We’re looking for someone with a love of history and an eye for detail, who’s friendly and open with people. This role is about looking after a historic house and its collections of precious objects, furniture and works of art. And it’s about presenting all of this to people visiting, and helping to make every person’s day memorable and enjoyable.
Weekend and bank holiday working will be required. We are a 363 property - open all year round: except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We operate a rolling 3-week rota for the House team, which involves working 1 in 3 weekends (as shared across the team).
22.5 hours per week, will be worked across 2.5 days per week.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here:Reporting to the Senior Collections and House Office, you will be working onsite alongside a small team of collections assistants on a weekly rota basis.
As part of the day-to-day routine tasks, you will prepare and open the House to visitors, alongside looking after our house volunteers. You will also be carrying out housekeeping tasks to ensure the House and collection are both looked after, and standards of presentation are upheld. Throughout the year, you will be involved in preparing and creating displays and events that align with either property specific, seasonal, or National Trust programmes; with particular emphasis on Christmas - being our main visitor event highlight.
Standen's Collections and House team works closely with several teams at property, such as the Gardening team who supplies our cut-flowers for display in the House showrooms; and Visitor Operations, and Visitor Experience, whom we routinely liaise with regarding upcoming events, group bookings, and organised tours of the House. You will receive both collections-based and health and safety training specific to your role and be provided with further opportunities to support your personal and professional development.
What you'll be doing:As a Collections Assistant, you’ll be working with a supportive housekeeping team in an inspiring historic setting. You’ll be helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the precious collections of objects, works of art, textiles and furniture that are part of the house’s history. You’ll be alert to details and changes and will keep a keen eye on everything from the environmental conditions in a room to any signs of wear and tear. You’ll also be keeping accurate records. Routinely providing support to our Collections and House volunteers on a day-to-day basis as needed
It's a role that’s all about people as well, so you’ll be talking to visitors about the work you’re doing and the collections you help to look after.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you if you're:
- good hand-to-eye skills, and happy to work from ladders or scaffold towers
- comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
- focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
- a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
- well-organised and versatile
- willing to learn new skills.
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 (22.5 hrs pw)
