Nikki Brooke Mckinnell
Fochabers,Moray
Summary
Reliable, hardworking, and customer-focused professional with extensive practical experience in caravan park operations, customer service, maintenance work, and team support. Experienced in working as a site warden at Blair Castle Caravan Park, carrying out guest check-ins and check-outs, reception duties, housekeeping support, and helping maintain high standards across the site.
Highly adaptable with a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Alongside hospitality and customer-facing experience, I also have a strong practical background in vehicle repair and maintenance, having completed a City & Guilds apprenticeship and worked for many years within the motor repair industry. Raised by my father, who was a plumber and tradesman, I developed confidence using tools from a young age and am very capable carrying out general maintenance, repairs, and practical tasks.
Additional experience in youth work, animal care, and university study has strengthened my communication, organisation, teamwork, and people skills. I enjoy working with the public, take pride in maintaining welcoming and well-presented environments, and work well both independently and as part of a team. I hold a full UK driving licence and have recently relocated to Spey Bay, with strong local connections through Portsoy Rowing Club.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Multiskilled Site warden/ receptionist (SEASONAL)
Blair castle caravan park
Blair Atholl, Perth and Kinross
2021.03 - 2025.09
- Welcomed guests on arrival and provided a friendly, professional first point of contact
- Managed check-ins and check-outs efficiently and accurately
- Handled bookings, enquiries, and general customer communication
- Provided information and support to guests throughout their stay
- Resolved guest issues calmly and professionally, ensuring a positive experience
- Supported daily running of caravan park site
- Monitored site conditions to ensure a safe, tidy, and welcoming environment
- Helped maintain high standards of presentation across pitches and communal areas
- Assisted with general site oversight to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
- Worked in line with site procedures, safety expectations, and operational standards
- Assisted the housekeeping team during busy periods and staff shortages
- Helped ensure accommodation units were cleaned, prepared, and guest-ready
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and attention to detail
- Supported turnover of rooms and units between guest stays
- Worked flexibly across departments as required
- Assisted with basic on-site maintenance tasks when required
- Used practical, hands-on skills to help resolve minor site issues
- Supported upkeep of park appearance and functionality
- Comfortable using tools and carrying out practical work where needed
- Managed booking systems and maintained accurate guest records
- Supported smooth operational flow between reception, housekeeping, and site teams
- Prioritised tasks effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment
- Ensured clear communication between staff members across departments
- Worked closely with site management and colleagues across departments
- Provided support to team members during busy periods
- Adapted quickly to changing priorities and staffing needs
- Contributed to cooperative and supportive working environment
- Followed site health and safety procedures at all times
- Helped ensure compliance with operational standards and guest safety expectations
- Maintained awareness of hazards and reported issues appropriately
- Supported clean, safe, and well-managed environment for guests and staff
Ardene animal hospital (to support studies)
IVC evidencia
Aberdeen
2018.03 - 2021.08
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- surgery prep/ running bloods/ anaesthesia and assisting vets in practice
Vehicle paint technician (mobile)
Chipsaway
Aberdeen
2013.04 - 2017.11
- Mixed paints to match original vehicle colours accurately.
- Assisted customers in selection of colours and finishes based on their preferences, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Assured customer satisfaction by delivering excellent finish on each vehicle.
- Completed minor bodywork repairs before proceeding with painting tasks, ensuring seamless service delivery to clients.
Youth worker (evenings)
Aberdeen city council
Aberdeen
2014.05 - 2016.11
- Organised recreational activities, enhancing social skills of young individuals.
- Provided emotional support during challenging times, ensuring well-being of youths under care.
- Advocated for youth interests at local council meetings leading to increased funding for youth programmes.
- Collaborated closely with teachers in schools for alignment of youth programmes with academic curriculum.
- Enhanced community cohesion with the organisation of local events.
- Conducted risk assessments prior to outdoor activities ensuring safety of all participants.
Panel beater and vehicle paint technician
James conn Ltd
Aberdeen
2004.06 - 2010.03
- Liaised closely with other automotive professionals, ensuring comprehensive repair work on vehicles.
