At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist visitors at Southend Pier and ensure a fantastic experience for everyone.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a vibrant local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a £50 bonus on bank holidays, and potential for seasonal return.
- Other info: Must be flexible with shifts and enjoy working outdoors in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a beautiful coastal setting with varied daily tasks.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills; previous tourism experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance.
Your new role
The Pier is an iconic landmark and popular tourist destination in Southend which attracts visitors and locals alike looking to enjoy all that Southend seafront can offer. In order to manage this volume of visitors, there are several exciting opportunities for Seasonal Resort Assistants (x8) to join the Resort Services Team on a full-time and temporary basis (until 18th October 2026).
As a Seasonal Foreshore Assistant, you will work in a friendly and fast-paced environment and will be assisting with the general operation of the Pier, Foreshore or the Visitor Information Centre. You will play a key role in welcoming visitors to Southend Pier and the seafront, acting as a friendly and knowledgeable host who helps create a great experience for everyone who visits. Working across the pier, Visitor Information Centre and foreshore, you will provide information about the city’s attractions, assist visitors with queries, support events and promote water safety.
This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same. You might spend part of the day helping visitors in the ticket office and Visitor Information Centre, welcoming guests to the pier and supporting the smooth running of the pier railway. At other times, you will be out on the pier or along Southend’s seven miles of coastline carrying out patrols, checking lifesaving equipment, reporting hazards, supporting slipway operations and helping ensure the seafront remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, approachable and enjoys working with people, as well as being comfortable working outdoors and as part of a busy operational team. As part of this role, you will also be required to clean areas on the pier like the restrooms/toilets, change of refuse bins and provide a safe environment for visitors. Please note this is a physically demanding role as you will be active and on your feet for lengthy periods of time. Reliability and flexibility are a must for these posts. Typical shifts for this role are alternate weeks of either 10am-6pm or 12pm-8pm.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful, you must have excellent customer service and people skills. Previous experience of working within fast-paced tourism service will be desirable but not essential. You need to be able to communicate effectively as you will be dealing directly with the public daily. This role requires you to be flexible as the shifts vary from week to week with hours between 10am - 8pm. You must be available to work evenings, weekends (as well as weekdays) and bank holidays. Access to own vehicle and a full driving licence is desirable.
What you'll get in return
This job offers huge amounts of variety with no two days being the same, you will also receive a £50 bonus every bank holiday you work as well as a day lieu. You will work on a temporary basis lasting until the end of the summer. There is the chance that your assignment will be extended, and excellent performers will be given the opportunity to return next season.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. If successful, candidates should also expect to complete our standard compliance process. This will require providing the necessary documentation for right-to-work checks, supporting our DBS screening, and supplying reference details.
Locations
Resort Activities Assistant (Foreshore) in Essex, Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and rewarding career within local government. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working practices, and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community. The role of Resort Activities Assistant at the iconic Southend Pier provides unique opportunities for personal growth, hands-on experience, and the chance to engage with visitors in a vibrant coastal environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Resort Activities Assistant (Foreshore) in Essex, Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Southend-on-Sea City Council. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions like how you handle customer service situations or work in a team. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! As a Resort Activities Assistant, being approachable and friendly is key. During your interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share stories that highlight your people skills and love for working outdoors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Resort Activities Assistant (Foreshore) in Essex, Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for working with people and being part of a team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any customer service experience or teamwork skills that relate to the Resort Activities Assistant position. We love seeing how your past experiences can benefit us!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since you'll be dealing with the public!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We might close applications early if we find the right candidates. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Resort Activities Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like welcoming visitors and promoting water safety. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role involves direct interaction with the public, be prepared to showcase your customer service skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully dealt with customers or resolved issues. This will highlight your ability to create a positive experience for visitors.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
The job is described as fast-paced, so be ready to discuss how you handle busy situations. Share specific instances where you thrived under pressure or adapted quickly to changing circumstances. This will show that you can keep up with the demands of the role.
✨Flexibility is Key
With varying shifts and the need to work evenings and weekends, it’s important to express your flexibility during the interview. Be honest about your availability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the team. This will reassure them that you’re committed to the role.