King Charles hires new £26,000-a-year operator at Buckingham Palace – and you’ll help answer 4,000 calls every week

King Charles is hiring a £26,000-a-year operator who will help answer 4,000 calls every week.

The permanent position will be based in Buckingham Palace in London and will involve working 38 hours per week.

They will help answer the 4,000 calls that come in every week (or 208,000 a year) to the royal residence.

When the same job was advertised in 2016, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the pay was just £23,000. But the number of incoming calls was almost double: 7,000 per week or 364,000 per year.

Candidates for the new job will need some previous experience working in a switchboard or reception area.

They need basic computer skills and must be able to ‘communicate confidently and professionally’.

Job seekers will have to be able to work on weekends. They will have to be prepared to answer the phone between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

However, there are a number of benefits, including free lunches while working and a generous 15 percent pension plan. Applications for the vacancy close on January 2.

The vacancy text states: ‘It is being part of a busy team at the heart of the organization. There’s a sense of inspiration to meet the highest standards, and a sense of pride in being part of a dedicated team. This is what it feels like to work for the Royal House.

‘As a Telephone Operator you will work in the busy telephone exchange that is responsible for handling calls to the Royal residences. With around 4,000 telephone calls per week, you will end up in a dynamic team in the heart of the Royal House.

‘If you answer and handle calls for a number of Royal Residences, you will provide an efficient and friendly service to external callers and a range of internal colleagues spread across multiple locations.

‘Handling day-to-day queries will be a big part of your role. Through structured training you will learn to handle every call correctly and you will quickly get to know this unique and varied organization.’

The requirements for applicants are: ‘With previous experience as an operator or receptionist, you will be a confident and professional communicator who is comfortable interacting with a range of people.

The permanent position (advertised in photo) will be based at Buckingham Palace in London and will involve working 38 hours per week

‘Your customer-oriented approach makes you adept at helping callers and handling their questions quickly and efficiently.

‘Fundamental IT skills are also required so that you can navigate the automated telephone exchange system and accurately record the high volume of calls received.

‘Your flexible and proactive working attitude ensures that you enjoy working in a small and dedicated team.

‘The services are scheduled every five weeks. Candidates are expected to work five days a week and be flexible to work two weekends in each five-week period.

‘Morning shifts can start from 8am and evening shifts can end at 10pm. The Royal House also supports flexible working, both on location and remotely.’

It continues about the benefits: ‘We know that we need to feel our best to do our best work.

‘That is why we at the Royal House offer a generous employment benefits package, designed to support your well-being and life priorities.

‘Enjoy 25 days’ holiday per year, increasing to 30 days plus public holidays, depending on the length of time you have worked for us.

‘Our excellent non-contributory pension scheme, we contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish, is much appreciated by our staff, as is the free on-site lunch to keep you fueled throughout the day.

‘Flexible and hybrid working varies by role, and we discuss the available options to suit both your job requirements and individual preferences.

‘We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental leave and volunteer days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.

‘Other benefits include 20% discount at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and free entry tickets to all our locations, along with many more exclusive staff discounts.’