Collections Assistant

National Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 11,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free entry to NT places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Discounts

Job summary

The National Trust at Castle Drogo, near Exeter, is looking for a Collections Assistant who loves history and has an eye for detail. You’ll work with a friendly housekeeping team to look after precious objects, art, textiles and furniture, perform day-to-day care, monitor climate and wear, and keep accurate records while supporting volunteers.

This permanent, part-time role is 15 hours per week, paying £13.25 per hour, with an emphasis on great visitor service and turning every day into a

Qualifications

• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day cleaning and care of the collections.
• Monitor environmental conditions and signs of wear and tear.
• Keep accurate records of the collections.
• Provide support to Collections and House volunteers.
• Engage with visitors and share information about the house.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Flexible/adaptive

Customer service

Team player

Organised

Willing to learn

Job description

Summary

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

£13.25 per hour

Hours / working pattern

Part-time, 15 hours per week

Contract

Permanent

Interview date

8th September 2026

What It's Like To Work Here

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.

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. Providing support to our Collections and House volunteers when needed.

Who We're Looking For

• 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

National Trust place

Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Exeter, EX6 6PB

Documents

Collections Assistant - Grade 10 - Career Level A2.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date

30th August 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.