At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors, provide tours, and ensure a clean, safe environment at Cheddar Gorge.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Cheddar Gorge and Caves, where history meets adventure.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days holiday, free entry to attractions, discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with varied shifts, perfect for students seeking summer work.
- Why this job: Be part of an unforgettable experience for guests while working outdoors in a stunning location.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and a passion for sharing knowledge with others.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 12 £ per hour.
About the role: We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a General Assistant to join our team at Cheddar Gorge and Caves! This diverse role, offered on a fixed-term basis, would suit individuals who love variety, history, the outdoors, as well as communicating and sharing experiences with visitors with the enthusiasm that gives our guests an unforgettable day.
What does this role entail? Reporting to the Assistant Operations Manager, you’ll be the first point of contact for our guests, correctly informing them of the activities on offer whilst ensuring that the site is clean and safe for guests, visitors and colleagues. The work is varied with elements of routine and reactiveness, working throughout all of the 3 operational departments at Cheddar including operations, retail (Gift Shop) and Food & Beverage (Café).
Key duties will include:
- To provide at all times the highest standard of service to customers in a polite, courteous and helpful manner.
- To ensure the highest standards of presentation and cleanliness throughout the premises.
- To have a good knowledge of Cheddar Gorge and Caves, its attractions and history.
- To provide guided tours and interpretation in the Caves and the Museum including fire lighting and flint knapping.
- To understand and have the ability deliver food service safety compliance to the requirements of the Longleat food corporate policy.
- To assist with the rotation of stock, reporting any short dated lines to the retail office.
- To operate the tills and be responsible for the security and accounting of all moneys handled during transactions in line with the cash handling procedure.
What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?
- Self‑motivated with excellent customer service skills
- Experience sharing verbal information to groups of people
- Experience of communicating with the general public.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Able to work outside in all weathers
- Experience of till operation
Benefits:
- 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
- Unlimited free entry to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves for our employees
- Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
- 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
- Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
- Discounts on Longleat VIP Experiences and Accommodation
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme
- Perks at work
- Range of flexible working schemes
Your contract: You will be employed on a fixed term zero hours contract until 7th September 2026. Shifts are worked on a 7-day rota, including weekends, bank holidays, and evenings. Typical shifts range between 8:00am and 8:00pm, depending on operational requirements.
Cheddar Gorge Seasonal Team Member employer: Longleat
Joining our team at Cheddar Gorge and Caves means becoming part of a vibrant work culture that values enthusiasm, customer service, and the beauty of the outdoors. With benefits like unlimited free entry to our attractions, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal growth, we ensure our employees feel valued and engaged. This role not only offers a chance to connect with visitors but also provides a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history of Cheddar Gorge while working in a stunning natural environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cheddar Gorge Seasonal Team Member
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Longleat are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Cheddar Gorge Seasonal Team Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Longleat.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Longleat. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Longleat
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.