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- Tasks: Assist customers in the shop and maintain retail displays at RSPB Leighton Moss.
- Company: Join RSPB, a charity dedicated to saving nature and making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days of annual leave (pro rata).
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team while contributing to environmental conservation.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English or equivalent; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
Location: Carnforth
Salary: £12.60 - £13.45 Per Hour
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract. Maternity Cover
Hours: Part-Time, 15 hours per week, up to 20
The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join the team at RSPB Leighton Moss, near Carnforth in north Lancashire. This is a great opportunity to work for a charity dedicated to saving nature. The income you help bring into the RSPB will contribute to this cause.
The visitor centre including the shop is open from 9.30am to 5pm, and is open 7 days a week, therefore this role will require regular weekend working. The shop closes on Christmas Day but is open throughout the rest of the year including bank holidays.
RSPB Leighton Moss is recruiting for part-time Centre Assistants to work primarily in the shop; you will occasionally be asked to work in the cafe. The role will typically work 15 hours per week, up to 20 hours per week. The roles will include regular weekend and bank holiday working. This is a maternity cover contract.
The main focus of the Centre Assistant role in the shop is to serve customers and ensure they have the best experience possible whilst at Leighton Moss. You will also help maintain the retail displays, process deliveries, operate the till and respond to visitor enquiries in a friendly professional manner.
Working on a nature reserve means there’s always plenty going on and you’ll need to be prepared to deal with almost anything. It’s part of what makes working at Leighton Moss so enjoyable. Added to that, working for the RSPB, a charity dedicated to saving nature, means you know that the income you help bring in will contribute to this cause.
You will receive full training and support on all aspects of RSPB Retail, which will enable you to drive sales, be a positive role model to the team and an ambassador for the RSPB.
As Centre Assistant at RSPB Leighton Moss, your key responsibilities will be:
- Ensuring the retail store is delivering the highest standard of customer care.
- Working with the retail management team to achieve financial targets and Key Performance Indicators to deliver against retail store goals.
- Ensure the retail store is commercially merchandised and stock levels are appropriate.
- Ensuring all retail admin, operating processes, security including cash handling and health and safety in the retail store adheres to RSPB procedures.
What we need from you:
- Computer literate and comfortable using a computer-based till system.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to manage and respond to customer needs and feedback.
- Ability to lift large items e.g. 12.75kg sacks of bird food.
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
Closing date: 23:59, Sun, 4th May 2025
Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received.
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 short form. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.
No agencies please.
Centre Assistant - Part-Time Maternity Cover employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant - Part-Time Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPB's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to saving nature will help you convey genuine enthusiasm during any interviews or conversations with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service experience. Since the role focuses on providing excellent customer care, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed customer interactions in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about teamwork and initiative. The role requires working closely with others and taking the lead when necessary, so think of instances where you've demonstrated these skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your availability, especially for weekends and bank holidays. Since the position requires regular weekend work, showing flexibility and commitment to the schedule can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant - Part-Time Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Centre Assistant role. Focus on customer service experience, teamwork, and any retail or hospitality roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to express your enthusiasm for working with RSPB and your commitment to conservation. Mention specific skills that make you a great fit for the role, such as communication and problem-solving abilities.
Highlight Soft Skills: The job requires a variety of soft skills. Be sure to mention your ability to work independently, manage customer needs, and respond to feedback in your application materials.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you provide all required documents, including your CV and any additional forms. Double-check that your application is complete before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Nature
Since this role is with the RSPB, it's essential to express your passion for nature and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or interests related to wildlife and environmental protection to demonstrate your commitment to the charity's mission.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
As a Centre Assistant, you'll be interacting with visitors regularly. Be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experience and how you handle various situations. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to provide excellent service and respond to customer needs.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Given the dynamic environment of a nature reserve, you might face unexpected situations. Think about how you would handle challenges such as busy periods in the shop or dealing with difficult customers. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Initiative
The role requires working closely with the retail management team and being a positive role model. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles and how you take initiative when needed. This will show that you're a team player who can also work independently.
