Collections Assistant

We protect everything from bats to buildings to beaches – and we want to share them with everyone too. But how do we care for our special places, while helping everyone to enjoy them and their fascinating stories? It’s no small task. In fact, it’s a big team effort and it’s why our Collections Assistants are so important.

Hours: 15 hours per week

Contract duration: Fixed term contract until 09-Jun-2025

What it's like to work here:This vacancy is included in a trial of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme (level 1).

If you have a disability, and your qualities, skills and experience are a good fit with the 'Who we're looking for' section below, we will guarantee you either a telephone or face to face interview. Please contact us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk, when you apply, to let us know, quoting the reference number for this vacancy.

Reporting to the Collections and House Officer, you will be supporting the Collections and House Volunteers.

The home of a local industrialist, Wightwick Manor is one of only a few surviving examples of a house built and furnished under the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. The rich collection features many original wallpapers, fabrics and furnishings by William Morris, artwork by Rossetti and Burne-Jones. The manor sits in an attractive Arts and Crafts garden which reflects the style and character of the house and is Grade II listed in its own right.

What you'll be doing:As a Collections Assistant, you’ll be working with a great housekeeping team in an incredible place, helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the collections. No detail will go unnoticed, and you’ll keep a keen eye on everything from the environmental conditions in a room, to signs of wear and tear. You’ll keep accurate records too.

In this visitor facing role, we’d love you to talk to visitors about the work you’re doing, and the collections we have. You'll also be part of the wider team of employees and volunteers, helping to cover where necessary.

Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.

Who we're looking forWe'd love to hear from you if you have;

• A keen curiosity in history, historic properties and conservation of their collections
• A good understanding of preventive conservation
• Awareness of the approach required when working with fragile historic collections, as well as Health & Safety and emergency procedures
• Good manual dexterity and eye-to-hand skills and ability to work from ladders and tower scaffold
• The ability to support volunteers to perform at their best
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Willing to develop and grow professional and personal skills

The packageThe 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)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice