Start Your Career with Wonderseekers
We're looking for an enthusiastic person to join our Visitor Operations team and help create great experiences for the children, families and schools who visit Winchester Science Centre.
Job details
Pay: £10.85 (up to 20yr) and £12.71 (age 21yr+).
Contract: Casual
Start date: ASAP
Line manager: Duty Manager
Location: Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ.
Hours available: Casual (no fixed hours/work pattern). 1-2 days per week however this operates on a casual basis where shift availability fluctuates depending on business needs with additional hours being available in school holidays. Winchester Science Centre runs a vibrant programme across weekdays, weekends, daytime, and evenings. As a casual team member, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the shifts that suit your schedule, with no obligation to work every week or weekend. A rota of available shifts is usually shared at least one month in advance, giving you plenty of time to let us know your availability.
Deadline: We’re actively arranging interviews, so don’t wait - apply as soon as you can, and we’ll be in touch very soon.
About our Charity
Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on Earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. The Charity also delivers a free and impactful community programme for our priority audiences who may not have the opportunity to come to the Science Centre reaching over 10,000 people every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, as well as our out in communities work, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.
The Role
Make a Difference Every Day - Join Our Visitor Operations Team!
Join our friendly team and help create unforgettable experiences for visitors at Winchester Science Centre. As a Visitor Operations Assistant, you will play an active part in delivering exceptional customer service across all areas of the Centre, supporting the café, retail, events and visitor operations teams.
You will be part of one cohesive Visitor Operations team that brings together all front facing roles including Food and Beverage, Retail and Events. Working flexibly across these areas, you will help ensure every audience enjoys a seamless and engaging experience throughout their visit.
This is a casual role that gives you the freedom to choose the shifts that suit your schedule. You may work during the day, in the evening or at weekends, with additional hours available during school holidays and event periods. It is a great opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and contribute to the mission of Wonderseekers, inspiring children to develop a lifelong love of science and curiosity about the world around them.
Key Responsibilities
Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Provide a warm and welcoming first impression for every visitor, offering friendly and informative customer service at all times.
- Support admissions and ticketing, including scanning tickets, managing queues and sharing essential information about shows, programmes and facilities.
- Assist in the café and food service areas, preparing and serving food and drinks safely and efficiently, following hygiene and allergen standards.
- Work in the shop, processing transactions accurately, replenishing stock and helping visitors choose gifts and souvenirs.
- Support event set up and delivery, including private hires, school visits, evening programmes and special events, ensuring smooth and professional operation.
- Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards throughout public areas, including café, shop, exhibition spaces and toilets.
- Respond promptly and politely to visitor queries, feedback and concerns, escalating to a Supervisor or Duty Manager when needed.
- Follow all health, safety and safeguarding procedures, including emergency or evacuation protocols, to keep visitors and colleagues safe.
- Contribute to retail and café sales targets by upselling memberships, Gift Aid, food and drink offers and other products.
- Operate tills and payment systems accurately, handling cash responsibly and following opening and closing procedures.
- Work flexibly across all areas of the Centre, adapting quickly to changing priorities and visitor needs.
- Assist with stock control, restocking, deliveries and storage, ensuring items are handled safely and displayed effectively.
- Support sustainability goals by minimising waste, recycling appropriately and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour.
- Take responsibility for maintaining high personal standards of appearance, timekeeping and professionalism.
- Contribute positively to a supportive team culture that celebrates curiosity, collaboration and inclusion.
Person Specification
Essential
- A friendly and welcoming approach with genuine enthusiasm for delivering great customer service
- Confidence interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds and helping them feel valued and included
- A positive and flexible attitude, with willingness to work across different areas including café, retail, at events and at our visitor welcome desk
- Reliability and commitment to turning up on time and contributing to a supportive team culture
- Ability to stay calm and helpful in busy environments and to follow clear instructions
- Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining a clean, safe and well-presented environment
- Willingness to learn new skills, such as using tills, preparing food and drinks, or supporting event set up
- An understanding of what good teamwork looks like and the confidence to support others
- A personal interest in creating memorable experiences for our visitors
Desirable
- Previous experience in a customer service, café, retail or events environment
- Food hygiene training or awareness of food safety standards
- Experience using a till or point of sale system
- An interest in science, education or visitor attractions
Ready to Apply? Here's how!
When you're ready, head over to our recruitment portal and apply here.
Through our recruitment portal you’ll be asked to share your contact details and answer a few short questions, this is your chance to shine, so keep your answers concise but impactful. Once that’s done, simply upload your cover letter and CV. Easy!
Got questions? Want to chat before applying? Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? No problem! Drop us a line at hr@wonderseekers.charity or by calling our People and Culture team on 01962 863791 / 07483 371391 and we’ll be happy to arrange an informal conversation. We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to answer any queries and give you an insight in to what it’s like working for our Charity!
No recruitment agencies, thank you.