Collections Assistant

National Trust; Bath; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 10%

Free entry to NT places

Season ticket loan

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a part-time Collections Assistant to care for a historic house and its precious collections. You’ll assist with cleaning, record-keeping, and engaging visitors, delivering memorable experiences. This temporary role focuses on accuracy, adaptability, and friendly service in a welcoming setting.

You’ll work in a supportive team environment, with opportunities to develop skills and contribute to daily operations while assisting volunteers and visitors alike.

Qualifications

• Good hand-to-eye skills and comfortable on ladders or scaffold towers.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing tasks.
• Focused on delivering great service to visitors.
• Team player but able to work on own initiative.
• Well-organised and versatile, with attention to detail.
• Willing to learn new skills relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Monitor environmental conditions and signs of wear in the house.
• Keep accurate records and support volunteers as needed.
• Talk to visitors about the work and collections in the house.
• Assist with day-to-day cleaning and care of objects, textiles and furniture.

Skills

Hand-eye skills

Flexible

Service excellence

Team player

Well-organised

Willing to learn

Job description

Summary

Our colleagues work for the National Trust in many locations and sometimes don't have easy access to internal vacancy listings. Using the internet ensures we can reach as many of our colleagues as possible. We appreciate that this can be frustrating for external talent. Do note that some roles are released externally after an initial period

*Internal Applicants only*

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.

Salary:

£20,670 pro rata/ £13.25 per hour (FTE £25,837.50 per annum)

Contract:

Fixed term contract until 16-Oct-2027

Hours/ working pattern:

Part-time, 30 hours 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

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.

What you'll be doing

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. Providing support to our Collections and House volunteers when 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 for

We’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 package

The 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
• Season ticket loan
• 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

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