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- Tasks: Assist with reception, customer enquiries, cleaning, and basic catering duties.
- Company: Join a friendly non-profit charity dedicated to helping guests explore Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, live-in accommodation, and membership for exploring hostels.
- Why this job: Experience island life in Orkney while meeting diverse guests and making memories.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for teamwork.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural experiences during your time off.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Job Reference: KIRHA003
Position: Hostel Assistant x 3
Location: Kirkwall Youth Hostel, Orkney, (KW15 1BB)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, 2 x 23/Mar/2026 until 19/Sep/2026, 1 x 23/Mar/2026 until 30/Aug/2026
Hours per week: 37.5 Hours
Salary: £12.40 per hour
Accommodation: Live in accommodation available (Note: a small weekly utility levy applies.)
Do you enjoy outdoor activities and exploring your surroundings in your spare time? From cities to islands, beaches to hills or mountains and all points in between, our youth hostels provide the perfect base for field trips, activity breaks or cultural tours. Gateway to exploring Orkney, located a short stroll from Kirkwall - the capital of the Orkney islands. Experience island life, lots to explore and experience wildlife, archaeology and festivals.
A small friendly team. Accommodation available in shared staff house, with own bedroom. Would also suit local person for live out. Hostelling is open to all. We are a non-profit charity and we take our responsibilities seriously, helping guests of all ages and backgrounds to discover and experience all that is Scotland.
As a Hostel Assistant, you will be undertaking a range of hostel duties including:
- Full reception service
- Check-in/out
- Handling customer enquiries
- Cleaning & housekeeping
- Basic catering duties
You should be adaptable, as workloads & priorities can change during the busy periods. Naturally a great communicator who loves to work as part of a team and who loves engaging in conversation with guests. Someone who can support and respect their colleagues, as some of the teams live in depending on location.
In return we offer:
- Membership of Hostelling Scotland - so you too can enjoy the wonderful locations of our hostels and experience the great service that our guests receive when it is your time away from work.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension and holidays
- Uniform is provided
Additional Information:
- A successful candidate is required to provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance
- You must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before starting with us.
How to apply: If you would like to join us, please visit our website to learn about how we process job applicants’ information and apply through our website.
Closing Date: 08th February 2026
Interview: W/c 16th February 2026
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Hostel Assistant in Kirkwall employer: Hostelling Scotland Head Office
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Head Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Assistant in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hostel vibe! Before your interview, check out the Kirkwall Youth Hostel's social media and website. This will help you understand their culture and values, making it easier for us to connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Hostel Assistant, you'll be chatting with guests all day. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and show off your communication skills when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to adapt! The job description mentions changing workloads, so think of examples from past experiences where you've had to switch gears quickly. This will show us that you're flexible and ready for anything!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the hostel life.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Assistant in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hostelling: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in a hostel environment. Share your love for outdoor activities and how you connect with guests from all walks of life. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience. Focus on skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, as these are key for a Hostel Assistant. We want to see how your background fits with our friendly team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your information and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, you can find more details about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland Head Office
✨Know the Hostel Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Kirkwall Youth Hostel and its surroundings. Familiarise yourself with the services offered, local attractions, and the ethos of hostelling. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Hostel Assistant, you'll be interacting with guests from all walks of life. During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by engaging in conversation and showcasing your ability to connect with others. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully handled customer enquiries or worked as part of a team.
✨Be Ready for Adaptability Questions
The job requires adaptability due to changing workloads. Prepare for questions that assess your flexibility and problem-solving skills. Think of specific instances where you've had to adjust quickly to new situations or priorities, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Express Your Passion for Outdoor Activities
Since the role involves engaging with guests who enjoy outdoor activities, make sure to express your own passion for exploring nature and participating in local events. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for the outdoors, as this will resonate well with the interviewers and align with the hostel's values.
