Visitor Experience Assistant
Reference: MAY (Apply online only)
Location: Sherwood Forest, NG21
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time, at least 11.5 hours per week + seasonal extras
Salary: £26,228.00 - £27,999.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
About the Reserve
Sherwood Forest is home to rich folklore and the legend of Robin Hood, but also one of the largest collections of Ancient Oaks in Europe, including the Major Oak, and is one of the UK’s most important ancient woodlands. Budby South Forest connects directly to the busy Sherwood area, itself is one of the largest extents of historic heathland in the Midlands. A former royal hunting forest, Budby is a mosaic of characteristic Sherwood habitats including lowland heath, acid grassland and wood pasture.
The notable trees and threatened habitats, along with the rare and vulnerable insect assemblages and other species that rely on them make Sherwood and Budby hugely special places for nature, and are legally protected by NNR, SSSI and SAC designations. The amazing wildlife as well as the cultural importance of Robin Hood and extensive historical significance make it a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
What’s the role about?
We’re looking for someone who can help ensure every visitor enjoys a welcoming, memorable and high-quality experience. You’ll play a key role in greeting visitors warmly, sparking their enthusiasm for the Legend of Robin Hood, sharing our love for local wildlife, and encouraging people to support the RSPB’s vital conservation work through membership.
As part of our seasonal programme, we’ll be delivering a range of events and activities - and you’ll help bring these to life in fun, creative and inclusive ways. This may include interactive storytelling, hands-on activities and even dressing up as part of the experience.
This role is a great opportunity for someone who is excited to develop their skills in visitor engagement, events delivery and public-facing work. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those looking to grow their experience in this area.
You will be:
* Working with colleagues to ensure the effective, efficient and safe running of the centre, guaranteeing a high quality, on-brand, visitor experience.
* Working with the visitor centre and site management team to achieve financial targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to deliver against our business goals
* Expected to ensure every visitor has positive and memorable contact with staff, whether they are individuals, small groups, large groups, school groups, people with disabilities, families etc,
* Assist with the facilitation of family activities and events, contributing ideas and suggestions to enhance the visitor experience.
* Ensure the visitor centre, together with its environs, visitor facilities and equipment are maintained and presented to a high standard.
Essential Criteria
* Ability to inspire others - Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate people to support wildlife and nature through confident, positive engagement.
* Clear communication skills - Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
* Strong organisational skills - Proven ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
* Analytical problem-solving - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to work independently and use initiative.
* Responsive customer care - Ability to respond quickly and professionally to customer needs, queries and feedback.
* Collaborative teamwork - Dedicated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing positively and helping to motivate and inspire others.
* Relationship building - Ability to build, maintain and strengthen productive relationships with colleagues, partners and the public.
* Flexible working approach - Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including weekends and occasional evenings, to meet organisational needs.
Additional Information:
This is a Permanent, Part-Time role for a minimum of 11.5 hours per week with flex up during our busiest peak periods over holidays.
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday, 28th June 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 8th July 2026.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short application form.
Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
No agencies please