Summary
Being a Visitor Experience Officer for the National Trust is all about people – connecting with them, inspiring them, and making sure they have the best possible day when they come to visit.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Visitor Experience Manager, you'll be working in a team of 4, at Shugborough Estate and Biddulph Grange Garden.Shugborough estate once home to the Anson family since 1624, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise’.You can explore sweeping parkland, ancient woodland and a landscape peppered with monuments. See seasonal blooms in the formal gardens, or produce in the walled garden. Head over to Park Farm to see Dorking chickens, and say hello to the animals, such as Longhorn cows and Southdown sheep that roam around in the fields.At Biddulph Grange Garden you can take on a global journey, from Egyptian pyramids, a Himalayan Glen through an Italian Garden to a Victorian vision of China. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, a stunning Dahlia Walk, and the oldest Golden Larch in Britain, just to name a few. It’s also home to the country’s oldest Stumpery, an unusual display of upside-down oak tree roots.
What you'll be doing
As Visitor Experience Officer, your main focus will be on providing a great service for visitors. With your team, you’ll be welcoming people and inspiring them to really get to know Shugborough Estate and Biddulph Grange Garden. This might include devising and running events and activities, and creating interpretive displays and other ways of bringing the place, and its stories, to life for everyone who comes here. You'll encourage visitors to take a closer look at artworks or precious objects cared for by the Trust.
You might be supervising and supporting volunteers and organising rotas. You’re likely to be checking standards of presentation on site, or helping to write for our web pages.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
1. an understanding of visitor engagement, inclusive interpretation, and audience development in cultural or heritage settings
2. teamworking and leadership skills to support and develop staff and volunteers
3. organisational and co-ordination skills to manage bookings, events, and day-to-day visitor operations
4. financial awareness, including budget monitoring and resource planning
5. awareness of health and safety, safeguarding, and accessibility standards
Criteria for all other applicants:
6. used to multiple deadlines and managing your own workload
7. skilled in organisation and planning, with a good eye for detail
8. good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
9. a hard-working and committed team player
10. comfortable with IT: Microsoft Office, as well as web and social media
11. experienced in producing interpretive materials, such as displays and exhibitions, and marketing or promotional materials
12. familiar with health and safety procedures
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places