Looking for work in the new year and want to try something a little different?
There are a host of jobs now on offer at Northumberland's Alnwick Castle - and many of them are far from your standard office job.
Rolls on offer at the Castle include those of tour guides, perfect for film-buffs who can show off famous on screen-locations around the site, or historical interpreters and performers who could find themselves dressed up in anything from medieval costume to wizard's robes.
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Less theatrical jobs are on offer too, with jobs for chefs, shop assistants and admin staff.
The advert for the role on the Alnwick Castle website says: "Alnwick Castle is one of the most iconic castles in Britain and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North East of England. Whether people visit to learn more about our history, explore our film connections or simply have fun, we want them to have the best day possible.
"To make this happen, we recruit individuals who share our enthusiasm for Alnwick Castle and can in turn share it with our visitors. Alnwick Castle's seasonal staff are one big team; every member of staff is valued and plays an important part in ensuring visitors have the great experience they expect, and feel safe while doing so.
"The friendly welcome, the fascinating history, the amazing food, the interactive learning, the performances and the clean facilities. They are all parts of a great visitor experience, and we are looking for people who can help us achieve it."
This year's season runs from March to October 2022. The deadline for applications is January 30, except for the historical interpreters and performers role, for which the deadline is January 20.
You can find more details or apply for the jobs at https://www.alnwickcastle.com/jobs
These are the jobs on offer:
- Historical interpreters and performers : Described as a "physically and mentally demanding" role, this job involves interacting with visitors and delivering activities, performances and workshops, such as artillery demonstrations or broomstick training.
- Food and beverage assistants : Working in all areas of catering across Alnwick castle, serving food and drink to visitors and assisting with functions offering a banqueting service.
- Kitchen porters : Assisting chefs in keeping kitchens clean and organised, cleaning and storing cutlery, crockery and utensil and helping deliver food around the site.
- Kitchen assistants : Described as "ideal" for those with a "passion for cooking" this role involves preparing and assembling food under the supervision of the Head Chef. Previous kitchen experience is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
- State room and tour guides: Based in the" magnificent" State Rooms, or delivering full guided tours in the Castle grounds, this role is designed to "contribute to every visitor's enjoyment of Alnwick Castle and bring its history and collections to life" and is ideal for people who "enjoy learning about history and art, and engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds".
- Film tour guides: Perfect for people who "enjoy watching, learning and talking about film and TV, and sharing your enthusiasm with people of all ages and backgrounds" and who have a "a strong and confident voice", this role involves running the castle's filming location tours. The ability to retain knowledge about the Castle's film history, particularly Harry Potter , and communicate it in a clear, friendly and accessible way, is described as essential.
- Seasonal chefs: A role for people with experience of work in a busy kitchen, the job involves preparing food for various catering outlets across the castle under the guidance of senior chefs,
- Visitor services assistants and admissions till operators: Duties include serving customers using EPOS till systems, providing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors, delivering correct information on the Castle's various opening times, prices, activities and facilities, and ticket checking at Castle entry points. This role is primarily outdoors.
- House admission attendants: Working closely with the State Rooms team, Alnwick Castle's House Admission Attendants will work to ensure visitors enter and exit the State Rooms safely, and are made aware of any restrictions or safety information that may affect their visit. This small stewarding team will work at the entry points to the State Rooms, directing and managing any queues that may form, and delivering welcome briefings before visitors enter. At the exit, they will ensure visitors leave the rooms and return to the Castle grounds safely. This role is primarily outdoors.
- Retail assistants : Working in the two on-site gift shops, Duties include serving customers, stock control and merchandising, and assistance with deliveries (some heavy lifting may be required). Desirable qualities include previous experience in a customer-facing role, cash-handling skills, working as part of a team, and experience of an EPOS system or an equivalent.
- Cleaning operatives: Duties for this role include cleaning across the Castle site and in several offices, emptying bins, ensuring the Castle grounds are kept litter-free at all times. Weekend working is required and there will be spilt shifts of mornings, afternoons, and the occasional evening. Experience is required.
- Administrative assistants: This primarily office-based role involves answering all general visitor enquiries via email, telephone and our online Live Chat, using EPOS till systems, providing a warm, friendly response to all visitors, delivering correct information on all aspects of the Castle's opening, and communicating regularly with Alnwick Castle management about visitor feedback. Anyone with "excellent customer service and/or IT skills" would be suited to this role.
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