Workshop Technician

West Sussex.info; West Dean; On-site; GBP 11,952 - 14,608; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to swimming pool, library, and tennis courts

Discounts on retail and courses

Subsidised accommodation rates

Job summary

West Sussex.info is hiring a Workshop Technician in West Dean. This part-time role involves preparing and maintaining workshops and studios, ensuring safety compliance, and assisting with tools and materials. Ideal candidates will be organised, adaptable, and possess a manual driving license. The salary is £13,280.80 per annum, with benefits such as a pension scheme, access to facilities, and discounts. This position offers a creative work environment, supporting arts education and events.

Qualifications

• Experience in a workshop or studio environment is preferred.
• Basic understanding of health and safety principles is required.
• Full manual driving license necessary.

Responsibilities

• Set up workshops, studios, and conference spaces.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of teaching spaces.
• Support requests for tools and materials.
• Assist with transporting students and materials.
• Support health and safety compliance and undertake necessary training.

Skills

Organisational skills

Adaptability

Teamwork

Health and safety understanding

Driving skills

Job description

Helping people find jobs in the local area since 2008

Location: Chichester

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part Time - 20 hours per week (0.5 FTE), on a 2-week rota basis.

About West Dean

West Dean is a truly distinctive place to work, bringing together arts, design, craft, and conservation within a stunning heritage setting. Located in the South Downs near Chichester, the West Dean Estate spans 6,350 acres and is home to West Dean College, award‑winning gardens, historic buildings, and a thriving creative community. Alongside its Sussex campus, West Dean also operates in London at the KLC School of Design, offering a unique blend of countryside and city experiences.

The Role

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a proactive and practical Workshop Technician to join our Technical Resources team. This hands‑on role is central to supporting the delivery of courses and conferences by preparing and maintaining workshops, studios, and teaching spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up workshops, studios, and conference spaces, preparing materials, furniture, and equipment to a high standard.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of teaching spaces before, during, and after use, and safely store supplies and equipment.
• Support requests for tools and materials, assist with maintaining and preparing equipment, and contribute to exhibitions and special projects.
• Share responsibility for college vehicles, ensuring they are clean, maintained, and fueled; undertake driving duties to transport students and materials when required.
• Support health and safety compliance, assist with manual handling and COSHH processes, monitor site security, help the Estates team with equipment and furniture, and undertake training such as PAT testing.

What We’re Looking For

• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.
• Confident working both independently and as part of a team, with a professional and approachable manner.
• Basic understanding of health and safety principles, willingness to learn and support a dynamic educational setting.
• Full manual driving licence (commercial driving experience beneficial).
• Previous experience setting up workshop or studio environments and working within a similar setting.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £13,280.80 per annum (£26,561.60 FTE) – 20 hours per week (0.5 FTE), worked across a flexible two-week rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Benefits include a generous contributory pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, cycle to work scheme, free entry to West Dean Gardens, discounts on retail and courses, access to on‑site facilities (swimming pool, library, tennis courts), and subsidised accommodation rates.

Location

West Dean, West Sussex (PO18 0QZ), set within the beautiful South Downs National Park.

Why Join Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a creative and inspiring environment, supporting arts education and events within a prestigious institution. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, work alongside talented colleagues, and contribute to a supportive and collaborative community.