Holidays Cottage Cleaner

National Trust; Uckfield; 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

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

The National Trust is hiring a Holidays Operation Assistant to service cottages at Sheffield Park, Standen House and Nymans, ensuring the properties are clean, well-presented, and welcoming for guests.

Role involves flexible weekend work under a zero-hour contract, with a fixed end date of 26 February 2027. You may report repairs, replace items, and follow PPE guidelines in a busy seasonal schedule.

Qualifications

• Hospitality or cleaning experience preferred.
• Flexibility to cover shifts during busy periods and holidays.
• Eligibility to work in the UK is required.

Responsibilities

• Clean cottages thoroughly between guest stays and ensure a welcoming presentation.
• Monitor for repairs or issues and report to the team.
• Replace broken items from store supplies when needed.
• Follow PPE and safety measures at all times.

Skills

Service excellence

Team player

Organised

Willing to learn

Job description

We're looking for a Holiday Cottage Cleaner to prepare our popular holiday cottages in the Sussex area, this will be at Sheffield Park, Standen House and Nymans, ability to travel is essential. We would like someone to join the team to help cover shifts during busy periods and holidays. Often changeover days are a Mon/Fri but can be any day. Flexibility would be helpful.

Salary

£12.75 per hour

Contract

Fixed term contract until 26-Feb-2027

Hours / Working Pattern

Seasonal, flexible, weekends. This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can't guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We'll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.

Interview dates

21st, 22nd & 23rd October 2026.

Internally within the National Trust, you will be known as a 'Holidays Operation Assistant'.

What You'll Be Doing

On changeover days, you'll make sure that everything's pristine and ready for the next guests to arrive. This will include making sure the cottage is thoroughly cleaned, well-presented and welcoming. We'd also like you to keep an eye out for anything that's not as it should be, and report any repairs or odd jobs that need doing. If you need to, you'll also replace any broken items from the store supplies. Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided for all teams, and extra measures are in place to protect staff. 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

• focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• well-organised and adaptable
• 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

Sheffield Park, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, TN22 3QX

Documents

Holidays Operation Assistant - A1.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date

18th October 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.