If you love talking to people and sharing your passion about nature, this may be the role for you.

Part of the Thames Estuary, not far from the bustling streets of London, Rainham Marshes is a haven for all kinds of wildlife - birds, water voles, dragonflies and more. We have a wonderful visitor centre with cafe, shop toilets, bike hire, playground and different areas to walk (ride a bike, or walk your dog). We need someone to work as part of the visitor and retail team creating and delivering an exemplar customer experience, with the aim to maximise moral support, income and profit for the RSPB.

What is the role?

We are looking for a part-time Centre Assistant for six months at our busy nature reserve. This unique role is a varied and exciting one. You will be required to work in both the Visitor Centre and Shop at RSPB Rainham Marshes. Mainly; welcoming visitors, making members for the RSPB, helping customers in the shop, or pointing out wildlife as it dashes by!

Why is it exciting?

RSPB Rainham Marshes is a fantastic reserve and offers a huge opportunity to engage people and to gain their vital support, which is much needed to continue and grow the conservation work of the RSPB. This post will allow you to make a big impact on nature conservation.

Who are we looking for?

This is a perfect opportunity for an outgoing person with experience in customer service, and retail; with a growing passion for nature and conservation. You’ll have plenty of energy and a willingness to learn and develop as part of your role. You will be part of an enthusiastic and dynamic team of staff and volunteers with a passion for wildlife. You don’t need to be a bird or wildlife expert to apply, just a budding interest. If you're a 'people person', friendly, approachable and have good understanding of the importance of giving visitors a first-class experience, then this could be the role for you!

Although experience in a similar role is desirable, we actively encourage anybody who believes that they have the required transferrable skills to apply for this role

This  job will involve working most weekends and bank holidays.

Key activities will include.

• Ensuring the visitor experience and shop are delivering the highest standard of customer care.
• Working with the Centre/Site management to achieve financial and membership targets and Key Performance Indicators to deliver against retail and business goals.
• Helping to manage the overall visitor experience from arrival to departure as required.
• Ensuring the visitor centre together with its environs, visitor facilities and equipment are maintained and presented to a high standard.
• Ensure the retail store is commercially merchandised and stock levels are appropriate.
• Ensuring all retail and membership administration, operating processes, security, food hygiene and health and safety adheres to RSPB procedures.
• Communicate using RSPB brand values and guidelines to ensure that the RSPB brand is presented consistently and correctly.
• Support the delivery of high-quality activities and events to meet agreed connection targets.
• Working with the visitor experience and shop managers to achieve business targets.

What we need from you:

Essential qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Enthusiastic approach to work.
• Excellent levels of personal hygiene.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
• Multitasking.
• Problem solving skills and ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to manage and respond quickly and positively to customer needs and feedback.
• Able to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience of working at a catering and/or retail environment.
• Knowledge of health and safety in the workplace.
• Knowledge of food and food service skills.
• Till operation and payment handling.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Please note you will be required to complete an online application form.

Before applying for this role we would encourage you to read through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

For further information please contact Louise Moss at louise.moss@rspb.org.uk