 20 September 2026, hosted by the University of Southampton. This role is based in Southampton.
Responsibilities
- Deal with queries from members of the public / attendees.
- Act as a representative of the British Science Festival.
- Control public access and exit to and from areas.
- Report to Building Managers and assist with other duties as required.
- Assist with the set-up and pack-down of venues.
- Actively promote the Festival to the general public.
- Help the public with wayfinding and booking events.
- Support other roles as required, including covering breaks.
About you
Person Specification
- Great interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable with approaching members of the public.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience, tact and skill in dealing with the public.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and show initiative to solve problems.
- Ability to work flexibly across different positions throughout the day.
- Great level of spoken English.
- Knowledge of Southampton.
- Previous experience working or volunteering at events or in a public-facing role.
- Student at University of Southampton.
- Based in Southampton.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 10.00am. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date to arrange a short online interview before a final decision is made. Provisional interview dates are Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June 2026.
As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.
Terms and conditions
Festival Ambassadors will be working at the British Science Festival in Southampton, during the Festival between 16 - 20 September 2026, plus training day on Monday 14 September. Responsibilities are provisional and subject to change. The assignment is offered at a salary of £13.45 per hour. You will be allocated at least 35 hours, with the possibility of up to 48 hours between 16-20 September, including 6 hours for training on 14 September. Your core hours will be scheduled between 08:00-22:00 at venues around Southampton and the University of Southampton for the five days of the festival itself (including at least a 30-minute unpaid break for every 6 hours of work). Festival assistants can expect to work every day during the festival, with shift times shared in advance. The training day on Monday 14 September 2026 will be paid at the above rate and is compulsory. The BSA will reimburse reasonable travel costs incurred in attending the training day. The BSA will not be covering travel, accommodation, or subsistence costs for the duration of the Festival.
Our commitment to equalities, diversity and inclusion (EDI) seeks to make science relevant and welcoming for everyone. We especially aim to reach audiences who do not have an active relationship with science or who view science as not for them, including people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, faith/religious communities, disabled people, women and non-binary people, and many others.
British Science Festival 2026 - Festival Ambassador in Southampton employer: British Science Association
The British Science Association is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the public during the vibrant British Science Festival 2026 in Southampton. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values interpersonal skills and teamwork, alongside flexible working hours and competitive pay. This role not only allows for personal growth through hands-on experience in event management but also fosters a sense of community among those passionate about making science accessible to all.
Contact Details:
British Science Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land British Science Festival 2026 - Festival Ambassador in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Science Festival and its vibe! Familiarise yourself with the event's history, key themes, and what makes it special. This will help you connect with attendees and show your enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be dealing with the public, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will boost your confidence and help you stay calm under pressure when interacting with festival-goers.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Be ready to adapt to different roles and tasks throughout the festival. Show that you're a team player who can jump in wherever needed, whether it's helping with wayfinding or assisting with set-up.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date and prepare for those online interviews – we want to see your personality shine!
We think you need these skills to ace British Science Festival 2026 - Festival Ambassador in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for science and the festival shine through! We want to see how excited you are about being a part of this amazing event.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for great interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently, so don’t forget to mention any past roles that showcase these qualities!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive it and can consider you for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Science Association
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Festival Ambassador. Understand what it means to deal with public queries, assist with venue set-up, and promote the festival. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with the public, be ready to demonstrate your great interpersonal skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully dealt with the public or worked as part of a team. This will highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and solve problems.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility in working hours and roles. The festival requires you to work various shifts, so showing that you're adaptable and willing to take on different tasks will make you stand out. Mention any previous experience where you've had to be flexible in your role.
✨Brush Up on Southampton Knowledge
Having a good knowledge of Southampton will be beneficial, especially when helping attendees with wayfinding. Do a bit of research on key locations related to the festival and any local attractions. This will not only impress the interviewers but also prepare you for the actual event.
