Do you have experience delivering customer service and have an interest in local history? Do you recognise the importance of historical building and collection preservation standards?  If so, then this role might be the one you've been looking for!

The Rochester Bridge Trust is looking for a team of temporary Visitor Assistants who will welcome visitors to the ancient Bridge Chapel and Chamber during its summer open season.

About Rochester Bridge Trust:

While there has been a crossing over the River Medway at Rochester since Roman times, Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 to maintain the bridge in perpetuity.

The current bridge was designed by Sir William Cubitt in 1856, refurbished in 1914, and joined by a second bridge opened by HRH The Princess Margaret in 1970.

Supported by its Trustees (the Court of Wardens and Assistants), today's staff use the surplus income from the original benefactors to fund a range of projects within the community including the promotion of STEM learning within local schools, restoration of machinery and heritage assets, and the advancement of engineering and agricultural study.

 In addition to maintaining the bridges, Rochester Bridge Trust is also custodian of a 14th century Chapel and an adjoining Victorian Chamber situated on the Esplanade.

Every summer the Trust opens the Chapel and Chamber to the public to explore the history of this ancient charity.

This year the annual exhibition will showcase artwork from the Trust's collection.

The Role:

• Promote the exhibition and buildings to in-person visitors.
• Assist and help with any enquiries from visitors.
• Supervise and invigilate the buildings in which the exhibition is displayed to ensure no damage to the fabric of the buildings or the artefacts which are permanently displayed there.
• Promptly report any areas of concern to the supervisor.
• Support with the promotion of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber by sharing promotional materials with local businesses and passersby.
• Maintain good standards of presentation in accordance with the Trust's requirements.
• Be helpful and approachable whilst also being observant.
• Help to keep the exhibition space Health and Safely compliant.

Qualifications and experience:

• Good level of education is desirable.
• Some experience of delivering customer service required.
• Good verbal communication skills are essential.
• Good observation & invigilation skills required.
• A flexible and positive attitude.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Able to show an appreciation of building and artefact preservation standards is essential.
• An interest in history or archaeology is desirable but not essential.

Hours:

• Open every Saturday, 6 June to 29 August inclusive, between 10.45am and 4.15pm (5 hrs 30 mins).
• Open for Heritage Open Days - Saturdays and Sundays - 12, 13, 19 and 20 September, between 10.45am and 4.15pm (5 hours 30 mins).
• Additional staffing may be required on Wednesdays and for evening events.

Venue:

• Bridge Chapel and Chamber, The Esplanade, Rochester, ME1 1QE

What we will provide:

• £13.35 per hour (plus statutory holiday pay).
• Uniform polo shirt.
• Work as part of a team to support each other during each shift.
• Role specific training, safeguarding and health & safety training.
• Opportunity to undertake historical research and develop a themed talk to deliver to visitors.

What we need from you:

• A CV and a letter of application outlining your suitability for the role, specifying your availability for the sessions outlined.
  
  Please apply by Tuesday 7 April 2026.
• Able to attend an interview on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st
• Willingness to undertake appropriate training in May.