Conservation Assistant

Summary 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 Conservation Assistants are so important. What it’s like to work here Visitors flock to this quirky 13th century abbey to enjoy the museum dedicated to photographic pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot. Outdoor theatre, photography exhibitions and family trails are among the innovative events run by the 40 staff members and local volunteers, making for a lively and fun visitor experience. It’s likely you will need your own transport to get here, however this is a great opportunity to join a welcoming team and contribute to an exciting programme of events. For more information about our property please visit What you’ll be doing As a Conservation Assistant, you’ll divide your time between ‘Front of House’ duties to ensure our volunteers are well cared for, and working with a great housekeeping team in an incredible place, helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the collections. You’ll work 16 hours over three days per week plus one weekend every four weeks on a rolling rota. 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. Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert. Who we’re looking for We’d love to hear from you if you have; A keen interest in history, historic properties and conservation of their collections Previous experience as a Trainee Conservation Assistant or equivalent A good understanding of preventive conservation Knowledge of the approach required when working with fragile historic collections as well as Health & Safety and emergency procedures Good manual dexterity and eye-to-hand skills and ability to work from ladders and tower scaffold The ability to support volunteers to perform at their best Good interpersonal and communication skills, and are a great team player A willingness to undertake continuing professional development and personal skills development and have an enthusiasm to learn The package Benefits Benefits include flexible working whenever possible plus free parking at most locations. You’ll be entitled to discounts in high street stores and cinemas, National Trust shops and NT cafes, and have free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18). Your health and wellbeing is important to us and is supported through generous annual leave and the option to buy additional days (minimum contract length applies), a cycle to work scheme, subsidised health cash plan and confidential access to a free support service 24 hours a day should you need it. Your future financial health is helped by an employer matched – up to 10% of basic salary – contributory pension scheme and you can further your career with training and development tailored to you. All of this and the opportunity to give something back to your community with up to 5 days of paid volunteering per year !