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 Assistant are so important.

What it’s like to work here

This magical sixteen-sided house speaks like something straight out of a fairy-tale, and is perfect for those who will thrive in a unique working environment. A la Ronde’s extraordinary interior decoration includes a shell-encrusted gallery, said to contain 25,000 shells. The close-knit team strive to provide an imaginative visitor experience which befits A la Ronde’s surroundings. Due to its rural location, you are likely to need your own transport to travel here, although the property is close to bus and cycle routes.

For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde

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.

We’d also love you to talk to visitors about the work you’re doing, and the collections we have. You’ll be part of the wider team of employees and volunteers, helping to cover where necessary, so some flexibility may be required to cover holidays or unplanned leave of other Collections Assistants.

We have a required working pattern which will consist of the weekly 14 hours being spread over 4 days: 3 hours on Wednesday and Friday (8-11) 5 hours on a Thursday (8-1) and 3 hours alternately on a Saturday/Sunday (8-11), so you will be working one weekend morning each week.

The role is a seasonal one with an expected starting date of 19th March 2024 until 27 October 2024.

Interview dates 14th or 15th February.

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

Who we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you are;

• a team player, but can also work on your own initiative
• well organised and adaptable 
• customer focused with a positive attitude 
• willing to learn new skills 
• good manual dexterity and hand-to-eye skills and ability to work from ladders and tower scaffold

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)
• 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.