Visitor Services Assistant

Job Purpose

• To enhance the visitor experience at Manor Farm through inspirational and informative engagement, interpreting and demonstrating the history of the farmhouse, cottage and wider farm.
• To support the planning, preparation and delivery of a varied programme of events and activities throughout the year, aimed primarily at families.
• To support and deliver Manor Farm's education programme, providing engaging and educational sessions to visiting schools.
• To assist in delivering pre-booked activities, workshops, and clubs.
• To ensure the farmhouse, cottage and associated buildings are presented to the highest standards each day.

Role Responsibilities

Visitor Engagement - Events & Heritage

• Bring the Manor Farm story to life in creative, engaging and informative ways, using tools such as presentation, interpretation and role-play.
• Present social history in a child-friendly, inspiring manner to engage younger audiences.
• Support Visitor Services Officers in developing heritage activities that meet consistently high standards.
• Produce and deliver safe, engaging craft activities designed to enhance visitor dwell time within the farmhouse and associated buildings.
• Interact positively with visitors, gather feedback, respond to questions and act as a role model in customer service excellence.

Visitor Engagement - Learning & Education

• Deliver interactive and engaging sessions to schools and groups on topics including Victorians, WWII, outdoor education and farm experience. (Existing knowledge is welcome, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is essential.)
• Provide feedback to support the ongoing development of the education programme.
• Occasionally assist with handling and feeding farm animals.
• Support projects aimed at improving visitor interaction and learning.
• Assist with school and group bookings, including meeting teachers to discuss upcoming visits.

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain the day-to-day presentation and care of the farmhouse, cottage and associated buildings, including the Manor Farm collection of historic artefacts (some of which are accessioned museum pieces).
• Ensure safe working practices and compliance with policies and guidelines.
• Act as a keyholder, opening and closing buildings as required.

Working Conditions

• Flexible working pattern, including weekends, bank holidays and school holidays .
• Work in a historic environment including narrow and steep stairs.
• Display Screen Equipment user.
• Outdoor working, lone working, sun exposure, and work involving animals.
• Costume, uniform and PPE provided.
• Driving may include: ATV use, HCC badged vehicles, and own vehicle for business use.
• Possible exposure to substances/hazards including animals, reptiles, vermin, aflatoxins, moulds/fungi, bodily fluids (first aid), soil and environmental waste (COSHH).

As part of pre-employment checks, you will be required to complete a confidential Pre-Appointment Medical Questionnaire, reviewed by Occupational Health.

Vetting Requirements

This post is subject to a criminal records check.

About Us

Connect2Hampshire is a managed service agency owned by Hampshire County Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

Please contact me directly if you are interested in the role - Alison.gibbs@connect2hampshire.co.uk.

Connect2Hampshire is a trading style of Hampshire & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Hampshire County Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Hampshire is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.