Visitor Experience Officer

Being a Visitor Experience Officer for the National Trust is all about people - connecting with them, inspiring them, and making sure they have the best possible day when they come to visit.

This is a Fixed Term Contract, until end of February 2026 the end date is subject to change. This will be discussed further at interview.
Regular weekend working is part of the role. Generally every 1 in 3 weekends with some extra if there are big events.

What it's like to work here

You'll be reporting to the Visitor Operations & Experience Manager at Buckland Abbey. As Visitor Experience Officer you will work within the Visitor Experience team of four people and as part of the wider Duty Manager team of six.

When you visit Buckland Abbey, you follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.

The Abbey is part museum, part house, and filled with treasures. There's no mistaking the magnificence of the medieval Great Barn, originally a tithe barn which has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago.

You'll discover meadows, orchards and woodlands where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. Our way-marked trails are a riot of colour through the seasons, with an unmissable carpet of bluebells in spring.

At the Cider House garden, herbaceous borders provide seasonal interest and a secret 'wild' garden is a wonderful place for quiet contemplation (or a game of hide and seek).

What you'll be doing

As Visitor Experience Officer, your main focus will be on providing a great service for visitors. With the team, you'll be welcoming people and inspiring them to really get to know Buckland Abbey. This will include devising and running events and activities, and creating interpretive displays and other ways of bringing the place, and its stories, to life for everyone who comes here. You'll encourage visitors to take a closer look at artworks or precious objects cared for by the Trust.

This role involves some practical trail building activities taking place outside including putting up trails boards and play equipment. It can involve moving heavy items such as forest benches and during the festive season, taking part in putting up (up to 100) Christmas trees.

You'll be supervising and supporting volunteers, organising rotas and supporting with marketing for Buckland Abbey, including the social media channels. You'll also be part of a Duty Manager rota.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you're:

• used to multiple deadlines and managing your own workload
• skilled in organisation and planning, with a good eye for detail
• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
• a hard-working and committed team player
• comfortable with IT: Microsoft Office, as well as web and social media
• experienced in producing interpretive materials, such as displays and exhibitions, and marketing or promotional materials
• familiar with health and safety procedures

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