Seasonal Guide Information Officer

Heritage Ireland; New Ross; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Heritage Ireland is seeking seasonal guides/information officers for The John F. Kennedy Arboretum to welcome visitors and safeguard the site. The role includes admissions handling, promoting site attractions and assisting in educational activities.

Applicants should have English fluency, an appreciation of heritage, and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Training and a friendly, professional approach are essential for creating memorable visitor experiences.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English is required.
• Heritage awareness and an appreciation of history.
• Ability to engage with diverse audiences, on-site and online.
• Experience with ICT systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Protection of the site and ensuring visitor safety.
• Welcome visitors and provide site information.
• Manage admissions, tickets, and merchandise sales.
• Contribute to educational activities and exhibitions.
• Assist with online booking management where applicable.

Skills

English fluency

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Tools

ICT systems

Job description

Location The John F. Kennedy Arboretum Closing Date 16/10/2026 Rate of pay €15.69 (Entry Level) - Please refer to booklet for pay scale Job Type Fixed Term Contracts

Our key job is to manage and maintain the most important of Ireland’s historic buildings and heritage. We take meticulous care of the 780 heritage sites in our charge and at the 70 sites with visitor services, we work hard to present them to their best potential, making sure that we give visitors from Ireland and abroad the best experience we possibly can.
Would you like to work to promote and present our heritage sites to the public? Visitor Services of the Office of Public Works currently seek enthusiastic people to join their dedicated Guide Team.

Our Guides represent the public face of the OPW, showcasing Ireland’s most important heritage sites. The Guide Service plays a vital role in conserving and presenting selected sites and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the visitors.
Heritage Guides provide unique and memorable experiences for visitors from all over the world. It is a rewarding and enjoyable job for those who enjoy sharing their expertise and enthusiasm with others.

Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, Patrick, was born in the nearby village of Dunganstown, this arboretum near New Ross, County Wexford, contains a plant collection of presidential proportions.

It covers a massive 252 hectares on the summit and southern slopes of Slieve Coillte and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Of special note is an ericaceous garden with 500 different rhododendrons and many varieties of azalea and heather, dwarf conifers and climbing plants.

The lake is perhaps the most picturesque part of the arboretum and is a haven for waterfowl. There are amazing panoramic views from the summit of the hill, 271 metres above sea level. A visitor centre houses engaging exhibitions on JFK and on the Arboretum itself.

About the position

The role of the seasonal guide/information officer will include:

Protection of the site

• Ensuring that any rules for visitor are observed
• Being responsible for security and safety at the site
• Supervising visitors so as to maintain order and prevent interference with the site.
• Assist in the development and implementation of educational activities.
• Assist in the development of exhibitions and running events, if required.

Visitor reception & related issues

• Welcoming visitors to the site
• Introducing visitors to the site and its facilities
• Administering admission tickets and receipts
• Selling literature, postcards and posters
• Counting money and reconciling receipts
• Counting stock
• Keeping reception area and other site facilities clean and tidy
• Operating audio visual or other appropriate equipment
• Dealing with phone enquiries
• Handling bookings for the site
• Dealing with enquiries about the area and its visitor facilities.
• Assisting in the operation of the online booking management system for both individual and business (Tour Operator) visitors - where applicable
• Collation and production of statistics on visitor numbers

Promotion and interpretation of the Site

• Familiarisation with all aspects of the importance and story of the site
• Developing own tour commentary in conjunction with supervisor and other guides
• Giving guided tours
• Adapting a guided tour to suit a particular group
• Dealing with detailed enquiries about particular features of the site
• Outdoor duties to include but not limited to Park Stewarding
• Invigilating duties.
• All candidates must be capable of carrying out all duties associated with the post.

In addition, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Candidates must have:

• Fluency in English
• Heritage awareness and an appreciation and interest in history
• An understanding of historical reasoning and research methodology
• Ability to engage with a programme for diverse audiences, individuals and communities, on-site and on-line.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on 1st January 2027. Retirement is compulsory on reaching 70 years of age. Candidates will be required to provide an original birth certificate or Passport for age verification purposes as part of the pre-employment process. No appointment to the position will be made to those candidates who do not meet the age criteria
• The ability to work as part of a team and interact with colleagues, managers and the public in a tactful, courteous and professional manner.
• The ability to contribute to and maintain a good team spirit
• The willingness to take direction
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including confidence and an ability to address groups
• Sound judgement and decision making ability, especially in emergency situations
• Concern for clarity and work quality
• Experience of working with ICT systems and procedures
• Thorough awareness of health and safety procedures. Work must be performed in an efficient and safe manner, in accordance with the directions of the supervisor / manager, with regard to self, colleagues and the public through understanding, observance and application of Health and Safety requirements
• Awareness of the need to protect the site
• Commitment to Quality Customer Service

Interviews will most likely take place in person during the month of November and December.

Contracts will vary in length from 3 to 9 months.