Senior Collections & House Officer - The Guardian : Job Details

We’re looking for a Senior Collections and House Officer who can help to create memorable experiences for all visitors as well as championing the care of important collections across our Portfolio Properties, Lamb House, Smallhythe Place and Stoneacre.

The working pattern will include weekends and bank holidays and will be on rota basis with the other collections team members. This is also a key rep post so will be covering out of hours emergency cover 365 days a year on a rota basis with one other key rep who also lives on site

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Collections and House Manager, you’ll be joining a team committed to looking after all the properties within the Sissinghurst Portfolio for the benefit of all. This is a thriving and fast-paced place to work, and you’ll be managing a small team that includes around 2 staff and 100+ volunteers.

You’ll carry out duty management across all three properties as required and will be involved in setting the rotas for both staff and volunteers. 

You will be working closely with regional consultants and Whole Trust delivery managers to deliver excellent visitor service and conservation standards throughout all three of the smaller properties.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be responsible for the daily opening of the house, making sure you have the people in place to provide a consistently high-quality experience for visitors. You’ll also be responsible for attaining excellent standards of care for our collection, and for the planning and running of conservation projects.

You'll be collecting and recording data, and using preventative conservation, to help our understanding and how best to conserve, interpret and present the house and its collections.

You’ll lead by example to embed a culture of excellent customer care, welcoming and introducing visitors to the work of your team here and the wider conservation work of the National Trust.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the documents attached. You don't need to have all of 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.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• a skilled leader of people, with experience of managing and working with volunteers
• experienced in caring for collections in a historic setting, with knowledge of collections management systems
• familiar with preventative conservation and how to apply it, both practically and strategically, through programmes of routine and deep cleaning
• aware of health and safety and emergency procedures
• highly organised, with a strong attention to detail
• confident in communicating with all kinds of people.

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