Collections Assistant

National Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization seeks a Collections Assistant to help care for its historic collections. The position requires a love for history and interacting with visitors, performing cleaning and maintenance tasks with attention to detail. Candidates should be nimble-fingered, adaptable, and focus on delivering great service. This is a part-time role with 13 hours/week across weekends and Mondays/Tuesdays or Fridays, offering various benefits from the organization.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Discounts on gym memberships

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most locations

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing role is beneficial.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the cleaning and care of collections.
• Maintain accurate records of conditions and inventory.
• Engage with visitors and represent the collections.

Skills

Good hand-to-eye coordination

Great customer service

Adaptability and flexibility

Ability to work both in a team and independently

Organizational skills

Willingness to learn new skills

Job description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

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: £12.75 per hour

Contract: Permanent

Hours/working pattern: Part‑time 13.10 hours per week. This role is for 13 hours per week, split across 3 mornings—this will cover shifts on a Saturday, Sunday and Mon/Tues or Friday.

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

The outstanding art collection is one of the main attractions to this beautiful Italian‑inspired mansion. As one of the National Trust’s “treasure houses”, the 45 strong team have exciting times ahead as they embark on major conservation projects to preserve this 8,500‑acre estate and its rare collection of artefacts. A Japanese garden and tearoom and community growing spaces are also among the key attractions at Kingston Lacy. The property has a rural location, so it’s likely you will require your own transport to get here.

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.

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

• nimble‑fingered, with 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
• 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