We’re looking for a Service Assistant to join us at Castle Drogo to help the Visitor Experience team with our day-to-day operations and opening of the castle. You’ll be directly supporting the volunteer team in creating a memorable visitor experience and helping share the stories of Castle Drogo and its collection.
Salary: £11.50 per hour. We’re currently undertaking our pay review process, and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2025.
Contract/duration: Fixed-term until 31 December 2025.
Interview date: Thursday 27 March.
Hours/working pattern/hours: Averaging at 2 days per week (including weekend working), 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 our visitor operations.
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
You’ll be reporting to the Visitor Experience & Volunteering Officer, working as part of the Visitor Experience team at Castle Drogo on Dartmoor. 2025 will be an exciting year to join the team as we celebrate 50 years since Castle Drogo was first open to the public.
Castle Drogo stands high above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Outside there is a Lutyens designed garden which is colourful in all seasons, and there are miles of pathways and abundant nature to explore and discover in the Teign Gorge.
What you'll be doing
The core part of your job is visitor-facing, with a focus on greeting and helping visitors. You’ll be talking to visitors, answering their questions and making sure they can find everything they need to enjoy their day.
You will also be supporting the Visitor Experience team with managing our volunteer castle team, assisting the running of seasonal family trails and helping care for the collection through preventive conversation work.
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