Tour Guide

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Kinsale Museum, located in Market Square, Kinsale, Co. Cork, is a museum which houses an abundance of artefacts relevant to both the building's past history and that of the town and beyond, such as the Kinsale Giant, the Battle of Kinsale 1601, the Lusitania Inquest, an array of maritime and blacksmith artefacts, and Kinsale lace and cloak.

The role requires a self-motivated, hardworking and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about history and delivering an exceptional experience to each and every visitor.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The Museum Assistant/Tour Guide duties will be carried out under the general direction of the General Manager or other Designated Officer.

The duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Meet and greet all visitors to Kinsale Museum.
• Conduct tours of Kinsale Museum.
• Carry out historical research on an ongoing basis.
• Take phone calls and complete bookings.
• Ensure smooth operation and crowd control.
• Re-stock and maintain the gift shop as required.
• Follow cash handling procedures as instructed.
• Provide relevant local tourist information to visitors.
• Provide administrative support, collate data and provide reports as required.
• Open and close the museum as required.
• Assist in the setting up of corporate events, special tours, exhibitions, shows, performances and other tasks outside of normal duties.
• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety legislation, Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of public areas, staff areas and all other areas.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the post which may be assigned from time to time and contribute to the development of the post while in office.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character and the successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to any appointment being confirmed.

2. Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

The role involves extensive walking.

3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• Have the ability to deal with the public in an efficient and courteous manner.
• Have good communication skills.

The following are desirable but not essential:

• Have a qualification in History or equivalent to third-level standard.
• Relevant experience in customer service or retail environments, guided tours, character or acting roles.
• Experience in carrying out primary historical research.
• A full Category B driving licence, free from endorsement.
• Experience working in a museum or gallery environment.

4. Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act 2004.

A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

SECTION 4: SELECTION PROCESS

A shortlisting process may be applied based on the information provided in the application form.

The recruitment selection process will include an interview.

Candidates will be assessed under the following criteria:

• Teamwork
• Information Management / Delivery of Results / Self Development
• Customer Service and Communication Skills

A panel may be formed on the basis of the interview.

Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the office and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is temporary and part-time.

The post is pensionable.

The contract may be terminated at any time, subject to normal legal requirements.

A panel may be formed to fill the position of Museum Assistant & Tour Guide for vacancies that may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: WORKING HOURS

The employment is part-time.

The hours of work are flexible.

The minimum working hours are 14 hours over a five-day working week.

Normal days of operation are Tuesday to Saturday.

The successful employee will generally be rostered to work on Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of additional hours depending on the operational requirements of the facility, including weekends, public holidays and evenings, as directed.

On occasion, the person appointed may be required to work on a Sunday.

Opening Hours

Winter Season

• Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer Season

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Working hours may extend beyond these opening hours and staff will be required to be on site before opening and after closing times.

SECTION 7: WAGES

The hourly rate of pay is €17.1962 for Tuesday to Saturday working (Point 1 of the Ticket Collector/Receptionist Scale).

The Sunday premium rate of pay is €22.8709 per hour, which is 1.33 times the Tuesday to Saturday hourly rate.

The person appointed will be required to work on a Saturday and/or Sunday as part of the employment contract and, in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, if there is a requirement to work on Sundays, this has been taken into account in determining the rate of pay applicable to the post.

Rates of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 8: LOCATION OF POST

The base for working purposes shall be Kinsale Museum, Market Square, Kinsale, Co. Cork.

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

The postholder may be required to provide cover in the Michael Collins House Museum, Clonakilty, and Skibbereen Heritage Centre, as advised by their line manager.

Cork County Council reserves the right to assign the postholder to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future.

Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation.

The person appointed will be required to provide, at their own expense, the necessary means of travel to and from work.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The annual leave entitlement is 8% of the total hours worked.

Cork County Council's leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

The granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (as amended).