Visitor Experience Officer in Aberlady

Location: Waterston House, Aberlady, East Lothian

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part-time, 14 hours per week (0.37 FTE). The role follows a fixed rotating rota, working Saturdays and Sundays, 9.30am–5.00pm, for three weekends out of four. One weekend in four is normally exchanged for weekday shifts to maintain contracted hours, as agreed with the Finance and Office Manager.

Salary: £9,172.80 per annum (£12.60 per hour)

Start date: As soon as possible

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) is seeking a motivated, organised and approachable individual to join our team as Visitor Experience Officer. Based at the Club’s attractive headquarters at Waterston House in Aberlady, this role is central to delivering a welcoming and informative front-of-house experience for visitors, members and researchers. You will be a key member of a small, dedicated team and will often work independently. Confidence, initiative and a friendly, professional manner are therefore essential. Shifts are 9.30am–5.00pm and include an unpaid 30-minute lunch break. The role operates on a set weekend rota agreed in advance. Flexibility to provide occasional additional weekday cover, either through time off in lieu (TOIL) or agreed shift swaps, is welcomed. As a small organisation, we value staff who can adapt to support the wider aims and day-to-day operation of the Club.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a high-quality front-of-house service at Waterston House, welcoming visitors and responding to enquiries
• Open and close the premises and ensure the centre is presented to a high standard
• Process shop and art gallery sales using the electronic point-of-sale system
• Assist library and archive users, including researchers, book loans and donations
• Respond to bird-related queries and keep the local bird sightings board up to date
• Advise customers on the purchase of optical equipment
• Support retail stock control, including liaising with suppliers and placing orders, as required
• Assist with on-site events, meetings and room set-up
• Support the Club’s social media activity and content creation
• Work with and support volunteers
• Undertake other duties as required to support the team and the effective running of the Club

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Experience of delivering high-quality customer service in a visitor- or customer-facing role
• Confident, friendly and professional approach when engaging with the public
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Basic IT skills, including use of electronic tills and card payment systems
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing tasks
• Reliability and flexibility to work a rotating weekend rota
• Experience in a visitor attraction, charity, museum, gallery or similar environment
• Retail experience, including stock control and supplier liaison
• Interest in birds, wildlife or the natural environment
• Bird identification knowledge, or a willingness to learn
• Experience of assisting with events or meetings
• Experience using social media platforms and creating basic content
• Familiarity with optical equipment or specialist retail products

WHY JOIN US?

You’ll be part of a passionate and knowledgeable team working at the heart of Scottish ornithology. This role offers the opportunity to engage with a wide range of visitors, support the work of a respected conservation charity, and help connect people with birds and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role to recruitment@the-soc.org.uk by Sunday, February 22nd at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place Monday, March 2nd. For informal enquiries, please contact Mairead Lyons at accounts@the-soc.org.uk.