Centre Assistant

Are you able to deliver fantastic customer service, and would you like to work for an organisation that is making a big difference to our natural world? We are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working people person, to help work in our cafe and visitor centre at our Lodge Reserve.

About The Lodge

The Lodge is home to the RSPB headquarters. The reserve has a visitor centre, shop, café and events programme. RSPB The Lodge has a range of habitats including Heath and woodland and is home to many species including Natterjack toads, Ravens and over 600 species of fungi.

About the Role

Our work in the visitor centre is planned via the use of rotas and would include weekend working. Full induction and training would be provided, with opportunities to learn about the running of a busy visitor centre and nature reserve operation.

Our cafe and reception operations are a crucial part of what we do here, encouraging visitors to explore the reserve, and giving them a great visitor experience.

You will be able to communicate well with our visitors and offer excellent levels of customer care. Duties will include day to day running of the shop and cash handling, welcoming visitors to the reserve, giving out information, and encouraging visitors to support our work.

You will also support our cafe team, helping to serve customers, and undertaking other duties typical of a busy cafe and kitchen operation.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Basic food hygiene awareness (or willingness to complete training)
• Ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. tills, bookings or stock systems)
• Positive and proactive approach, with a willingness to support across different tasks
• Confident communicator able to engage visitors in a friendly and helpful way
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, including during busy periods
• Proactive approach, able to deal with issues and take initiative when needed
• Experience delivering good customer service and responding positively to feedback
• Strong team working skills, supporting colleagues to deliver a great visitor experience.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
• Experience of working at a catering environment/visitor attraction.
• Knowledge of food and foodservice skills.
• Till operation and payment handling.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 5 hours per week on Sunday. Plus potential for over time during busy periods or to cover holidays.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 05/06/2026. For further information please contact: [email protected]

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. In the cover letter section of the form please explain how you meet the criteria set above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.