At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver fantastic customer service in our shop and café at RSPB The Lodge.
- Company: Join the RSPB, a leading organisation making a difference to our natural world.
- Benefits: Enjoy holidays, pension, life assurance, and flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that enhances visitor experiences while supporting nature conservation.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a positive attitude are essential.
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.
Additional Information
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.
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 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 in Sandy 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 in Sandy
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like RSPB and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at RSPB and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Assistant in Sandy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and RSPB.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about RSPB and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress RSPB.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which RSPB will surely appreciate.
