At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the care and presentation of historic collections at Chatsworth House.
- Company: Join the Devonshire Group, a leader in heritage conservation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Part-time role with 22.5 hours per week, perfect for students or those seeking flexible work.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in preserving world-class heritage while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Interest in historic collections and experience in preventive conservation preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
At Chatsworth, we care for one of the largest and most significant private collections in Britain: the Devonshire Collections. Our Collections team plays a vital role in the care, presentation, and long-term preservation of this extraordinary heritage. We are pleased to offer a rare opportunity to join the Collections department on a 12-month fixed-term basis. This role would suit someone who is passionate about collections care and keen to contribute to the day-to-day stewardship of a historic house operating at a world-class standard.
We are a busy, friendly, and collaborative team who work closely with colleagues across Chatsworth and the wider Devonshire Group. As part of the role, you will support daily house opening through object care, cleaning, and preparation, alongside involvement in a range of preventive conservation initiatives, including winter works, exhibitions, and our Christmas programme. This is a part-time role, working 22.5 hours per week (Wednesday to Friday), based at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.
About You
- A genuine interest in historic collections and their long-term care
- Experience or training in preventive conservation
- Knowledge of object handling across a broad range of collection types
- A willingness to work collaboratively within a dedicated team and to develop skills in best-practice collections care
This is a varied and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within an internationally recognised collection.
In Return
As part of the Devonshire Group, owned by the Duke of Devonshire - which includes Chatsworth, Bolton Abbey, Lismore, and the Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group - we are committed to creating supportive, inclusive, and high-performing teams focused on delivering exceptional standards of care and service. We value the wellbeing and happiness of our staff and offer a range of benefits.
Our core values include Being Inclusive, and we particularly welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, who are currently under-represented. We also welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community. Flexible working arrangements will always be considered.
Conservation Assistant (fixed-term) employer: Devonshire Group
At Chatsworth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within one of Britain's most significant private collections. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package. Join us in preserving heritage at a world-class standard, all set against the stunning backdrop of Derbyshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Assistant (fixed-term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation field, especially those connected to Chatsworth or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or interviews, let your enthusiasm for collections care shine through. Share your experiences and what drives you to work in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience with object handling and preventive conservation. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them – it shows you're proactive and resourceful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Chatsworth!
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Assistant (fixed-term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for historic collections shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about collections care and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience or training you have in preventive conservation. We’re looking for someone who can handle a variety of collection types, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Be Collaborative:Since we work closely as a team, it’s important to convey your willingness to collaborate. Share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past, especially in a busy environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devonshire Group
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the Devonshire Collections. Familiarise yourself with the types of objects they care for and any recent exhibitions. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your passion for collections care to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience or training in preventive conservation. Think of specific examples where you've handled objects or contributed to conservation initiatives. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with a collaborative team, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your willingness to learn from others and contribute positively to group efforts.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the Collections department. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their current conservation projects or future initiatives.
