entertaining your community

Introduction

Leisure is big business nowadays. Local authorities have responded to increased public demand for sports, social and cultural activities.

There are many jobs on offer in leisure, theatre and community centres, public halls, libraries, galleries, museums and tourist information premises.

The duties of the house attendant vary from front-of-house activities to cleaning. The post exists in all local authorities, though leisure services are not based in county councils.

Work Environment

This is mostly indoor work in public leisure arenas run by the council. Occasionally it may involve duties at outdoor events such as music and drama festivals. There will be heavy lifting and carrying required.

The hours are standard at 37 per week but include unsocial and shift working for which an extra allowance is usually paid.

Daily Activities

House attendants have a wide range of duties that are necessary to maintain a high standard of housekeeping throughout all municipal leisure venues. They are responsible for preparing areas for events such as art exhibitions, conferences, lectures, community gatherings, concerts etc. This will include laying out of furniture, setting up platforms, cleaning and security of front-of-house and stage door areas: making sure that everything runs smoothly for the customer. No matter where a public event is being held, the house attendant has specific responsibilities for:

• layout and preparation of foyers, auditoria and meeting rooms including the arrangement of seats and tables for catering
• cleaning, tidying, maintenance and repair, seating, fittings and furnishings in all internal and external areas
• general security, including the locking and unlocking of the buildings, conveying and collecting monies and other valuables to and from the banks
• checking tickets, forms of identification etc
• covering the stage door which includes receiving people and deliveries and answering the phone
• delivering and collecting post and equipment to and from other outside buildings such as the Civic Centre
• setting up publicity displays and signs outside venues
• cleanliness of the main rooms, toilets and dressing rooms
• monitoring the emergency arrangements in all areas.

During opening hours (particularly during performances and when the facilities have been hired) house attendants act as the main point of contact for all queries from the public regarding tidiness, cleanliness and accessibility. They will be expected to be courteous as they meet and greet users and make sure that their needs are met.

Skills & Interests

To do this job well you would need to be able to:

• lift and move heavy weights, furniture and props
• stand for long periods when on security duties
• be helpful and courteous on the phone and in person
• use ladders and work at reasonable heights
• work evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays
• work long shifts from time to time.

Entry Requirements

Basic literacy and experience of portering and/or maintenance and working with members of the public is essential.

Estimated salary range

£11,817 - £12,390

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is always a need for attendants and porters in both local authorities and the private sector. Promotion is clear-cut when there are vacancies. The house attendant can aspire to senior house attendant, house manager or duty officer posts.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Entertaining Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management www.ilam.co.uk

Institute of Maintenance and Building Management www.imbm.org.uk

Asset Skills www.assetskills.org

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under M.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government House Attendant vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.