- Used specialist tools to reshape and refit vehicle parts, achieving smooth finishes.
- Maintained detailed records of completed works; ensured transparency with clients.
- Followed manufacturers' specifications closely whilst performing repairs, ensuring exactness in result.
Education
vca diploma - animal care and veterinary assistance
SRUC Scotland's rural college
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City 2017.08 - 2021.09
Master of Arts - Scottish studies
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 2021.09 - 2025.04
Skills
Customer Service & Guest Relations
- Front-of-house reception and guest check-in/check-out experience
- Friendly, professional communication with visitors and customers
- Handling enquiries, bookings, and resolving issues calmly and effectively
- Creating welcoming and positive customer experiences
Site & Caravan Park Operations
- Hands-on experience as a caravan park Site Warden
- Daily operations of a busy site including pitches, static caravans, and accommodation units
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and organisation
- Supporting smooth day-to-day running of a holiday park environment
Maintenance & Practical Skills
- Strong practical ability with tools and general maintenance tasks
- Basic repairs and hands-on problem solving on-site
- Vehicle repair and bodywork experience through apprenticeship and mobile repair work
- Confident working in practical, physical environments
Health, Safety & Responsibility
- Awareness of site safety procedures and compliance standards
- Experience working responsibly in public-facing environments
- Ability to identify and respond to maintenance or safety issues
Teamwork & Leadership
- Experience managing or supporting staff in operational settings
- Team collaboration in caravan park, workshop, youth work, and care environments
- Ability to supervise, support, and coordinate tasks when required
Organisation & Administration
- Managing bookings, records, and customer information
- Working efficiently in structured and fast-paced environments
- Strong attention to detail and reliability in daily tasks
Youth & Community Work
- Youth worker experience with Aberdeen City Council
- Work alongside Police Scotland in youth outreach programmes
- Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills with young people
Animal Care Experience
- Veterinary care assistance training (SRUC)
- Practical experience in an animal hospital environment
- Strong attention to welfare, cleanliness, and routine care procedures
Education & Communication
- Master’s degree in Scottish Studies (history, archaeology, geology, Gaelic)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Research, organisation, and independent study experience
Personal Strengths
- Highly reliable and motivated self-starter
- Adaptable across different roles and environments
- Strong work ethic and pride in maintaining high standards
- Comfortable working independently or as part of a team
- Full UK driving licence
- Confident using tools and practical equipment (trades background influence)
Cover statement
I am a reliable, hands-on and adaptable person with a wide range of experience across caravan park operations, customer service, vehicle repair, youth work, and animal care. I’m comfortable juggling responsibilities and have often worked overlapping roles, including evening youth work alongside other employment, which reflects my strong work ethic, time management, and commitment.
I enjoy working in practical, people-focused environments where no two days are the same. I’m known for being friendly, outgoing, and approachable, with a genuine enjoyment of working with the public and being part of a team.
During my university studies in Scottish Studies, I developed a strong interest in Scotland’s history, archaeology, and geology, and also learned to speak Scottish Gaelic, which deepened both my communication skills and my connection to the local culture and landscape.
I take pride in being dependable, proactive, and hands-on, with a practical mindset and confidence using tools and carrying out maintenance tasks. I enjoy roles where I can contribute to high standards, solve problems, and help create a welcoming and well-run environment.
Timeline
Master of Arts - Scottish studies
University of Aberdeen
2021.09 - 2025.04
Multiskilled Site warden/ receptionist (SEASONAL)
Blair castle caravan park
2021.03 - 2025.09
Ardene animal hospital (to support studies)
IVC evidencia
2018.03 - 2021.08
vca diploma - animal care and veterinary assistance
SRUC Scotland's rural college
2017.08 - 2021.09
Youth worker (evenings)
Aberdeen city council
2014.05 - 2016.11
Vehicle paint technician (mobile)
Chipsaway
2013.04 - 2017.11
Panel beater and vehicle paint technician
James conn Ltd
2004.06 - 2010.03