Visitor Centre Lead Guide

We are working with one of the biggest offshore wind developers in the world right now, helping them to find a Lead Guide for their brand new Visitor Centre.

The Visitor Centre, recently finished construction last year, is packed full of exhibits and exciting technology to help educate and inform the local public and school children on the power and benefit of Wind Energy, utilising a local offshore wind farm as the focus.

Part-time position

Background & Vision
The geographical location puts the wind farm in full view of a heavily populated coastline and the South Downs National Park, with 12million+ visitors each year flocking to Brighton alone and a coastline that sees a high level of recreational sea user activity. The positive interest and massive appetite for information throughout the development and construction process looks set to continue into the operational phase of the project, with charter vessels taking visitors out to see the wind farm whenever conditions allow.

The location, alongside this public interest from the local community and visitors alike, presents a unique opportunity for the Visitor Centre, which we would like to capitalise on for the benefit of all. Our vision is threefold:

• Become a leading information resource for offshore wind in the UK and possibly, Europe;
• Illustrate the link between climate change, energy security and our Wind Farms, to raise awareness of the role offshore wind can play for the benefit of society as a whole;
• Tell our story as being an integral part of Sussex, demonstrating a coming together of people, ideas, knowledge and expertise from across the local community and the wind industry, all of which has contributed to the successful completion of the local offshore wind farm - the south coast icon that creates a sense of belonging for all.


Main Objectives
The Lead Guide will need to be passionate about renewable energy and tackling climate change, community engagement and education in order to maximise visitor numbers, enhance the visitor experience and transmit core messages in an enjoyable, emotive and engaging way.

• To enthusiastically communicate the messages through developing a thorough knowledge of the Visitor Centre, the exhibitions and the stories it tells
• Work as an integral part of the team to ensure delivery of the standards and targets expected of a world class visitor attraction.
• Support the Management in the delivery of educational and community workshops and visits.
• Motivate, and support the Visitor Centre Team to deliver the highest standard of customer care to all visitors at all times.
• To act as Duty Manager and key holder when required, to ensure the Visitor Centre is opened and locked in accordance with the operational and security procedures and to suit the demands of the business.
• Ensure high standards of presentation within the centre are maintained at all times.
• To work closely with the Management to ensure the safety of all visitors whilst on the premises.
• Act as a designated first aider, and fire marshal

Working hours
The centre will be open six days a week all year round. The role will be for 10 days/month as a minimum = Tuesdays every week and 3 weekends per month. Plus cover for staff holiday or sickness as and when necessary. Hours will reduce slightly in the winter months (e.g. 8.5 hrs per day in summer and 6.5 hours per day in winter. Flexibility and willingness to work weekends is essential

Skills
You'll need to have:
• Knowledge and passion for climate change issues, sustainable energy, wind power generation
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with a wide range of visitors, including children
• Marketing and communication skills, to drive the success of the centre
• A methodical, motivated and customer-focused approach to work
• An enthusiastic, friendly and confident manner
• Basic IT skills to help with troubleshooting interactive displays
• Some understanding of facilities management & health and safety.
• Experience of working within an educational visitor centre attraction is desirable
• Experience of teaching school children is desirable
• Some events management experience is desirable

Further information
The successful candidate will need a clear and up-to-date DBS prior to starting the role.