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- Tasks: Engage visitors and provide excellent customer service at Barnard Castle.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to preserving England's rich heritage and historic sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy free access to all English Heritage sites and discounts in shops and cafes.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that connects people with history and enhances community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just a passion for people and great customer service.
- Other info: Flexible hours from April to October, with opportunities for career progression.
Location: Barnard Castle, Scar Top, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8PR
Salary: £12.39 per hour / 7.5 hours per week from April to October, zero hours November to March / Permanent
Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? We are looking for a Visitor Assistant to join us at Barnard Castle working 7.5 hours per week from April to October. Then zero hours November to March. No history background? No problem. What is important to us is a passion for people and excellent customer service.
You will enjoy working with others as part of a team and understand what makes excellent customer service to deliver an engaging visitor experience to a diverse audience. Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage. Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.
That’s why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it’s why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.
Barnard Castle is an 11th century castle, situated within quick walking distance of the historic market town that shares its name. Approximately thirty thousand people visit the castle each year to explore the ruins and learn about its storied past.
By joining us as a Barnard Castle Visitor Assistant, you will be part of an amazing team of employees and volunteers, ensuring visitors have a great time from the moment they arrive until they say goodbye. Through your recommendations, you will help personalise their visit - this could include talking about the benefits of English Heritage membership or recommending things to see and do on site. You will also contribute to making sure your site is accessible, safe and well presented at all times.
It is a varied role - some days will be busy from start to finish and others quieter, especially on the wetter days! Some paid or voluntary experience with the public is beneficial but full training and support is provided as part of your induction. You may be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays, more information will be provided at interview.
Benefits include:
- The opportunity for career progression within the heritage sector in retail, food and beverage or general management
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you, and up to 6 friends and/or family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays pro rata rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Options to buy additional leave
- Matched pension contributions up to a maximum of 10%
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage. Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We’re looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we’re committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work.
You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing. We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
If you would like to talk to us before you apply e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Patrick Ball, Barnard Castle Manager, at patrick.ball@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.
Our interview and offer process will take place between 21st July - 25th July 2025, with new starters joining in the week of 30th July, 2025. Interviews will take place Mount Grace Priory or online via Teams video call.
Visitor Assistant employer: English Heritage
Contact Detail:
English Heritage Recruiting Team
patrick.ball@english-heritage.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barnard Castle and its history. Understanding the site's significance will help you engage with visitors and provide them with a richer experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for customer service during any interactions. Highlighting your enthusiasm for helping others can set you apart, especially since this role focuses on delivering an engaging visitor experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Visitor Assistants if possible. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the position, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability, especially regarding weekends and Bank Holidays. Flexibility is key in this role, so demonstrating your willingness to work during peak times can make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what the Visitor Assistant role entails. Focus on the importance of customer service and teamwork, as these are key aspects of the position.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, especially in customer service or working with the public. Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise transferable skills that demonstrate your passion for people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention why you want to work at Barnard Castle and how you can contribute to creating an engaging visitor experience.
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, express your passion for heritage and community engagement. Share any personal experiences that connect you to the values of English Heritage, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at English Heritage
✨Show Your Passion for People
As a Visitor Assistant, your enthusiasm for engaging with visitors is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, even if it's from a different context.
✨Understand the Heritage Context
While you don't need a history background, showing an interest in heritage and its importance can set you apart. Familiarise yourself with Barnard Castle's history and the role of English Heritage in preserving it.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
This role involves working closely with others, so be ready to discuss your experience in team settings. Highlight any collaborative projects or roles where you contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Prepare for Varied Work Conditions
The job can be busy or quiet depending on the day. Think about how you would handle both scenarios and be ready to discuss your adaptability and problem-solving skills during the interview.
