Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

We value courage, respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

Objective of the job

Leading the operation of The Trust’s room hire business and assisting the visitor centre.

Key results expected

• A top-class level of service which forms good customer relations and creates an excellent reputation, in turn leading to repeat business and ultimately a surplus income.
• A high standard of cleanliness and tidiness throughout the whole centre.
• The Trust’s ethos is reflected throughout so visitors or room hire clients leave with an increased awareness of the work of the Trust and how they can support us (ultimately aiming to recruit them as Shropshire Wildlife Trust members).

Key tasks

• Acting as host / ambassador for The Trust, delivering exceptionally high standards to every guest, ensuring that all client needs are met.
• Taking and processing room hire bookings and all related room hire administrative tasks including financial procedures such as invoicing.
• Cleaning, preparing, setting up and maintaining meeting rooms to a high standard.
• Providing technical support for client IT requirements where needed, including services such as hybrid meetings, photocopying and promotion of events.
• Servicing room hire bookings (providing refreshments and catering and responding to last minute changes or additional requests).
• Cleaning the visitor and conference centre and maintaining the appearance (emptying bins, recycling, cleaning toilets).
• Carrying out minor maintenance duties and general upkeep of The Cut.
• When not in use all rooms should be set up for future events and always kept clean and tidy.
• Always observe safe and hygienic working practices to satisfy Health and Safety at Work, Food Hygiene and other statutory legislation.
• Undertake security procedures relating to cash and opening / locking up.
• Act as a fire warden and first aider whilst on duty.
• Providing support for other visitor centre operations when required, including
  reception, events and retail, as well as contributing to a great team atmosphere.
• Work with and support the recruitment, induction and ongoing training of a team of
  volunteers.
• Recruiting new members and have empathy for the work of Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Core skills and experience

• This role would suit someone with an outgoing, polite, and welcoming personality.

Essential:

• Ability to be adaptable and work flexible hours including early starts, evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the business.
• A demonstrable ability to provide a high level of customer service.
• A proactive approach to work with a strong attention to detail and a can-do mentality.
• The ability to use your own initiative and keep calm under pressure when exposed to unexpected situations, with quick thinking and good judgement.
• Good time keeping skills, with the ability to multi-task and respond to competing demands on your time.
• Being physically able to move furniture and other bulky items.
• The ability to develop effective relationships with colleagues whilst working alone as well as within a small team.
• The ability to communicate with a range of audiences both face to face, on the phone and in writing.
• Experience using IT including MS Office programs.

Desirable:

• Practical working knowledge of audio-visual equipment and hybrid meetings.
• First aid and/or food hygiene certificates and knowledge of manual handling best practice.
• Retail experience or use of EPOS systems.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.