Conservation Assistant
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Department: Collections & Interpretation
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Part Time
Location: Chilcomb
Reporting To: Sam Butcher
Compensation: £14,673 / year
Description
Level: 4A
Salary: £14,672.52 per annum (£24,454 FTE)
Location: Chilcomb, Winchester
Hours: 22.2 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Type of Contract: 12-week Fixed-Term Contract
Are you passionate about conserving Hampshire’s heritage?
If so, you’ll want to get involved with our new Heritage Fund Project: Hampshire’s Strawberry Story!
The county has a rich history of strawberry-growing, as the soil and climate condition made it the ideal place to produce the fruit. The boomtime came in the 1860s as the railways enabled fresh fruit to make it to London before spoiling. Over 20,000 berries would be loaded onto trains bound for the capital every day!
As Conservation Assistant, you’ll work with our Conservators to preserve our historic strawberry wagon and get it ready for a new display in Milestones Museum in Basingstoke.
A bit about you
You will have a keen interest in social history collections and object conservation, supported by previous experience gained through employment or volunteering within a museum conservation environment. Working as part of the conservation team, you will assist in the care, preservation, and treatment of collection objects, applying existing knowledge and skills in line with established conservation standards and best practice.
As an effective communicator with a positive and proactive approach to learning, you will be keen to develop your expertise through collaboration with experienced conservation professionals. You will demonstrate a methodical and organised approach to your work, ensuring conservation tasks are completed accurately and efficiently while contributing to a safe, clean and well-maintained workshop environment.
You will follow agreed health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and safe working practices, helping to ensure conservation activities are carried out safely and effectively. With strong attention to detail, you will maintain clear, accurate, and comprehensive conservation documentation, including condition reports, treatment records, and object handling information, ensuring all work is fully recorded and auditable.
Who we are
At Hampshire Cultural Trust we have a vision to create inspirational culture experiences that enrich and transform lives. We manage and support 20+ attractions and deliver county-wide outreach programmes that bring great culture to local communities. We also deliver a diverse range of wider social impact initiatives targeted at those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged and who would not usually have access to arts and culture.
We promote equity, inclusion and diversity and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can enhance the way we perform and work and we encourage and support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our staff.
We are inclusive, valuing, and respectful of diversity, developing the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Therefore, we are committed to implementing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities in our recruitment process and in employment.
The benefits of working for us
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rated for part time working)
- 5% Employer pension contributions
- Generous occupational maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Generous compassionate leave scheme
- Paid emergency leave
- Industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to same day GP appointments for employees and their immediate family
- Life assurance scheme (x3 annual salary)
- Interest-free Season ticket loans and travel loans from first day of employment
- Charity Worker Discounts Scheme (savings on retail, leisure, groceries, travel etc.)
- Access to free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses for VDU use
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan (cashback on dental, optical, medical for monthly subscription cost)
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress
- Free tea and coffee
- Team Card - Free access to venues for friends and family, and discounts across café and retail
Conservation Assistant in Winchester employer: Hct
HCT in Basingstoke is an exceptional employer that values creativity and engagement, offering a vibrant work culture where actors can thrive. With flexible part-time contracts, generous benefits like 25 days annual leave and health cash plans, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on children's education through immersive performances. Join a team that celebrates passion for the arts and community involvement in a supportive environment.
