At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver fantastic customer service in our shop and café while supporting visitors at our nature reserve.
- Company: Join the RSPB, a leading organisation dedicated to protecting our natural world.
- Benefits: Enjoy holidays, pension, life assurance, and flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for overtime during busy periods.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while gaining valuable experience in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a positive attitude; training provided for all necessary tasks.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 27999 £ per year.
Location: RSPB The Lodge (Gatehouse) Reserve, Sandy SG19
Hours: Part-Time, 17.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £26,228.00 - £27,999.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Holidays, Pension and Life Assurance
Are you able to deliver fantastic customer service, and would you like to work for an organisation that is making a big difference to our natural world? We are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working people person, to help work in our shop and café at our Lodge Reserve.
About The Lodge: The Lodge is home to the RSPB headquarters. The reserve has a visitor centre, shop, café and events programme. RSPB The Lodge has a range of habitats including Heath and woodland and is home to many species including Natterjack toads, Ravens and over 600 species of fungi.
About the Role: Our work in the shop is planned via the use of rotas and would include weekend working. Full induction and training would be provided, with opportunities to learn about the running of a busy visitor centre and nature reserve operation. Our café and reception operations are a crucial part of what we do here, encouraging visitors to explore the reserve, and giving them a great visitor experience. You will be able to communicate well with our visitors and offer excellent levels of customer care. Duties will include day to day running of the shop and cash handling, welcoming visitors to the reserve, giving out information, and encouraging visitors to support our work. You will also support our café team, helping to serve customers, and undertaking other duties typical of a busy café and kitchen operation.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Ability to use basic IT systems (for example, tills, booking systems or stock management systems), or willingness to learn.
- Experience of cashing up tills and/or holding responsibility for opening, closing or securing premises.
- Basic awareness of food hygiene requirements, or willingness to complete relevant training.
- Positive approach to work, with a willingness to support a range of tasks as required.
- Ability to communicate effectively and provide a welcoming, helpful experience for visitors.
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload effectively.
- Ability to work effectively in a busy environment and manage competing priorities.
- Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, seeking support when needed.
- Experience of delivering excellent customer service and responding positively to feedback.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to support a positive visitor experience.
This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 17.5 hours per week covering alternate weekends and some days in the week. Plus potential for overtime during busy periods or to cover holidays. Possible lone trading.
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 4th October 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 13th October 2026.
If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature's side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.
This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a form. In the form please explain how you meet the criteria set above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. No agencies please.
Centre Assistant employer: RSPB
As a leading employer in the conservation sector, RSPB offers a dynamic work environment in the stunning location of Aviemore, where employees are encouraged to collaborate on impactful landscape restoration projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values teamwork and innovation, RSPB provides unique opportunities for growth while making a meaningful difference in the natural world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at RSPB. 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 RSPB 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 Centre Assistant
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 RSPB:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at RSPB 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 RSPB!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨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.
