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.
Working Pattern: 12 hours per a week, split hours across five days, including weekend working. There will some flexibility, and this can be discussed before or during the interview.
Contract duration: Until February 2027
Interview dates: Friday 14th March
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Washington Old Hall is a small but charming property located in Washington Old Village. Washington Old Hall is a charming house dating back to the thirteenth century and was the family home of George Washington. There are wonderful, landscaped gardens and terraces which attract schools, community groups and visitors alike. As part of the Derwent Wear & Coast portfolio, our Facilities Assistants are vital to keeping the property in a good order for our visitors. You will be working closely with 2 Facilities Co-ordinators and a Facilities Manager. This role will include duties such as managing access, inspections and checks of fire log books components, meter readings and basic repair tasks (i.e. fixing door handles). In this role you will have access to further training, courses and e-learning as well as team building and days out to other sites.
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.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of 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
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
someone with 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)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• 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