Careers At Discovery Village
Jobs & recruitment opportunities
Discover a new career with us. We are an exciting, indoor role play centre based in Christchurch in Dorset.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our talented team to help bring our role play village to life. Through great customer service and a passion for the performing arts play you’ll play a key part in delivering memorable experiences that children and their families will treasure for years to come.
Do you want to play a part in helping children develop through play and help them to explore the world around them? If so then this could be the job for you. From working within our cafe to guiding children on a journey of adventure through performance and song we have some great opportunities available.
Careers working with children
Working with children is a rewarding job.
Our career opportunities are great for individuals that love to work with children in addition to developing their own careers. Would you enjoy working in a positive, fun and exciting employer? Are you passionate about helping children reach their full potential? If so Discovery Village could be the employer for you.
Working in the community
Become a valued member of your local community by working for an employer that really cares. Above all Discovery Village is here to do good, therefore we want people who believe that they can make a difference to children in the communities that we serve. Are you somebody who loves to sing, dance and act? Passionate about customer service and delivering quality experiences? Above all do you believe that every child matter? If you do, then we could be what you’re looking for.
Current vacancies
Post : Village Performer
Rate : Competitive
Contract : Casual
The Role
We are seeking enthusiastic and creative individuals to join our team as Village Performers at Discovery Village. As a Village Performer, you will play an integral role in encouraging imaginative and educational play experiences for children visiting our village. Through interactive play, games, singing and performance your role is to engage with children and help them get the most out of their experience at Discovery Village. If you have a passion for working with children, a flair for creativity, and enjoy bringing stories to life, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
Duties
- Engage Children in Imaginative Play: Interact with children and encourage them to explore different roles and scenarios within our themed village. Foster creativity and storytelling through interactive play, performance and song.
- Facilitate Role Play Activities: Lead role play sessions and activities based on various themes, such as a farm store, Fire station, or post office. Guide children in assuming different roles, using props, and engaging in pretend play.
- Provide Assistance and Guidance: Assist children in understanding and participating in role play scenarios. Offer guidance and support as they navigate through different roles and social interactions.
- Maintain Safety and Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of all children participating in role play activities. Supervise play areas to prevent accidents and address any safety concerns promptly in line with the Discovery Village play rules.
- Encourage Social Interaction: Foster positive social interactions among children by promoting teamwork, sharing, and communication during role play activities. Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Demonstrate Creativity: Develop and implement new role play scenarios and activities to keep the experience fresh and engaging for repeat visitors. Incorporate educational elements into play experiences to promote learning and skill development.
- Assist with Setup and Cleaning: Prepare role play areas before each session, including arranging props, setting up signage, and ensuring cleanliness. Assist in cleaning and sanitizing play equipment and props after each use. Conduct daily safety checks.
Skills
- Previous experience working with children in a childcare, educational, or recreational setting is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and connect with children and their families.
- Creativity and imagination to develop engaging role play scenarios and activities.
- Patience and enthusiasm for working with children of varying ages and personalities.
- Ability to maintain a positive and energetic attitude in a dynamic and sometimes noisy environment.
- Basic knowledge of child development principles and the importance of play in learning.
Benefits of Working at Discovery Village
- Branded uniform
- Auto enrolment to a pension (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Competitive wages and opportunities for advancement within our growing organisation.
- Employee discounts on food and drinks within the role play village.
- Fun and dynamic work environment where creativity is encouraged and appreciated.
- Free staff parking
- Family and friends discounts on entry tickets
Post : Cafe Assistant
Rate : Competitive
Contract : Casual
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Cafe Assistant at Discovery Village. As a member of our team, you will contribute to the overall success of our role play village by providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the smooth running of the cafe. Our cafe assistants help to serve delicious food, great coffee and service with a smile. You’ll be helping the Discovery Village cook to prepare the daily menu and serve customers during our role play sessions. If you have a passion for hospitality, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and thrive in delivering top-notch service, we encourage you to apply.
Duties
- Customer Service: Greet customers warmly, take orders accurately, and provide prompt and efficient service. Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues or complaints professionally.
- Food and Beverage Preparation: Prepare and serve a variety of beverages including coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. Assist in food preparation tasks such as assembling sandwiches, salads, and baked goods according to established recipes and quality standards.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cafe area, including tables, counters, and equipment. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and uphold high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Cash Handling: Operate the cash register, handle cash transactions accurately, and process payments using electronic payment systems. Maintain proper cash handling procedures and reconcile sales at the end of each shift.
- Stocking and Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels of supplies such as coffee beans, tea, syrups, and other consumables. Assist in receiving and storing deliveries, rotating stock, and conducting periodic inventory counts.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow and excellent customer service. Support colleagues during busy periods and contribute to maintaining a positive and cohesive work environment.
- Promoting Specials and Upselling: Inform customers about daily specials, promotions, and loyalty programs. Utilize suggestive selling techniques to upsell additional items and increase sales revenue.
Skills
- Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role (preferred).
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic maths skills for transaction processing.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining hygiene and cleanliness standards.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Food handler’s certification (or willingness to obtain upon hiring).
Benefits of Working at Discovery Village
- Branded uniform
- Auto enrolment to a pension (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Competitive wages and opportunities for advancement within our growing organisation.
- Employee discounts on food and drinks within the role play village.
- Fun and dynamic work environment where creativity is encouraged and appreciated.
- Free staff parking
- Family and friends discounts on entry tickets
Post : Cook
Rate : Competitive
Contract : Casual
The Role
We are seeking a talented and creative individual to join our team as a Cafe Cook within our vibrant Children’s Role Play Village. As a Cafe Cook, you will play a crucial role in creating a delightful culinary experience for both children and adults visiting our village. If you have a passion for cooking, enjoy working in a fun and imaginative environment, and are dedicated to preparing delicious and nutritious meals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Duties
- Menu Preparation: Prepare and cook a variety of dishes including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and light meals with a focus on quality, taste, and presentation.
- Kitchen Management: Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area, including food preparation stations, equipment, and utensils. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations, including proper storage, handling, and labeling of ingredients.
- Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels of food supplies, ingredients, and kitchen essentials. Place orders for replenishment as needed, and assist in receiving and inspecting deliveries to ensure quality and accuracy.
- Allergy Awareness and Special Dietary Needs: Be knowledgeable about common food allergies and dietary restrictions, and take necessary precautions to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Prepare separate dishes or modify recipes as required to accommodate specific requests.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with other kitchen staff and cafe team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely service. Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff to coordinate orders and maintain smooth operations during peak hours.
- Customer Interaction: Interact with guests to take orders, answer questions about menu items, and provide recommendations. Maintain a friendly and welcoming demeanor to create a positive dining experience for visitors of all ages.
Skills
- Previous experience as a cook or chef in a cafe, restaurant, or similar setting preferred.
- Culinary training or certification from a recognised culinary institution is a plus.
- Creative flair and passion for cooking, especially when it comes to preparing child-friendly meals.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
- Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
Benefits of Working at Discovery Village
- Branded uniform
- Auto enrolment to a pension (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Competitive wages and opportunities for advancement within our growing organisation.
- Employee discounts on food and drinks within the role play village.
- Fun and dynamic work environment where creativity is encouraged and appreciated.
- Free staff parking
- Family and friends discounts on entry tickets
How to apply
To apply for any of our roles here at Discovery VIllage please send your CV and covering letter to hello@discoveryvillage.co.uk
