Collections Assistant - Ambleside

We're looking for a Collections Assistant with a love of history, a keen eye for detail, and a friendly, open approach to people. This role focuses on caring for the historic houses in our portfolio and their collections of precious objects, furniture and works of art. It's also about presenting these spaces and stories to our visitors, helping to ensure every visit is memorable and enjoyable., Working Pattern: You will work approximately 21 hours per week across three days, as part of a three-week rota. This will primarily involve weekday working, with some weekend work required., You will work across a portfolio of properties, including Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's Lakeland retreat and inspiration for many of her famous tales, along with Wray Castle, Tabitha Twitchet's bookshop in Hawkshead and properties across the National Trust's let-estate. What you'll be doing You'll work as part of a team of three Collections Assistants in inspiring historic settings, helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of significant collection objects, works of art, textiles and furniture that form part of the houses' histories. You'll have a keen eye for detail, monitoring everything from environmental conditions within rooms to any signs of wear and tear, and championing the need for conservation where required. You'll also maintain accurate records and documentation, while providing support to our Collections and House volunteers. This is a role centred on people. You'll engage with visitors, sharing insights into the work you're doing and the collections you care for, as well as supporting the curatorial team in the development of interpretation, displays and exhibitions. You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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.

We'd love to hear from you if you're:

• good hand-to-eye skills, and happy to work from ladders or scaffold towers
• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
• focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• well-organised and versatile
• willing to learn new skills.
  
  The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria) 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