At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with the operation of the iconic Southend Pier and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a vibrant local authority dedicated to community service and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a £50 bonus for bank holidays, and potential for seasonal return.
- Other info: This role is physically demanding, requiring reliability and flexibility in shift patterns.
- Why this job: Experience a dynamic work environment with varied tasks and the chance to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is essential; cash handling and first aid skills are a plus.
Seasonal Resort Assistant (x24)
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. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
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 a number of exciting opportunities for Seasonal Resort Assistants (x26) to join the Resort Services Team on a full-time and temporary basis (until 5th October 2025). As a Seasonal Resort 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 provide high levels of customer service to the visitors at the pier, as well as areas of the foreshore, promote and assist with activities, including awareness of water safety, and provide information and advice. This role is a varied role and no two days are the same. One day you will be involved with the collection of train tickets and seeing trains in and out of the station as well as being on hand to assist visitors with any queries, while on other days, you will be carrying out patrols on the pier and 7 miles of foreshore (beaches), reporting hazards, checking lifesaving equipment, manning slipways, and recording maintenance checks.
As part of this role, you will also be required to clean areas like the restrooms / toilets, change refuse bins and provide a safe environment for visitors. Applicants will need to have hands-on experience in customer service, cash handling, first aid, lone working and be able to work in a fast-paced tourism service. 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, 12pm-8pm and, in the school holidays, 1pm-9pm.
What you\’ll need to succeed
To be successful, you must have excellent customer service and experience of dealing with a variety of customers. Previous experience of working in a 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 on a daily basis. You must have previous experience of cash handling, undertaking reconciliations and banking.
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 your 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 nowIf you\’re interested in this role, click \’apply now\’ 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. #
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Pier Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Southend-on-Sea area, especially the Pier and foreshore. Understanding the local attractions and services will help you engage with visitors and provide better customer service.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your cash handling skills. Since this role involves ticket collection and banking, being confident in managing cash transactions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your flexibility during the interview. Highlight your willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase any previous experience in customer service, particularly in fast-paced environments. Sharing specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Pier Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service, cash handling, and any previous roles in fast-paced environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention your flexibility with shifts and your ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that match the job requirements, such as effective communication, reliability, and experience with first aid. This will show that you are well-suited for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role heavily involves interacting with the public, be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences. Share specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or provided exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Reliability
Highlight your ability to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends. Mention any past roles where you had to adapt to changing schedules or demands, as this will show that you're a reliable candidate for the fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Physical Demands
This job requires being active and on your feet for long periods. Be ready to discuss your physical fitness and any relevant experience in similar roles that required stamina and endurance.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Pier and Local Area
Research the Pier and its significance to Southend-on-Sea. Being knowledgeable about the local area and its attractions can help you engage with visitors and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.