Collections & House Officer - The Guardian : Job Details

Are you someone who cares deeply about excellent preventive conservation for varied collections and helping to make beauty and history accessible to all? If so, you could become the Collections and House Officer at Bateman's and Bodiam Castle, bringing to life the history and significance of these two much-loved places in the heart of East Sussex.

You'll work 1 weekend in 3 on a rota basis.

Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of his or her duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.

What it's like to work here

The Bateman’s and Bodiam Castle portfolio consists of two very different properties run by one passionate team.

Bodiam Castle is an impressive 14th century moated castle and one of the most famous castles in Britain. The spiral staircases and original features make for an ever-inspiring atmosphere with a strong spring and summer business appealing to tourists, families and school groups from the UK and overseas.

Ten miles away in Burwash nestles Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This 17th century house remains much the same as the world-famous writer left it. Bateman's has a real family feel, with a team who will give you a warm welcome. The garden and landscape at Bateman's provided the inspiration for Rudyard's mythical tales in Puck of Pook's Hill and Rewards and Fairies.

Nestled in a peaceful remote corner of East Sussex with beautiful surrounding, this is a great place to live and work. This role is a Key Representative role living at Bateman's to better perform your duties in caring for these special places.

What you'll be doing

As the Collections and House Officer, you’ll be responsible for opening the house every day and ensuring visitors have consistently good experience. 

Supervised by the Collections and House Manager, you'll be responsible for routine conservation, preventive conservation and the annual programme of deep cleaning. Your attention and expertise will help to ensure excellent standards of care throughout the house.  

You'll collect and record information gathered during cleaning and housekeeping, to improve our knowledge and understanding of the house and all that’s in it. You’ll use preventive conservation methods to improve how we look after everything, and how we present it to visitors.

In this role you will be responsible for managing a team of two Collection Assistants as well as the House Experience Volunteers.

As one of the portfolio's Duty Officers you will work on a rota to ensure the successful running of Bateman's.

Who we're looking for

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

• someone who puts people first, and who knows what’s needed to make sure everyone receives great service  

• able to work as part of a team, with skills in day-to-day supervision and management 

• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people 

• comfortable with managing costs and spending 

• full of ideas about how to make spaces and objects accessible to more visitors 

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