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- Tasks: Assist in caring for historic collections and engage with visitors about their stories.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to preserving nature and heritage for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free entry to National Trust sites, and discounts on gym memberships and cinema tickets.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, learn new skills, and contribute to cultural preservation.
- Qualifications: Team player with good manual dexterity and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Work in a stunning location overlooking the river Avon and be part of a vibrant community.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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.
You’ll be working an alternating pattern of three days one week and four days the following week, including working one in three weekends.
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
Reporting to the Collections & House Manager, you’ll be part of a team of six staff helping to care for the historic collection in the house as well as the service rooms in the Grade 1 listed stables. You’ll also help to supervise our team of volunteers in the house and team of Collections volunteers, on a daily basis.
The team at Charlecote welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year, seven days a week (apart from Christmas day), with over 100,000 of those visiting the house. As we look to increase our visitor numbers there will be opportunities to get involved with the planning of our Christmas offer and future exhibitions in the recently transformed upstairs rooms.
There will also be opportunities to attend training sessions in preventive conservation, collections management and volunteer management.
Overlooking the river Avon on the edge of Shakespeare’s Stratford, Charlecote Park has been part of this corner of rural Warwickshire for centuries. Today the house is still lived in by the Lucy family and has been in the family for 900 years where it has been filled with treasures of European travels. Outside the parkland, inspired by ‘Capability’ Brown is home to herds of Jacob sheep and fallow deer.
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.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- 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
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Collections Assistant employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of Charlecote Park. Understanding its treasures and stories will not only help you in the online assessment but also impress during any discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm for visitor engagement. Think about how you can make the collections come alive for visitors, as this role involves talking to them about the work you're doing.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your adaptability and teamwork skills. Since you'll be working with a small team and supervising volunteers, demonstrating your ability to collaborate and lead will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the online assessment by reflecting on your strengths related to manual dexterity and organisation. Think of examples from past experiences that showcase these skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Collections Assistant position. This will help you tailor your responses in the online assessment.
Prepare for the Online Assessment: Since the application process involves an online assessment instead of a CV, ensure you are familiar with the format and types of questions that may be asked. Practice similar assessments if possible.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your teamwork, organisational skills, and customer-focused attitude in your responses. Provide examples from past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Express Your Enthusiasm: In your assessment, convey your passion for heritage conservation and working with collections. Mention any relevant interests or experiences that align with the values of the National Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Heritage
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for caring for historic collections and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Share any relevant experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to this field.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team and supervising volunteers, be prepared to discuss your previous teamwork experiences. Highlight how you contribute positively to group dynamics and support others in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Visitor Interaction
As this position is visitor-facing, think about how you would engage with guests. Prepare examples of how you've communicated effectively in past roles, especially in explaining complex topics in an accessible way.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Organisation
The job requires being well-organised and adaptable. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted to changing situations in previous roles, showcasing your ability to handle the demands of the position.
