Summary
At The Firs we welcome many families during the festive period to enjoy a much-loved and traditional Christmas experience. We're looking for someone to take on the character of Father Christmas – Christmas Helper, and to support the grotto team in bringing the magic alive.
Hours: 0 hours flexible contract. Shifts will be 9:30am to 4:30pm with breaks at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 23rd December 2024
Salary: £11.64 an hour
Interview dates: TBC, in November
Because this role means working with vulnerable groups, including children, any job offer will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
For this role, you'll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Site Manager you'll be working as part of a small team of three, as well as our passionate volunteers who are excited to bring Father Christmas to life this festive period.
Our Father Christmas event will be held on Friday 13, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Monday 16 December and Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December. Our visitor centre will be turned into the elves workshop where families can take part in different activities, and the idyllic Victorian cottage is where Father Christmas will be.
The Firs is the birthplace to Sir Edward Elgar, one of Britain's greatest composers. He is known for writing 'Land of Hope and Glory' and the 'Enigma Variations' but here you will learn more behind the man who wrote these masterpieces. With our modern visitor centre you can explore some of his personal objects and manuscripts. When you step into the humble cottage you will get a glimpse of the world the great musician was born in and with a garden, woodland and orchard we have loads to explore here.
Click here for more information about this location
What you'll be doing
You'll be working in costume in a traditional Christmas grotto, greeting families and children and handing out gifts as part of our staff and volunteer team. You'll be giving everyone the warmest of welcomes, so every single person can experience the magic of Christmas and have a festive visit to remember.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
- helpful and friendly
- a people person, with a positive ‘can-do' attitude
- enthusiastic, and willing to learn
- a team player, who can also work on your own initiative
- flexible and adaptable
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.