Seasonal Palace Host - Kew Palace

Historic Royal Palaces; London; On-site; GBP 29,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in heritage conservation is seeking enthusiastic Hosts for Kew Palace. This exciting role offers the chance to engage with visitors, providing exceptional customer service while ensuring the safety and security of the palaces. As part of a close-knit team, you will conduct guided tours, assist with ticket sales, and create memorable experiences for all visitors. Ideal candidates will possess a positive attitude, strong people skills, and a willingness to learn about our rich history. If you are passionate about heritage and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and exceptional people skills are essential.
• Ability to work across all sites and handle diverse tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level customer service and create memorable experiences.
• Conduct guided tours and complete inventory checks.

Skills

Customer Service

People Skills

Initiative

Language Skills

Job description

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.

Departments: Visitor Services
Home Palace: Kew Palace
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Salary: £28,203.00 per annum pro rata (£15.07 per hour)
Salary Rate: Pro Rata
Days/Hours of work: Part time 27.5hrs/wk (working five days out of seven 10.15–16.45, on a roster which will include weekends and Bank Holidays)

About the role and about you

Contract Date: Kew is open from March – September 2025. We expect all candidates to be available for the whole period March – September 2025.
Location: Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens, the Great Pagoda & Queen Charlotte’s Cottage (all located within the site of Kew Gardens)

As a Host at Kew Palace, every moment is an opportunity to make someone’s day. Working as part of a close-knit team, you will be responsible for providing the highest level of customer service and creating memorable experiences for all our visitors, whilst also ensuring the day-to-day safety and security of our palaces, their collection, and our guests. Tasks will be as diverse as conducting guided tours, completing inventory checks, or selling tickets to the Great Pagoda.

The role demands a positive attitude, exceptional people skills, and the ability to use your initiative. You will have a suitable level of fitness in order to carry out the fundamental requirements of the job profile, which will involve working across all sites, including the Great Pagoda with its 253 steps.

You don’t have to be a historian; you just need to be interested and willing to learn! Language skills would be desirable.

Closing date: 19th January 2025
Interviews: expected to be 30th Jan, 31st Jan & 3rd Feb

Additional Information

Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.