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Visitor Services and Event Management

people gathered at event (from unsplash)

Working in visitor services and management including event management.

Many countryside sites and nature reserves welcome visitors or run events on and off site which promote the site, the organisation and explain the work being carried out to the general public as well as providing a source of income.

Some roles focus on the physical management of a visitor centre, others are of a more organisational type and deal with setting up and running promotional events on and off site as well as making provision for other groups who want to use the location.  Some sites cater for holiday makers who stay in cottages and cabins or camp within the boundaries of the property, these bring another set of requirements.

If you're looking for Public Relations click here.

If you're looking for Interpretation click here.

Jobs and employment

Typical jobs include Visitor Centre Assistant / Manager, Events Programme Manager, Visitor Experience Officer, Recreation Ranger, Countryside Activities Officer, Beach Ranger, Visitor Attraction Manager

The National Careers Service has role profiles of all of these and many more (click the links). 

See current vacancies advertised with CJS here. 

To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.

See current volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

Skills, training and CPD.

These type of jobs all require a basic understanding of the site, organisation or concepts being conveyed however these can usually be learnt on the job but candidates will need the ability to manage resources, organisation skills to set up events and be consummate communicators able to explain difficult concepts in simple terms.  You may be required to manage volunteers, particularly for the event type roles.

For these type of roles a degree is not always necessary but prior experience is usually requested.

Information and in depth articles

Putting growth on the right path, Staffordshire County Council

Managing visitors with dogs post-Covid, Stephen Jenkinson

The Bass Rock, Scottish Seabird Centre

 

Useful Organisations

Association for Heritage Interpretation

The Visitor Studies Group

More on:

Built by Jack Barber in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Visit Herbal Apothecary for herbal practitioner supplies, Sweet Cecily's for natural skincare, BeeVital for propolis health supplements and Future Health Store for whole foods, health supplements, natural & ethical gifts.