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- Tasks: Deliver fantastic customer service in our café and visitor centre.
- Company: Join the RSPB, a leading organisation making a difference to nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly wage, pension scheme, and 26 days' annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that enhances visitor experiences while supporting wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Basic food hygiene awareness and strong communication skills are essential.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time, 5 hours per week (Sundays) + cover and overtime options
Location: RSPB The Lodge Reserve Shop, Sandy SG19
Salary: £13.45 - £14.36 Per Hour
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (Pro-Rata)
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 cafe and visitor centre 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 visitor centre 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 cafe 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 cafe team, helping to serve customers, and undertaking other duties typical of a busy cafe and kitchen operation.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Basic food hygiene awareness (or willingness to complete training)
- Ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. tills, bookings or stock systems)
- Positive and proactive approach, with a willingness to support across different tasks
- Confident communicator able to engage visitors in a friendly and helpful way
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, including during busy periods
- Proactive approach, able to deal with issues and take initiative when needed
- Experience delivering good customer service and responding positively to feedback
- Strong team working skills, supporting colleagues to deliver a great visitor experience
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
- Experience of working in a catering environment/visitor attraction
- Knowledge of food and foodservice skills
- Till operation and payment handling
Additional Information
This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 5 hours per week on Sunday. Plus potential for overtime during busy periods or to cover holidays.
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 31st May 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 5th June 2026.
Interested? 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. In the cover letter section of 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 in Sandy employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Assistant in Sandy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the RSPB and its mission! Before your interview, do a bit of research on their work and values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your people skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! The role involves working closely with others, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with colleagues. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported your team to achieve great results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the RSPB family. Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to reflect how you meet the job criteria!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant in Sandy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for customer service and nature shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the role and working at The Lodge.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service or café environments. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain how you meet the essential skills listed in the job description. Be specific and give examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at RSPB.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Centre Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the visitor centre's operations, customer service expectations, and the importance of engaging with visitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role heavily focuses on delivering fantastic customer service, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've excelled in this area. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to provide a great visitor experience.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
The Centre Assistant position requires strong team working skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to a team goal, as this will highlight your proactive approach and ability to work under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, opportunities for overtime, or how the team handles busy periods. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.