At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist visitors at Southend Pier, providing information and ensuring a great experience.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a vibrant local authority dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a £50 bonus for bank holidays, and potential for seasonal return.
- Other info: Active role with varied tasks; must be reliable and flexible with working hours.
- Why this job: Be part of an iconic landmark, meet new people, and work in a fun, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent 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 (x15) to join the Resort Services Team on a full-time and temporary basis (until 18th October 2026). As a Seasonal Pier 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 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 license 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. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. 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 (Pier) in Essex, Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an excellent employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a focus on community service and collaboration. Employees enjoy a flexible work-life balance, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant coastal environment. The Resort Activities Assistant role at the iconic Southend Pier provides a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere, where staff can thrive while welcoming visitors and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Resort Activities Assistant (Pier) in Essex, Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Pier and its surroundings! Familiarise yourself with the attractions, events, and safety protocols. This way, when you chat with visitors, you’ll sound like a local expert, making their experience even better.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you meet potential employers or team members, be friendly and approachable. A warm smile and a positive attitude can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The role is all about variety, so being open to different tasks and shifts will show that you’re a team player who can handle whatever comes your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen and ready to jump into this exciting role at the Pier!
We think you need these skills to ace Resort Activities Assistant (Pier) 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 vibrant team at the Pier.
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 contribute to making visitors' experiences unforgettable!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the good stuff about why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We might close applications earlier than expected, so get your application in as soon as you can. Head over to our website and hit that 'apply online' button – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand what being a Resort Activities Assistant entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like providing excellent customer service and ensuring visitor safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with the public, be prepared to demonstrate your customer service skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved issues. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and be approachable.
✨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've thrived under pressure or managed multiple tasks at once. This will reassure the interviewers 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 crucial to express your flexibility. Be honest about your availability and willingness to adapt to the schedule. This shows that you're committed and ready to meet the needs of the team.
