At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, provide information, and promote our donkey welfare initiatives.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a leading animal welfare organisation dedicated to donkeys worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 31 days holiday, wellbeing support, and a subsidised restaurant.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Sidmouth, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while engaging with visitors.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills, basic IT knowledge, and a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.
We have an excellent opportunity for proactive and flexible team players with outstanding interpersonal skills to join our Commercial and Onsite Activities department for the summer months as Visitor Services Assistant. The Visitor Engagement team is the first point of contact for visitors, providing a warm welcome, offering help, advice and information on all aspects of the Charity. Whether enjoying the new interpretation centre, exploring the wider sanctuary or finding out about our extensive worldwide work, you will be on hand to help visitors explore and discover everything we have to offer.
About you
- Excellent customer service skills; which includes experience of dealing with enquiries and complaints from supporters/members of the public.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
- Basic I.T. skills (proficient in Word, Outlook and Excel).
- Knowledge and genuine interest in the work of The Donkey Sanctuary.
- Full, valid UK Driving Licence.
About the role
- Providing a warm friendly welcome, help and advice across all Visitor Engagement points, namely the Welcome Area.
- Ensuring that excellent customer service is a main priority, giving a warm welcome to all visitors and proactively engaging them in the charity at every opportunity.
- Informing visitors about the donkeys, advising visitors of the work of the charity, answering queries and advising on the new visitor facilities.
- Ensuring the Visitor Centre is well stocked with literature.
- Responding to face‑to‑face complaints and feedback, taking prompt and appropriate action to resolve any issues.
- Proactively promoting adopt‑a‑donkey to members of the public.
- Answering emails and telephone enquiries, booking visits, and entering new supporter information onto the database as required.
What we offer in return
- Based in Sidmouth, East Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty.
- These are variable hours, fixed term contracts starting on 1 July 2026 until 30 September 2026, working an average of 28 hours per week, five days over seven. Flexibility will be required for weekend working.
- Life assurance.
- 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan, including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets and access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 10 May 2026. The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer. The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Visitor Services Assistant (2207) in Sidmouth employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful location in Sidmouth, East Devon, while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including generous holiday allowances, health benefits, and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a collaborative environment. Join us this summer as a Visitor Services Assistant and be part of a dedicated team that welcomes visitors and promotes the vital work we do for donkeys worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Services Assistant (2207) in Sidmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know The Donkey Sanctuary inside out! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially how they improve the lives of donkeys. This knowledge will help you connect with visitors and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle enquiries or complaints. Role-playing these situations with a friend can boost your confidence and prepare you for real-life interactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be friendly and engaging. Remember, you're not just applying for a job; you're also representing the welcoming spirit of The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with basic IT skills, which is a must for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Services Assistant (2207) in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Donkeys:When writing your application, let your love for donkeys shine through! Share any experiences or knowledge you have about animal welfare and how it aligns with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission. We want to see that genuine interest!
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Make sure to emphasise your customer service experience. Talk about times you've dealt with enquiries or complaints, and how you turned those situations into positive outcomes. Remember, we’re looking for proactive team players!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Visitor Services Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Donkeys
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about The Donkey Sanctuary and its mission. Familiarise yourself with the work they do and the importance of donkey welfare. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled enquiries or complaints, as this role heavily relies on strong interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss specific situations that highlight your ability to engage positively with visitors.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since you'll be interacting with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, practice clear and friendly communication. You might want to role-play common visitor scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with answering questions and providing information in a warm manner.
✨Be Flexible and Proactive
The role requires flexibility, especially with weekend working. During the interview, express your willingness to adapt to varying schedules and demonstrate your proactive approach by sharing ideas on how you would engage visitors and promote the charity's initiatives.
