Job description
Cheddar Gorge and Caves is seeking multiple self-motivated and enthusiastic General Assistants to join our team and help us continue our tradition of hiring engaged, productive employees. Cheddar Gorge and Caves, which belongs to the Longleat Enterprises group, is a world-renowned attraction located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and stands out as one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Britain.
This unique work environment will immerse you in the breathtaking scenery of awe-inspiring cliffs and remarkable subterranean stalactite show caves, holding numerous fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors and serving as a central location for caving and rock climbing enthusiasts worldwide. Being England's largest gorge, with a depth of 400ft and a length of 3 miles, this site presents an unforgettable experience for visitors throughout the year, showcasing stunning pinnacles and awe-inspiring caves.
This role is both exciting and diverse, as it involves working across all three operational departments at Cheddar: Operations, Retail, and Food & Beverage. It is ideal for someone who has a genuine passion for communicating and sharing their experiences, ensuring that our guests have a delightful and memorable visit.
What will this role entail?
Reporting to the Assistant Operations Manager, you’ll be the first point of contact for our guests, correctly informing them of the activities on offer whilst ensuring that the site is clean and safe for guests, visitors and colleagues. The work is varied with elements of routine and reactiveness, you will learn all about the local geology, flora and fauna, sharing your knowledge with our guests.
Key duties will include:
- To provide at all times the highest standard of service to customers in a polite, courteous and helpful manner.
- To ensure the highest standards of presentation and cleanliness throughout the premises.
- To have a good knowledge of Cheddar Gorge and Caves, its attractions and history.
- To provide guided tours and interpretation in the Caves and the Museum including fire lighting and flint knapping.
- To understand and have the ability deliver food service safety compliance to the requirements of the Longleat food corporate policy.
- To assist with the rotation of stock, reporting any short dated lines to the retail office.
- To operate the tills and be responsible for the security and accounting of all moneys handled during transactions in line with the cash handling procedure.
What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?
- Self-motivated with excellent customer service skills
- Experience of communicating with the general public.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Able to work outside in all weathers
- Experience of till operation is preferable
Prior knowledge and history of Cheddar Gorge and Caves is not required as full training will be provided.
What will I receive in return?
As a General Assistant you will receive a rate of up to £10.60 per hour, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;
-
Competitive hourly pay rates:
- 16-17: £8.50
- 18-20: £9.50
- 21-22: £10.35
- 23+: £10.60
- 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
- Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
- Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
- 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
- Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
- 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme
- Perks at work
- Range of flexible working schemes
- Great progression opportunities available.
- Gain an internal endorsement for re-hire of future vacancies
This is a fixed term contract, with 14 hour and 35 hour contracts available, ending 3rd January 2024. Working hours will vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 8am, and the latest finish time is 8pm, varying in accordance with opening times. Positions are available for an immediate start.
The team at Cheddar Gorge embrace the same values as their colleagues at Longleat – to engage and inspire; to put people first; to continuously improve; to act with integrity and to take accountability. We believe everyone who works at Cheddar can subscribe to these values, and that they truly set us apart as a place to work.
If you are interested in this role, please apply online. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received. Interviews will take place week on a rolling basis as suitable applicants are received. Strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.
Location: Cheddar Gorge and Caves (Cheddar, Somerset).