Caretaker

Castle Howard; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Castle Howard is seeking an Estate Caretaker to join the living estate team. This live-in role combines hands-on maintenance, security responsibilities, and careful handling of the historic collection to the highest standards.

You will work closely with curators and operations teams to maintain safety, presentation, and accessibility for the Howard family, staff, and visitors, while safeguarding the collection and building fabric.

Qualifications

• Proven maintenance and repair skills with hand/power tools.
• Substantial security experience in heritage, visitor, or hospitality settings.
• Knowledge of security and fire safety systems; Fire Warden or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence and the ability to respond to emergencies.
• IT literacy and ability to use digital logging tools.

Responsibilities

• Handle, move, and protect the Castle Howard Collection and assist with conservation tasks.
• Maintain building security; conduct opening/closing checks and monitor alarms/CCTV.
• Carry out routine maintenance, support events, and assist contractors on-site.
• Ensure presentation and housekeeping meet high heritage standards; provide good visitor experience.

Skills

Maintenance

Security experience

Fire safety

First Aid

IT literacy

Driving licence

Customer service

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Estate Caretaker plays a key dual role within the Castle Howard team, combining professional care of one of Britain’s most significant private collections with hands‑on estate maintenance and site security responsibilities.

You will be responsible for the handling, movement, and protection of the Castle Howard Collection, which includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts of national importance. You will also contribute to the day‑to‑day operation, security, and upkeep of the historic house and its associated buildings, ensuring the environment is safe, clean, and welcoming for the Howard family, visitors, and staff.

This is a live‑in position requiring flexibility, professionalism, and discretion, as well as a genuine passion for historic buildings, heritage preservation, and exceptional presentation standards.

Further Information:

Key Responsibilities

1. Collection Handling and Preventive Conservation Care

• Handle, move, pack, and install objects from the Castle Howard Collection — including paintings, tapestries, furniture, books, and decorative art.
• Work closely with the Curators and Collections Technician to ensure best practices in preventive conservation, particularly regarding handling, transport, and environmental control (light, humidity, and temperature).
• Assist with exhibition installations, loans, photography sessions, and filming projects, ensuring that all activities safeguard the integrity of the Collection and the building fabric.
• Immediately report any damage, deterioration, or conservation concerns to the Curatorial team.
• Supervise external contractors and specialists working on the House or near the Collection, ensuring proper handling and site protocols are observed.

2. Building Security and Caretaking

• Serve as a keyholder and first responder, always ensuring the safety and security of Castle Howard House and associated estate buildings.
• Conduct opening and closing checks, ensuring all doors, windows, gates, and alarms are properly secured, and that fire safety systems are fully operational.
• Operate and monitor security, fire, and environmental systems, responding promptly and appropriately to any alarms or incidents.
• Carry out regular internal and external security patrols, including daytime, evening, and overnight checks as required by the rota.
• Monitor CCTV and intrusion detection systems where applicable, escalating issues in line with agreed security protocols.
• Participate in the emergency response and salvage team, providing support during fire, flood, or other conservation emergencies.
• Carry out a programme of regular checks (daily, weekly, monthly, and annual) on the estate’s operational systems, including, but not limited to generators, reservoirs, lighting, and water supply.
• Maintain vigilance for any security or safety risks, ensuring timely reporting and resolution.
• Liaise with senior staff, external security providers, and emergency services when incidents arise, producing clear written incident reports.
• Support crowd management and visitor safety during busy periods, events, or VIP visits, helping ensure secure movement through the House.

3. Maintenance and Operational Support

• Carry out minor repairs and general maintenance tasks (e.g. replacing light bulbs, attending to leaks, clearing gutters and drains.
• Work collaboratively with Building Services, Housekeeping, and Operations teams to ensure Castle Howard’s interiors and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.
• Support events, filming, and VIP visits, ensuring the safe movement of furniture, setup of rooms, and restoration of areas to their original state.
• Assist contractors working on‑site, ensuring works are safely and efficiently completed with minimal disruption to the Collection, family, or visitors.
• Drive estate vehicles as required, including the safe transport of materials, equipment, and personnel, as well as driving the Directors or guests when needed for business or operational purposes.
• Provide logistical assistance to the family and management team, such as moving objects, vehicles, or equipment when required.

4. Presentation, Housekeeping, and Customer Service

• Ensure all public and private spaces within Castle Howard are clean, tidy, and visually consistent with the property’s heritage character.
• Work sensitively within family and public areas, always maintaining discretion and respect for privacy.
• Act as an ambassador for Castle Howard, demonstrating excellent communication, courtesy, and professionalism with staff, family members, and visitors.
• Support the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience by maintaining access routes, signage, and facilities to the highest standards.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven ability in general maintenance and repair tasks, including confident use of hand and power tools.
• Substantial practical experience of building or site security within a heritage, visitor, hospitality, or similarly complex environment.
• Understanding of security and fire safety systems, with experience as a Fire Warden or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and manual handling principles; physically capable of lifting and moving heavy objects.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisation, and record-keeping skills.
• Reliable, self‑motivated, and proactive, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional, customer‑focused approach.
• Flexible, adaptable, and calm under pressure, especially during emergency or out‑of‑hours situations.
• Full UK driving licence.
• First Aid and/or IOSH Health & Safety certification.
• Experience working in Grade I listed or heritage properties.
• IT literacy (Microsoft Office, digital logging tools).
• Experience operating security systems (e.g., alarms, CCTV, access control), and responding appropriately to incidents.

Special Features

• This is a live‑in role, with accommodation provided within the Castle Howard Estate.
• Participation in a duty rota covering weekends, evenings, and emergency first‑response is required.
• The position involves occasional out‑of‑hours work for emergency response, events, or conservation projects.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine enthusiasm for historic houses and heritage preservation.
• High personal integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Practical and hands‑on, with a "can-do" attitude.
• Respectful of confidentiality and the unique environment of a family estate.
• Committed to maintaining the standards of excellence associated with Castle Howard.

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