At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors and enhance their experience at Dunstanburgh Castle.
- Company: Join English Heritage, a charity caring for historic sites across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy free access to all sites, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that connects people with history and heritage.
- Qualifications: No specific background needed; just a passion for people and customer service.
- Other info: Work weekends and Bank Holidays; full training provided.
Title: Visitor Assistant
Location: Dartmouth Castle, Castle Road, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0JN
Salary: £11.73 per hour / Up to 36 hours per week available April to October including weekends / Fixed Term Contract until 2nd November. *All salaries will increase following the NLW rise on 1st April 2025 to a minimum of £12.21 per hour*
Job type: Permanent
Ref: 15804
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 Dartmouth Castle working 36 hours per week. We would also consider a job share between one 15 hour (2 days) contract and one 22 hour contract (3 days).
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.
As a Dartmouth 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 will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays, more information will be provided at interview.
The role is advertised for 36 hours (5 days) per week during peak season, including weekends and bank holidays, to reduce to 0 hours during the winter months. We would also consider a job share split between one 15 hour (2 days) contract and one 22 hour contract (3 days).
The role is fixed term until the end of this season, Sunday 2nd November 2025.
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%
If you would like to talk to us before you apply e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Sophie Castle, Dartmouth Cluster Manager, sophie.castle@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.
Our interview and offer process will take place between 17th February – 10th March 2025, with new starters joining in the week of 24th March 2025.
You will need to refer to the following documents when completing your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Visitor Assistant employer: English Heritage
Contact Detail:
English Heritage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for customer service! When you meet the team or during any informal chats, share your experiences of providing excellent service. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of creating a memorable visitor experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with Dunstanburgh Castle and its history. Even if you don't have a background in history, knowing some interesting facts about the site can help you engage with visitors and enhance their experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasize your teamwork skills! Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles or volunteer experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability, especially for weekends and Bank Holidays. Showing flexibility and willingness to work during peak times can set you apart from other candidates.
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. Highlight your passion for people and customer service in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect relevant experiences, even if they are not directly related to history. Emphasize any customer service or teamwork experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for working with the public and your understanding of the importance of heritage. Mention how you can contribute to an engaging visitor experience.
Highlight Your Availability: Since the role requires weekend and Bank Holiday work, make sure to clearly state your availability in your application. This shows your commitment and flexibility.
How to prepare for a job interview at English Heritage
✨Show Your Passion for People
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with visitors and providing excellent customer service. Share any relevant experiences where you successfully engaged with the public, as this aligns with the charity's focus on creating an engaging visitor experience.
✨Understand the Heritage Context
Even if you don't have a history background, familiarize yourself with Dunstanburgh Castle and its significance. Being able to discuss its history and importance will demonstrate your commitment to the role and help you connect with visitors.
✨Emphasize Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work well in a team environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, as teamwork is essential for ensuring visitors have a great time at the castle.
✨Be Prepared for Varied Workdays
Discuss your flexibility and adaptability, as the role can vary from busy to quieter days. Mention any past experiences where you successfully managed different workloads or adjusted to changing circumstances.