Seasonal Guide Information Officer

Location Portumna Castle and Gardens Rate of pay €15.28 (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.

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 is essential
• 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 2026. 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.

Contracts will vary in length from 3 to 9 months.