Tourism Assistant

Salary:

Scale 4 SCP 9 – 13 £26,409 - £28,163 gross per annum (£13.69 - £14.60 per hour)

Hours: 37 hours per week Monday-Friday (as per rota attached). A flexible working system is in operation which the postholder can participate in.

May on occasions be required to work evenings, weekends or Statutory Holidays to meet the needs of the service.

Purpose and Function of Post

To provide a high quality visitor service through the Council’s Visitor Information Centre by providing information and answering queries from visitors to the area and the general public, advising them on what to see and do, using local knowledge, along with independent research and printed reference sources.

Principal Duties and Tasks Performed:

1.     To act as first point of contact for customers providing a comprehensive range of Bridewell and visitor information services to the public visiting the Bridewell and the Visitor Information Centre including facility booking, retail facilities, stock control, selling of fishing licenses and Tourism advice.

2.     To carry out market research and marketing activity to assist in the promotion of the Bridewell, the Visitor Information Centre and the local area as a visitor destination as required. To upload information and update the tourism destination website and communicate with Communications department to upload content on tourism social platforms and Council’s website.

3.     To provide support to event organisers in the Region with a view to raising the profile of the area as a visitor destination.

4.     To assist in the implementation and delivery of tourism packages throughout Ireland, promoting the Mid Ulster District and the Sperrins Region as a short break destination and organise private tour guiding packages for the local community.

5.     To assist with the design and production of promotional materials (brochures, visitor guides, newsletters, advertisements) which assist in the promotion of Bridewell/Visitor Information Centre events and services as required.

6.     To provide administrative and clerical support to facility management, including the maintenance of information files and records

7.     To assist in the delivery, supervision and participation of arts/tourism events /activities/trade fairs etc as identified.

8.     Responsible for locking up and securing the Bridewell/Visitor Information Centre.

9.     Responsible for the processing of all financial transactions, reconciliations and balancing weekly reports for box office and visitor information services and assist with the preparation of income reports submitted to the Council finance department.

10. To sell goods, assist in the management of stock control systems, including reordering of stock, and assist in the preparation and submission of audit and stock reports ensuring that appropriate and accountable audit procedures are adhered to within the facility

11. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff at all times in compliance with Mid Ulster District Councils policies and the facility’s fire and evacuation procedures.

12. To provide appropriate training for newly appointed staff as instructed by management.

13. To ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, tidiness and presentation within the facility at all times including the presentation at the reception area and foyer at all times

14. To report faulty/broken resources or equipment using the appropriate procedures, as well as ensuring the safety and security of objects and artefacts within the centre reporting lost stolen or damaged items in accordance.

15. Comply with Mid Ulster District Council’s Health and Safety Policy and Codes of Practice and adhere to all equal opportunities policies and promote a positive approach to equality and diversity within the workplace. Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees.

16. Any other duties relevant to the operational requirements of the Bridewell/Visitor Information Centre facility and Tourism Department which may be allocated from time to time by the facility management team.

Please note: This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties as it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. The post holder will be required to carry out any other duties up to and including the grade for the position offered as necessary to fulfil the purpose and function of the post

Person Specification

1. Qualifications and Experience

1.1           Qualifications / Experience (Essential)

·     A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grades A-C) or equivalent including English Language and a numeracy based subject.

·     Applicants must provide specific and personal examples of having at least 1 year’s relevant experience to include:

o   Working within the Tourism/Hospitality/Customer Service Sector

o    Receptionist/Telephonist experience

o    Use of Microsoft Office applications e.g., Word/Excel and PowerPoint or equivalent

o    Experience of working within a team environment

1.2           Qualifications / Experience (Desirable)

·     A recognised qualification (GNVQ/NVQ/BTEC or 3rd level) in tourism or related subject

The shortlisting panel reserves the right to enhance the above criteria.

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks, this position will also be subject to receipt of a satisfactory Basic Access (NI) check.

2. Competencies

In accordance with the Competency Framework for Local Government2 applicants for this post must demonstrate the following competencies at Frontline level:

2.2 Managing Yourself

Communicating with impact – presents a positive image by communicating effectively, being resilient and treating people fairly.

Managing your own work – plans, structures and prioritises own work to achieve optimum results.

2.3 Working with Others

Meeting customer needs – Establishes the needs of customers and strives to ensure that these are met

Influencing Outcomes – Adapts style and approach to achieve effective outcome.

2.4 Moving Forward

Continuously Improving Services – Seeks to continually improve the services and processes that impact on users.