R2R103815 - Resort Activities Assistants (Foreshore) in Southend-on-Sea

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.