Guides at The Deep

JOB SUMMARY:

The role of the guiding department is to creatively interpret the aquarium exhibits, deliver a programme of events and offer fantastic customer service to The Deep’s visitors.  The guides inspire an understanding of the sea that promotes conservation action and an understanding of the beauty and wonder of the marine world as well as helping to create a great day out for all.

REPORTS TO:

Head of Operations & Guides.

RATE OF PAY:

£12.81/hr rising to £12.99/hr on successful completion of training period.

BENEFITS:

Pension: The Deep is an admitted body of the East Riding Pension Fund (www.erpf.org.uk) which administers the Local Government Pension Scheme to our region. This is a ‘defined benefits’ scheme.

Plus: Deep Crew enjoy an annual allocation of complimentary tickets, discount in the DeepArtment Store and The Plaice Café, free parking, an Employee Assistance Programme and access to an annual bonus scheme.

JOB SUMMARY:

• Crew key points within the visitor attraction to monitor and control visitor flow and provide excellent customer service (for example at ‘pinch points’ like the entrance turnstile, scenic lift and popular exhibit vantage areas).
• Pro-active engagement, discussion and interaction with The Deep’s visitors, ensuring their enjoyment of their visit (and scientific understanding) through excellent customer service and interpretation of the exhibits.
• Ensure Guide ethos is carried out daily to visitors and colleagues by maintaining professional standards at all times.  Carry out the role of ‘Science Communicator’ and engage in positive dialogue with visitors. In addition to communicating knowledge on the exhibition floors, Guides will also engage in in-depth conversations with visitors while, together, thinking about various topics and current facts.
• Carry out microphone presentations and talks throughout The Deep (scheduled and ad-hoc), interacting safely, entertainingly and informatively with the visitors.
• Lead occasional guided tours of the attraction and/or behind-the-scenes for groups/special bookings, to bring added value to visits.
• Participate in special events, demonstrations and activities for example sleepovers, classroom or activity days for groups, virtual educational outreach talks/presentations, in-person off-site outreach talks/presentations, face-painting, art/crafts/scrap store activities, pantomimes, science experiment demos and wildlife walks.
• Collaborate with colleagues to help create new informal learning content and activities for visitors, to deliver during special events and peak periods. Content will reflect conservation education plans which seek to inspire positive environmental behaviours through hands on activities, presentations and communication.
• Additional work opportunities to take part and assist with sleepover and corporate events, including evening and overnight hours.
• In conjunction with the Head of Operations & Guides and/or Duty Manager deal with day-to-day Health & Safety checks, issues, security and housekeeping in the attraction.
• ‘Queuebust’ – interact with waiting visitors, inform them of queue times, local attractions, Deep information, ticketing and customer service issues, ensuring safe and effective use of crowd control mechanisms both inside and outside the attraction, maintaining visitor flow.
• ‘Perform’ as one of The Deep’s mascots, in costume, to distribute information, pose for photographs and entertain the crowds.
• Accompany The Deep mascot to help them with the above and to ensure their safety and welfare.
• Car Park control, to ensure effective flow of traffic, security and operation of ‘Pay & Display’ system, to assist with traffic direction, customer service and litter picking.
• Provide cover for other Crew areas within The Deep, for example retail, ticketing and café. These duties may include (but are not limited to) customer service, housekeeping, the operation of tills and ticketing machines, cleaning, cash handling and catering support.
• Fire marshall and key handling duties. Be aware of and report any safeguarding and/or Health & Safety incidents to the Duty Manager or Head of Operations & Guides.

TO APPLY:

Please complete both the online Guide Application Form and the Equality & Diversity Form.

Applications must be received by 9am, 10th August 2026. 

Please don’t rely on AI in your application; The Deep would rather your application authentically reflects what you would like to share with us!  Other application formats are welcome if this is preferable instead of, or in addition to, written submissions.

Interviews, which will include an applicant presentation, are likely to be held on 18th August 2026.  More information will be sent to successful applicants post-closing date. 

Please note which email address you have stated on your application and check this email inbox regularly for news of your application’s progress. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods of application due to access needs, please email info@thedeep.co.uk.