At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers, prepare food and drinks, and assist with events at our Nature Discovery Centre.
- Company: Join Essex Wildlife Trust, the leading conservation charity in Essex.
- Benefits: Earn £13.08 per hour, enjoy 26 days annual leave, and access staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible 15-hour work week with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while engaging with visitors.
- Qualifications: Friendly attitude and interest in customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.08 - 13.08 £ per hour.
Essex Wildlife Trust are the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature; and we would love you to join our committed and enthusiastic team.
By 2030 we aim to protect and connect 30% of land and sea and inspire 1 in 4 people in Essex to take action for wildlife.
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Centre Assistant to join us at our Nature Discovery Centre at Hanningfield Reservoir.
Our welcoming and friendly team at Hanningfield Reservoir provides fantastic customer service to our visitors.
The centre offers a shop, café, toilets, education/community room, displays and a wide range of events.
As a Centre Assistant, the role will include serving customers in both retail and food and beverage areas, operating tills, preparing drinks and food and assisting in events.
Responsibilities also include maintaining a clean and organised environment and restocking shelves.
You will work closely with our dedicated staff and volunteers, who are passionate about supporting the Trust’s mission.
All surplus revenue generated from our visitor centres directly funds vital conservation work across our reserves in Essex.
Working as part of a visitor centre team, the post holder will need to be a team player who can engage in a welcoming and professional way with our visitors - ensuring excellent customer service is always at the forefront.
We are looking for a friendly individual with an interest in customer service to join Essex Wildlife Trust in this visitor engagement role.
The position is a permanent role, working 15 hours per week between Monday and Sunday on a rota basis, that includes regular weekend and Bank Holiday working and some evenings for events and activities.
The hourly rate for this role is £13.08 per hour.
by 9:00am on Friday 28 August 2026.
Interviews will be held on Monday 07 September 2026.
Our values are Impactful , Collaborative , United and Proactive .
- Annual leave entitlement starts at 26 days per annum increasing annually to 29 days plus Bank Holidays.
- We provide company sick pay increasing with length of service
- an employee assistance programme
- a combined 8% contribution pension scheme
- staff social days
- colleague nomination scheme
- discounts in our Nature Discovery Centres.
Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome.
As a conservation charity, we know how important diversity is, both in our natural world and amongst the people we employ.
We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “ A county rich in wildlife with people connected to nature ”.
As a Disability Confident employer , please make us aware you have a disability as we are committed to offering an interview that meets the minimum criteria for the post.
If you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible, please make us aware.
We are proud to be an employer that supports the Armed Forces Covenant and are committed to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families.
As part of this commitment, Armed Forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for an advertised role will be guaranteed an interview.
- Abbotts Hall Maldon Road Great Wigborough Colchester Essex CO5 7RZUnited Kingdom
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Centre Assistant (Hanningfield) in Billericay employer: Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd
Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at the beautiful Nature Discovery Centre in Leigh-on-Sea. With generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave and company sick pay, alongside opportunities for personal growth and community engagement, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation and visitor experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant (Hanningfield) in Billericay
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant (Hanningfield) in Billericay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!