---

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF IRELAND Location: Whitehead Railway Museum Flexible and willing to work occasional weekends. The Education and Events Assistant will support the delivery of education programmes, learning activities and public events at Whitehead Railway Museum. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals looking to develop practical skills in education, visitor engagement and events within a heritage and tourism context. The role offers hands-on experience in a professional, visitor-focused environment, helping to deliver engaging learning activities for schools, families and the wider public. The successful candidate will assist with planning and delivering workshops, education sessions and special events, while contributing to the preparation of educational resources and materials. This position provides structured occupational skills training, enabling the development of facilitation, communication, and audience engagement skills, alongside broader employability skills such as teamwork, organisation, problem-solving, and time management. Occasional weekend work will be required to support events and activity days. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, the Education and Events Assistant will receive structured guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities, including CV and interview support, access to workshops, and the chance to gain relevant certifications such as safeguarding awareness, first aid, and health and safety. This role is ideal for someone motivated to learn, enjoy working with diverse audiences, and build a strong foundation for a future career in education, events, or heritage engagement. This role is based at Whitehead Railway Musuem but may involve occasional travel to our premises in Dublin.

Responsibilities

• Education and Learning Support - Assist with the planning, preparation, and delivery of school programmes, workshops, and informal learning activities for a range of audiences, including children, families, and community groups.
• Education and Learning Support - Prepare and manage educational resources, activity materials, displays, and interpretive content to enhance visitor learning experiences.
• Education and Learning Support - Adapt activities to suit different age groups, learning styles, and special needs, ensuring inclusive and engaging sessions.
• Education and Learning Support - Support evaluation of learning activities and gather feedback from participants to improve future programmes.
• Event Support - Assist with the planning, promotion, and delivery of public events, activity days, and special projects.
• Event Support - Work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure smooth event operations, including on-the-day logistics, visitor support, and event setup/pack down.
• Event Support - Help manage crowd flow, answer visitor questions, and maintain a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment during events.
• Heritage Care and Museum Operations - Support the care, preservation, and presentation of museum collections and heritage assets under guidance from staff and volunteers.
• Heritage Care and Museum Operations - Assist with routine maintenance, tidying, and monitoring of display areas to ensure they are visitor-ready.
• Heritage Care and Museum Operations - Monitor and report any issues affecting the condition or security of artefacts, exhibits, and museum spaces.
• Heritage Care and Museum Operations - Contribute to the day-to-day running of the museum, including welcoming visitors, providing information, and offering a positive first impression.
• Visitor Engagement and Customer Service - Greet visitors on arrival, provide information about museum exhibits, events and activities, and ensure a high standard of visitor experience.
• Visitor Engagement and Customer Service - Answer queries from schools, families and general visitors, both in-person and by phone/email where appropriate.
• Visitor Engagement and Customer Service - Assist with visitor feedback collection and contribute ideas for improving visitor engagement.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and education partners.
• Organised and able to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a live learning or event environment.
• Customer-focused and professional when interacting with visitors.
• Basic digital literacy (email, word processing and ability to use learning resources).

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with children, schools, or youth groups.
• Experience in event delivery or education support.
• Ability to create or adapt educational resources and activities.
• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures and visitor safety practices.
• Creative and enthusiastic when engaging children, families and visitors.
• Interest in heritage, education and visitor engagement.

Further Information

The Employer is: RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF IRELAND JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information - Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. - Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. - Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.