Are you passionate about engineering history and preserving the technology that powered Cragside? We are offering a rare opportunity to work with some of Cragside's original technological infrastructure, from the hydro-powered kitchen spit to the original dynamos at the Power House.
We are seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to join our Collections and House team at Cragside. With support from curators and conservation professionals, you will play a key role in the care, maintenance and conservation of the estate's historic technology collections, helping to ensure that these remarkable engineering achievements are preserved for future generations. Alongside this, you will support the wider team in caring for the property and sharing the story of Cragside's pioneering engineering heritage with visitors.
The role includes regular weekend working (one weekend day per week) Ideally, the working days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, but we could be flexible for the right candidate
and a full UK driving licence is essential.What it's like to work here:Cragside is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North East, welcoming around 250,000 visitors each year. Set within a stunning landscape in rural Northumberland, yet only 30 miles from Newcastle, it offers the opportunity to enjoy both an exceptional quality of life and a unique working environment.
As the former home of Victorian engineer and inventor William Armstrong, Cragside is renowned for its pioneering technology and engineering heritage. From historic hydraulic systems and dynamos to original estate infrastructure, you will be working with an extraordinary collection that tells the story of innovation and ingenuity.
You will join a high-performing team with expertise across house, collections, gardens, countryside and visitor operations. Everyone works closely together to care for Cragside and ensure that visitors continue to enjoy this special place for generations to come.
Reporting to the Collections & House Manager, you will work closely with colleagues across the property and with specialist regional advisers. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, drawing on a wide range of expertise to help shape the future care, conservation and interpretation of Cragside's historic technology collection and the buildings in which it is housed.
What you'll be doing:You will bring practical engineering skills, knowledge and experience gained through maintaining machinery, together with a willingness to develop your understanding of historic technology and conservation techniques.
This varied role combines hands-on, conservation-led maintenance, research and visitor engagement. You will play a key role in caring for nationally significant heritage technology, ensuring that it can continue to be experienced by future generations.
You will be just as comfortable carrying out practical maintenance as you are explaining a piece of machinery to visitors. Whether carrying out inspections, planning preventative maintenance, researching the history of an object, or bringing the collection to life through talks and demonstrations, no two days are likely to be the same.
You will also lead and support volunteers involved in maintenance and conservation activities, helping to build skills and confidence within the team.
Working safely will be at the heart of everything you do. You will ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and promote safe working practices for staff, volunteers and contractors.
Please note that most of the items under the care of the post holder are located in basements or outbuildings and some of these areas are difficult to access.
As a member of the House & Collections team, you will occasionally provide operational support within the house and contribute to the wider operation of the property, including occasionally acting as Duty Manager.
Who we're looking forYou will:
- Have experience maintaining machinery in an engineering, manufacturing, industrial or workshop environment, including the use of power tools and workshop machinery.
- An awareness and interest in conservation and enthusiasm for learning appropriate heritage practices, including creating inspection reports and undertaking historic research.
- Be enthusiastic about learning new skills and developing your knowledge of historic technology.
- Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors.
- Have substantial knowledge and experience of safe working practices and be comfortable working in a range of environments across the estate.
- Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office.
- Have an approachable and collaborative working style, comfortable applying guidance from subject experts, curators, and conservators.
- Have strong organisational, work-planning, problem-solving and diagnostic skills.
- Be self-motivated, resourceful and flexible.
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent p/t (21 hrs pw)
