Seasonal Palace Host - Kew Palace
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.
Departments: Visitor ServicesHome Palace: Kew Palace
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Salary: £28,203.00 per annum pro rata (£15.07 per hour)
Salary Rate: Pro Rata
Days/Hours of work: Part time 27.5hrs/wk (working five days out of seven 10.15–16.45, on a roster which will include weekends and Bank Holidays)
About the role and about you
Contract Date: Kew is open from March – September 2025. We expect all candidates to be available for the whole period March – September 2025.Location: Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens, the Great Pagoda & Queen Charlotte’s Cottage (all located within the site of Kew Gardens)
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
Historic Royal Palaces manage four unique sites in Kew Gardens, including Kew Palace and the Great Pagoda. Telling the story of Georgian royal life at Kew, these buildings draw visitors from across the world.As a Host at Kew Palace every moment is an opportunity to make someone’s day. Working as part of a close-knit team you will be responsible for providing the highest level of customer service and creating memorable experiences for all our visitors, whilst also ensuring the day to day safety and security of our palaces, their collection and our guests.
Working around the different buildings at Kew you will be a welcoming and engaging presence with a talent for bringing the stories and characters of Georgian Kew to life. Tasks will be as diverse as conducting guided tours, completing inventory checks, or selling tickets to the Great Pagoda.
The role demands a positive attitude, exceptional people skills and the ability to use your initiative. You will have a suitable level of fitness in order to carry out the fundamental requirements of the job profile, which will involve working across all sites, including the Great Pagoda with its 253 steps.
You don’t have to be a historian; you just need to be interested and willing to learn! Language skills would be desirable.
Closing date: 19th January 2025Interviews: expected to be 30th Jan, 31st Jan & 3rd Feb
Additional Information
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.
You may have experience in the following: Visitor Experience Assistant, Heritage Site Host, Museum Guide, Cultural Engagement Officer, Historical Site Attendant, Heritage Tour Guide, Palace Visitor Assistant, Interpretation and Engagement Assistant, Hospitality and Tourism Assistant, Events and Visitor Services Coordinator, Heritage Interpreter, Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant, Exhibition Guide, Front of House Assistant, Cultural Site Visitor Host, etc.
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