At a Glance
- Tasks: Help deliver exciting programmes and events in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Company: Join East Ayrshire Leisure, dedicated to excellent customer service and community engagement.
- Benefits: Earn £15.53 per hour with a 12.5% shift allowance and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Seasonal role until September 2026 with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and ability to work in a team.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Ref no: EAY12115
Published: 06/02/2026
Closes: 20/02/2026
Location: Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 3XB
Rate: £15.53 per hour pro rata
Contract Type: Temporary
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Job Purpose: Contributing to and delivering excellent customer service across East Ayrshire, the Development Assistant for Countryside will facilitate the organisation, preparation and delivery of a wide range of planned programmes, activities and events contributing to the design and delivery of innovative, modern and sustainable services. Working within a performance management and continuous improvement framework the post holder will strive to exceed the expectations of the East Ayrshire Leisure Strategy and Delivery Plan.
Please see the attached Job Specification and Key Activities which outline all responsibilities and duties for this post.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INTERVIEW, CANDIDATES MUST DEMONSTRATE ON THE APPLICATION THAT THEY MEET ALL ESSENTIAL CRITERIA OF THE ATTACHED JOB SPECIFICATION.
Rate of Pay: £15.53 per hour
Hours of work will be a mix of early and backshifts working 5 over 7 days on a 3 week rota. 12.5% shift allowance will be applicable. This is a Seasonal post until 30 September 2026.
Responsibilities and Our Values:
- Contribute to and deliver excellent customer service, and in doing so promote and recognise the importance of people in delivering our vision and values;
- Being honest and demonstrating integrity at all times;
- Engaging and inclusive with our people, partners and stakeholders;
- Striving for continuous improvement by being ambitious and aspirational in all that we do;
- Taking responsibility and being accountable for our organisation and our service delivery.
Additional Information:
Employment References: We follow the national guidance in relation to pre-employment checks namely "Safer Recruitment Through Better Recruitment". With regards to requests for references and in line with this guidance, during your application process you should provide details of a minimum of two appropriate and relevant references, one of which should be from your current or most recent employer. It is also a requirement that the reference from your current or most recent employer is from an appropriate senior manager and it is not a reference from a former peer operating at the same level.
The duties of the post involve Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful applicants for such posts will be required to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member in respect of Regulated Work with either or both of these groups as appropriate, or if they are already a Scheme member, be subject to a PVG Scheme Record Update, before any formal offer of employment can be made by East Ayrshire Leisure.
Please note: PVG members' records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant prior to any formal offer of employment being made.
Development Assistant (Countryside) - EAY12115 employer: East Ayrshire Council
East Ayrshire Leisure is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the picturesque Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, staff are empowered to deliver outstanding customer service while engaging in meaningful programmes and events. The role of Development Assistant not only provides competitive pay but also offers unique opportunities to contribute to sustainable services within the community, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Assistant (Countryside) - EAY12115
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experiences and show off your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do at East Ayrshire Leisure.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Assistant (Countryside) - EAY12115
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specification Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job specification thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and can demonstrate how you meet all the essential criteria outlined in it.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about delivering excellent customer service, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have. We love to see examples of how you've engaged with people and contributed to positive experiences in previous roles.
Be Honest and Authentic:We value integrity, so be yourself in your application. Don’t just tell us what you think we want to hear; share your genuine experiences and motivations for applying. This will help us get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Ayrshire Council
✨Know the Job Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the East Ayrshire Leisure Strategy and Delivery Plan, as this will help you demonstrate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Development Assistant, excellent customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. This will show that you embody the values of honesty, integrity, and engagement that they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve had to adapt or innovate in your previous roles, especially in a team setting.
✨Prepare Your References
Since references are crucial for this role, have at least two ready, including one from a senior manager. Make sure they can speak positively about your work ethic and suitability for a role involving regulated work with children or vulnerable adults.