Job Purpose

The Canal & River Trust is one of the UK’s largest charities, we maintain 2,000 miles of historic canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, along with museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of protected historic buildings – preserving them for future generations.

 We are currently seeking two Seasonal Museum Assistants to provide support at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester during our summer season from May till October 2022, working a total of 17.4 hours per week on rota basis.

 You will be working in the museum across the site, including different areas such as our shop and café as well as in the galleries themselves. You will deliver excellent service through participation in activities, the sale of goods and services, maintenance activities and events, working with volunteers, providing an excellent environment for customers to enjoy.  You will be promoting the Trust personally and through an excellent environment, actively contributing to the generation of revenue and customer satisfaction. 

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for flexible, professional staff with excellent interpersonal skills and commercial awareness to work as Museum Assistants. The main key attributes required are excellent customer service skills and a proactive, positive attitude. Previous experience in a museum or attraction environment is an advantage, as well as any recent retail or ‘front of house’ experience.  You will need to be an effective communicator with the ability to multi-task and have previous experience of dealing with the public in a customer service environment.

Skills, knowledge & experience: 

Main Duties:

• Provide excellent service to all Canal & River Trust customers at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester, working front of house, in the cafe, shop or supporting events and activities, ensuring people have an enjoyable visit and that the site is presented to a high standard. Assist in a variety of tasks and at specific events, provide backup to office based functions if required.
• To answer the telephone, handle telephone bookings and enquiries. This involves taking bookings for ticketed events including boat trips, dealing with sales and general enquiries and redirecting business and other calls. Use the computer at reception and handle email bookings, orders and enquiries. This involves using the internet to access relevant websites and research responses to requests for information, dealing with sales and general enquiries received by email.
• Ensure that services provided make use of the most up to date information and follow the relevant safety procedures or work to the required standards of hygiene or use. Deal with customers face to face or by phone to expected standards of courtesy and care.
• Be knowledgeable of the Trust and Trust activities, local attractions and wider network. Be an ambassador for the Trust.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety within the site. Participate in regular checking and maintenance of equipment to ensure fitness for purpose, note and report defects and incidents following Trust procedures.
• Take payments for goods and services following required procedures. Receive and store cash and other means of payment, maintaining records of payments received; and processing documentation accurately and to required time standards.
• Monitor stock levels within retail and catering environments, rotating stock as required. Present and display goods/ food offering effectively to maximise sales.
• Work with volunteers and new employees being a role model/ mentor for them to assist the person acquiring the necessary understanding of the role requirements and that volunteers enjoy their experience with the Trust.
• To provide assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation of the building. This involves guiding visitors to an assembly point, helping visitors with special needs, being aware of emergency procedures and fire safety.
• Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times.

Experience, skills and qualifications required

• Experience in a customer facing role within a museum/attraction, leisure, retail or customer service environment.
• Experience of working in a gallery, museum or visitor attraction desirable.
• Excellent customer service skills and confident dealing with people.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Maths and English GCSE.
• Experience of cash handling.
• Relevant occupational qualification in food hygiene or other discipline for bespoke tasks.
• Customer Service training qualification – Welcome Host or other equivalent.
• Literate in the use of computers, internet and Microsoft Office.
• Valid driving licence.