At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist visitors at Southend Pier and ensure a great experience for everyone.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a vibrant local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a £50 bonus on bank holidays, and potential for seasonal return.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of an iconic location and create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills; previous tourism experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
The Pier is an iconic landmark and popular tourist destination in Southend which attracts visitors and locals alike looking to enjoy all that Southend seafront can offer. In order to manage this volume of visitors there are several exciting opportunities for Seasonal Resort Assistants (x8) to join the Resort Services Team on a full time and temporary basis (until 18th October 2026). As a Seasonal Foreshore Assistant, you will work in a friendly and fast paced environment and will be assisting with the general operation of the Pier, Foreshore or the Visitor Information Centre. You will play a key role in welcoming visitors to Southend Pier and the seafront, acting as a friendly and knowledgeable host who helps create a great experience for everyone who visits. Working across the pier, Visitor Information Centre and foreshore, you will provide information about the city’s attractions, assist visitors with queries, support events and promote water safety.
This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same. You might spend part of the day helping visitors in the ticket office and Visitor Information Centre, welcoming guests to the pier and supporting the smooth running of the pier railway. At other times you will be out on the pier or along Southend’s seven miles of coastline carrying out patrols, checking lifesaving equipment, reporting hazards, supporting slipway operations and helping ensure the seafront remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. We are looking for someone who is proactive, approachable and enjoys working with people, as well as being comfortable working outdoors and as part of a busy operational team. As part of this role, you will also be required to clean areas on the pier like the restrooms/toilets, change of refuse bins and provide a safe environment for visitors. Please note this is a physically demanding role as you will be active and on your feet for lengthy periods of time. Reliability and flexibility are a must for these posts. Typical shifts for this role are alternate weeks of either 10am-6pm or 12pm-8pm.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful you must have excellent customer service and people skills. Previous experience of working within fast paced tourism service will be desirable but not essential. You need to be able to communicate effectively as you will be dealing directly with the public daily. This role requires you to be flexible as the shifts vary from week to week with hours between 10am – 8pm. You must be available to work evenings, weekends (as well as weekdays) and bank holidays. Access to own vehicle and full driving license is desirable.
What you'll get in return
This job offers huge amounts of variety with no two days being the same, you will also receive a £50 bonus every bank holiday you work as well as a day lieu. You will work on a temporary basis lasting until the end of the summer. There is the chance that your assignment will be extended, and excellent performers will be given the opportunity to return next season. Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. If successful, candidates should also expect to complete our standard compliance process. This will require providing the necessary documentation for right-to-work checks, supporting our DBS screening, and supplying reference details.
R2R103815 - Resort Activities Assistants (Foreshore) employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and rewarding career within local government. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working practices, and a collaborative culture, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the community. The role of Seasonal Resort Activities Assistant provides unique opportunities for personal growth and development, all set against the backdrop of Southend's vibrant seafront, making it an ideal place for those passionate about customer service and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103815 - Resort Activities Assistants (Foreshore)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Southend on Sea City Council. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions like 'How would you handle a difficult visitor?' This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! The role is all about customer service, so let your friendly and approachable nature shine through. Share stories that highlight your people skills and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103815 - Resort Activities Assistants (Foreshore)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for working with people and being part of a vibrant team.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in customer service or tourism. We love seeing how your past roles can contribute to making visitors' experiences at Southend Pier unforgettable!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to answer any questions directly and avoid unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Seasonal Resort Activities Assistant role. Understand the key responsibilities, such as providing excellent customer service and ensuring visitor safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with the public, be prepared to demonstrate your customer service skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved issues. This will highlight your ability to connect with visitors and create a positive experience.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
The job requires flexibility with shifts, so be ready to discuss your availability. Mention your willingness to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. This shows that you're committed and ready to adapt to the needs of the team, which is crucial for a fast-paced environment like this.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming events at the pier, or how success is measured in this role. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.