Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? We are looking for a Visitor Assistant to join us at Orford Castle working 16hrs per week in the summer and 7hrs per week in the winter.
No history background? No problem. What is important to us is a passion for people and excellent customer service. You will enjoy working with others as part of a team and understand what makes excellent customer service to deliver an engaging visitor experience to a diverse audience.
Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.
Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings. That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.
Built in the 12th century for Henry II. Orford Castle was intended to curtail the power of turbulent East Anglian barons, such as Hugh Bigod at nearby Framlingham Castle, and to watch over the growing port in the town. Its polygonal keep was built to a revolutionary design and is a landmark in the Suffolk landscape. This unconventional design is matched by an unusual history, marked by drama of all kinds. From its initial role in the Great Revolt against Henry II in 1173-4, to its strategic position during the Second World War. Orford Castle has been a beacon in the area for 850 years. In 2022 a £1m project was undertaken by English Heritage to conserve the outside of the castle and protect it for future generations.
By joining us as an Orford Castle Visitor Assistant, you will be part of an amazing team of employees and volunteers, ensuring visitors have a great time from the moment they arrive until they say goodbye. Through your recommendations, you will help personalise their visit - this could include talking about the benefits of English Heritage membership or recommending things to see and do on site. You will also contribute to making sure your site is accessible, safe and well presented at all times.
It is a varied role - some days will be busy from start to finish and others quieter. Some paid or voluntary experience with the public is beneficial but full training and support is provided as part of your induction. You will find yourself working in admissions, selling and checking tickets, undertaking retail duties including sales and stock, promoting the membership scheme, helping visitors find their way and make the most of the site. As well as doing general cleaning duties.
You will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays, more information will be provided at interview.
Benefits include:
- The opportunity for career progression within the heritage sector in retail, food and beverage or general management
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you, and up to 6 friends and / or family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays pro rata rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Options to buy additional leave
- Matched pension contributions up to a maximum of 10%
You can find out more about us here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ and meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage
Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
If you would like to talk to us before you apply e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Alice Lucas-Green, Orford Castle Manager, at [email protected]. No agencies please.
Closing date: 17/08/2026 23:59:59
