We’re looking for a Service Assistant to join us at Wicken Fen to help busy teams throughout our visitor operations.
Salary: £12.25 an hour
Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 31 October 2025
Hours: This role is an hourly paid, fixed term role. Wherever possible we aim to offer a consistent working pattern, but we’re looking for flexibility as it may be necessary for us to alter this pattern from time to time to suit the needs of the business. We’d give you as much notice of this as possible.
Wicken Fen is open every day of the week from 9.30am until 5pm, and in June, July & August we are also open until 8pm on Thursdays. This role is part-time, hours to be agreed; please note you will be expected to work at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
Interview date: Wednesday 9th April
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. 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
As we’re a small team based in the Visitor Centre and shop, we need an extra person to help us through the busier months, welcoming our visitors, outdoors as well as in the Visitor Centre, helping visitors find out about the nature reserve and how they can enjoy it, and helping out with shop sales.
Wicken Fen is an internationally important wetland, the oldest nature reserve in the National Trust, with visitors enjoying walks, cycle hire, boat trips and our full programme of family events and activities. This year we are hosting a sculptural sound installation at Wicken Fen, July – Sept, offering a new way for our visitors to engage with nature and the Fen. A small team in the Visitor Centre works closely with our Outdoors Experience team, as well as the retail and food and beverage teams, supporting visitors to have a great time.
This role will report to our Welcome Manager, be based largely in the Visitor Centre working with our Welcome and Retail teams (6 staff and a few volunteers in this immediate team). It’s a great opportunity to find out about all visitor facing aspects of work at a National Trust property.
What you'll be doing
The core part of your job is to give vital and positive support to your colleagues, wherever you’re needed, with a focus on greeting and helping visitors.
No two days will be the same. You can expect to meet many different people and gain experience in different visitor areas. You’ll get involved in all kinds of tasks, including greeting visitors on arrival, restocking the shelves in the shop and clearing tables in the café.
Most importantly, you’ll be talking to visitors, answering their questions and making sure they can find everything they need to enjoy their day.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
well-organised and adaptable
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