Jobs

We are looking for a Visitor Services Officer to lead the day-to-day operation of Bowlees Visitor Centre, supporting visitors to discover and enjoy the spectacular landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the North Pennines National Landscape.
 
This is a temporary position initially until 30th June 2029. Due to the seasonal nature of the role, this post operates from February to November each year on a 10-month annualised hours contract, with salary paid on a pro-rata basis.
 
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
 
You will coordinate the operation of the centre and surrounding site, ensuring visitors receive a high-quality experience while helping to deliver the National Landscape's aims for conservation, education and visitor engagement.
 
As a Visitor Services Officer, you will be:
 

• Leading the day-to-day operation of Bowlees Visitor Centre and associated site, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.
• Developing and delivering an engaging programme of events, activities and educational opportunities for visitors and groups.
• Managing the centre's retail and hospitality, visitor information and volunteer programmes, including health and safety, cash handling and stock management.
• Building effective relationships with partners, local businesses, contractors and tourism organisations to support the development of the site.
• Supervising staff, supporting budget management and contributing to projects that enhance and promote Bowlees Visitor Centre and the wider North Pennines National Landscape.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and organised individual with excellent customer service and leadership skills, who is passionate about helping people connect with the outstanding landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the North Pennines.
 
We encourage you to contact Simon Wilson, Programme Manager - Engagement, Heritage & Operations via email at simon@northpennines.org.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?
 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in an appropriate field and with significant relevant work experience.
• Experience working in a small customer facing business, establishment and/or visitor centre. 

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
 
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
 
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (pro rata)

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Officer