Summary
The car park assistant role is one of the most valuable roles here at Polesden Lacey as the car park is a key aspect of the visitor experience with it being the first part of a visitor’s day out. Being a car park assistant means you will be one of the first people to make a difference to our visitors by ensuring that they get parked quickly and safely as well as giving them a warm welcome.
If you enjoy working outside in all weathers, in a fast-paced environment in both a team or independently, communicating with others and different logistics, then this role may be for you.
The Hours: This is a zero-hour role meaning there is no set number of guaranteed hours per week or per month. Shifts will vary depending on operational needs. There are flexible hours available which includes weekend shifts, school holidays and bank holidays; to be discussed at interview. Typically shifts are half day shifts that are 4.5hrs, but during some busy periods, we may ask you work a full day shift which is 5-7hrs with a 30 min break.
Key dates: 2025
19 July - 3 September (Summer Holidays)
25 October – 2 November (October Half term)
The Salary: 12.25 per hour.
Duration: This is a seasonal fixed term role with the contract end date of 2 November 2025
Proposed interview date: 1 August 2025.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a CV or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Polesden Lacey welcomes over 350,000 visitors per year with busy days currently ranging from 2,500 - 3800 visitors. At our busiest times, we have 3 car parks open that all need to be managed to ensure they are being run efficiently. This is a public facing role working in the car park in all weathers which can be challenging but rewarding. Training will be provided on car park logistics, policies, and customer expectations.
Some large events across the year that bring in our visitors include Easter, Summer theatre, lazy jazz Sundays, heritage weekend and Christmas with more events in the planning! Aside from our events, we also have local regular visitors that enjoy a daily walk and coffee with or without a dog. A key part of making sure these events and busy days run smoothly is having a well operated car park and a warm welcome from our staff.
Polesden Lacey’s 1600 acre estate is just four miles outside of Dorking, as this is in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before you apply for this job.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the day duty officer, you will be either working outside with a team of other car parking assistants or independently and you will be greeting and parking visitors, answering any questions they may have, assisting visitors with the ticket machines and communicating with other staff using a radio to ensure visitors are being efficiently and safely parked. You will also help keep the car park and surrounding area presentable by carrying out regular checks and litter picking. When interacting with our visitors, you’ll inform them of the amazing work we are doing by explaining why they need to pay or scan their membership card on the car park machines and what their money is funding as well as promoting local projects & promoting our cause.
As this is an outdoors role, you'll need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
1. focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
2. a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
3. well-organised and adaptable
4. willing to learn new skills.
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
•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