Location
Wendover Woods, East England

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£26,959 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone and creating exceptional outdoor experiences. As a Recreation Assistant, you will contribute to delivering an outstanding visitor experience at Wendover Woods, ensuring visitors leave with lasting memories. You will work with the wider team to maintain visitor facilities, providing a smooth, inclusive, and enjoyable experience. Your role includes operating the visitor welcome area, handling cash and card sales, and proactively promoting Forestry England memberships. You will also act as site Duty Manager on a rota basis, including regular weekends (1 in 2 weekends) and Bank Holidays. You will help foster a supportive and positive work environment that encourages teamwork, productivity, and individual growth. Additionally, you will take opportunities to promote Forestry England’s work through events, membership, legacy giving, and volunteering.

About Forestry England
Forestry England is a world leader in sustainable forestry and the largest provider of outdoor recreation opportunities in the country. Wendover Woods is one of three Forest Centres in the district, offering a range of recreation activities, businesses, and services. The site aims to grow and diversify its business sustainably while attracting and engaging new and repeat visitors.

Benefits
Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. The STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothes, mobile phones, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are included. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Relevant experience in visitor services or recreation is desirable. Experience in cash handling and customer service is beneficial.

About you
You are enthusiastic, customer-focused, and enjoy working in an outdoor environment. You have excellent communication and teamwork skills and are motivated to contribute positively to the visitor experience and workplace culture. You are flexible to work weekends and Bank Holidays as part of the Duty Manager rota. You are committed to promoting inclusivity and sustainability in your work.

Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required for this role, but a willingness to learn and develop relevant skills is essential. You must have the ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English.