Visitor Experience Officer

Job Description

Summary We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to lead our visitor offer at Houghton Mill. Do you have a proven track record of planning, leading and delivering exceptional visitor experiences and are able to demonstrate strong volunteer managementskills including coaching, development, motivation and communication This unique role also leads our milling operation; producing and selling flour ground by the millstones, which are powered by our recently restored waterwheel, with a dedicated team ofvolunteers. What its like to work here Houghton Mill is the last working watermill that exists on the River Ouse.With a charming riverside location, theproperty includes the Mill, a tearoom and a campsite.The small but ambitious team at theproperty work collaboratively together to provideaccess to the surrounding countryside and an engaging visitor experience which includes milling flour that can then be purchased onsite. A strong team spirit and collaborative working environment is key to the success ofHoughton Milland the staff are lookingfor flexible, creative people to join them. What youll be doing Reporting to the Visitor Operations and Experiences Manager, youll be responsible for delivering the day-to-day operations of the visitor experience at Houghton Mill. Youll enable a broad range of visitors to have outstanding and inspirational experiencesthrough guided tours, milling experiences and other visitor activities. Youll champion access for everyone and take forward our visitor experience to be more accessible and inclusive. Youll lead on the management, development and training of volunteers involvedin the delivery of the mill visitor experience include millers, tour guides and welcome volunteers.Youll learn how to mill Houghtons stoneground flour and support the daily maintenance of the mill machinery that is used in the milling demonstrations. Working with the facilities team you will ensure all safety, compliance and conservation tasks are completedthus securing the future of the last working watermill on the river Great Ouse. Youll have duty management responsibilities including regular Sundays and Bank holidays during the open season.The role is on an annualised hours contract. The mill is open from MarchOctober so the expectation is that more of your hours will be worked during these months, balanced with fewer hours over the closed season. Who were looking for Its a significant role at a busy property and we need someone who can take on a challenge.Wed love you to have:

• Experience in visitor operations ideally in the heritage sector.
• Experience of managing volunteers. Knowledge of the different approaches to recruiting, rewarding, recognising and motivating volunteers.
• Good people skills, enabling good working relationships with those in your team and across the property.
• Practical maintenance skills, ideally with heritage buildings or assets. Some knowledge of working with external contractors and organisations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including skills in public presentation, facilitation or training delivery.

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible
• Free parking at most locations
• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.