Volunteer at Raby Castle

Raby Estates; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Raby Estates seeks enthusiastic volunteers to enhance visitor experiences at Raby Castle. This role provides the opportunity to engage with guests, share the estate’s rich history, and gain valuable skills through training and mentorship. Volunteers will be pivotal in creating memorable interactions for all visitors.

Benefits

Full induction and ongoing training

Free admission to visitor attractions for volunteers and a guest

Complimentary lunch and refreshments after shifts

Qualifications

• Volunteers should have a friendly and outgoing personality.
• Familiarity with Raby's spaces is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Public Engagement and Learning Officer in delivering exceptional customer service.
• Help visitors discover more about Raby Castle and inspire their interest.
• Be 'on duty' in the public rooms to ensure the property is viewed at its best.

Skills

Outgoing personality

Helpful

Friendly

Knowledgeable

Job description

Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors seasonally from March to November. Built by the powerful Nevilles in the 14th century, it is one of the most impressive castles in England. Visitors can explore the castle's superb collections and learn unique stories of the people who lived and worked there. Set within acres of beautiful landscapes, the estate features heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping, events, woodland play areas, and seasonal food sourced from the estate.

The estate includes three major landmarks: Raby Castle, one of the finest medieval castles in England; High Force Waterfall in the North Pennines; and The Wrekin, an iconic hill in Shropshire. These attractions draw visitors from afar, making leisure and tourism a vital part of the estate's business.

The Raby Estate is a family-run business operating in County Durham and Shropshire for centuries. It encompasses agricultural land, woodland, heritage landscapes, historic buildings, environmental projects, and a rich history.

Becoming a Volunteer

Raby Estate is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join the team and welcome visitors from across the country and beyond. Volunteers should have a friendly and outgoing personality, as they are the first point of contact for many visitors. This hands-on role involves working independently and as part of a team in various areas, sharing the estate’s history and stories.

We are looking for individuals with an outgoing, helpful, and friendly personality who are confident engaging with the public. Familiarity with Raby’s spaces, from the Octagon Drawing Room to the Entrance Hall, is desirable. Volunteers will help provide memorable experiences by highlighting items from collections and answering questions.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Public Engagement and Learning Officer, Tim Dodgson, in delivering exceptional customer service and creating a positive first impression.
• Help visitors discover more about Raby Castle and inspire their interest during their visit.
• Be 'on duty' in the public rooms to ensure the property is viewed at its best and to share its history.
• Provide excellent visitor experiences by being approachable and knowledgeable.
• Support security during opening hours.
• Follow Raby Castle’s procedures and health and safety policies.
• Undertake training as required.
• Potentially support future volunteering opportunities across the grounds, gardens, and visitor services.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and enjoyable volunteering environment.
• Full induction and ongoing training, including mentorship from senior guides.
• Participation in social events and meetings with guest speakers.
• Access to a volunteer library for borrowing historical books.
• Free admission to visitor attractions for volunteers and a guest.
• Early access to special events and talks.
• Complimentary lunch and refreshments after shifts.

Our volunteers are what make Raby special. We aim to provide an excellent learning environment and tools to help volunteers achieve their goals.

How to Apply

If you're interested and believe you have the skills and personality suited to this role, we would love to hear from you. After submitting your application, our Public Engagement and Learning Officer will contact you to arrange a meeting and a castle tour. You will be assigned a mentor for your induction, and then you will receive your volunteer badge, card, and information pack. Your first shifts will involve shadowing experienced volunteers until you feel confident to work independently.

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