At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service and manage daily operations at the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
- Company: Join the award-winning Lee Valley Regional Park team dedicated to wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, health benefits, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in wildlife conservation while engaging with visitors in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30896 - 35997 £ per year.
£30,896 - £35,997 (Pro-Rata) per annum, plus flexible benefits
21 hours per week Job Share (Monday – Sunday Shift Rota)
Fixed term Contract 1 Year with the possibility of being made permanent
The award-winning Lee Valley Regional Park stretches an incredible 26 miles along the leafy banks of the River Lee, from Ware in Hertfordshire, through Essex, to the Thames at East India Dock Basin. The park provides a unique natural corridor on London’s doorstep and a vital refuge for wildlife, offering landscapes from industrial heritage sites and nature reserves to a 1,000 acre country park and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic countryside professional to join our Open Spaces Team as a Customer Service Officer based at our Wildlife Discovery Centre (WDC) located in the River Lea Country Park, just north of Waltham Abbey, Essex.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the effective day-to-day running of the Wildlife Discovery Centre (WDC) and deliver excellent customer experience to visitors, including providing information on the local area and the wider park.
- Open and close the WDC Discovery Room and Tower on a daily basis.
- Liaise with and oversee volunteers on duty, including managing the volunteer rota system.
- Liaise with Ranger Service colleagues, other internal staff, on-site contractors and preferred suppliers (where applicable) to ensure each day runs smoothly.
- Monitor and respond to incoming external emails to the WDC inbox and provide cover for other Open Space customer service colleagues when required.
- Work at other open space sites to promote the Park in “pop up sessions” when needed.
- Answer and respond to telephone, email, and social media enquiries from the public; respond in person or pass on enquiries to the appropriate Open Spaces department as needed.
- Request/oversee orders for retail stock, hot and cold drinks, printable literature and cleaning materials.
Qualifications and Skills
- You will need proven customer service experience, ideally in a leisure or countryside environment, along with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office functions.
- Experience of working individually or as part of a team, together with volunteers and community engagement activities, is highly desirable.
- A flexible approach is required as the building is open seven days a week on a rota basis, including weekend and bank holiday working.
Why it is Great to Work Here
- Competitive pay, excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave allowance, flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package are key highlights.
Benefits
- Health screening: free medical check-up (after successful probation) with option to purchase a more comprehensive plan
- Health Cash Plan
- Dental Cover Plan
- Season ticket loan
- Bicycle purchase scheme with significant discount and potential tax benefits
- Staff discounts: up to 25% off food and beverage, up to 50% off stays at campsites, free weekday golf, discounts on weekends, 10% off in chandleries, 40% off activities at sporting venues
A full driving licence is essential; successful applicants will be required to obtain a Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau, with assistance provided.
For more information on the site, please visit the Lee Valley Park website. Applications should be completed via the website and returned to.
Closing date: 5 August 2026
Contact Details:
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Officer - Wildlife Discovery Centre
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Lee Valley Regional Park Authority before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Officer - Wildlife Discovery Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Lee Valley Regional Park Authority:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
