Located in the stunning Chiltern hills on the Wormsley Estate, Garsington Opera is a prestigious summer festival with a fast-growing international reputation. With performances in June and July we produce four productions each year, in partnership with our two resident orchestras The English Concert and the Philharmonia. We have recently opened Garsington Studios, which provides state of the art rehearsal spaces, production workshops, café, offices and a home for our acclaimed community programme and world-class Emerging Artists scheme. This is an exciting time to join an innovative and growing company.
The Venue Assistant / Caretaker is a new role created to assist with the efficient workings of all Garsington Opera's buildings at Wormsley – Garsington Studios, Props Barn, Wallace Hill Cottage, Moles Cottage, Wallace Hill Farmhouse, Opera Pavilion and any temporary buildings on the opera site.
This role will also assist with the operation of the various activities/movements within the buildings (both GO and external hires) and provide the necessary support for the set up/clear up for events in the Studios in liaison with the Studios Coordinator.
In addition, this role will provide hands on support as needed to Director of Operations at Wormsley, Office Manager, Studios Coordinator, Technical Director and other colleagues as appropriate.
The role is full-time based at GO's administration offices at Garsington Studios. In general 8.30am-4.30pm, but some flexibility is required around the use of the buildings. Occasional weekend work will be required.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Operations & Setup
* Responsible for security of the buildings on a day-to-day basis in close collaboration with the Director of Operations at Wormsley
* oversee the cleaners and cleaning schedule for the Studios and ancillary buildings and ensure the reception desk, foyer and ground floor WCs always look presentable
* ensure outside spaces of the Studio are presentable and tidy
* act as one of the Duty Officers for the Studios (a DBS will be required to undertake the role)
* set up/run a schedule for other Duty Officers i.e. opening and closing the Studios. Liaise with and hand-over to external duty officers ahead of each shift
* periodically update Duty Officers, directly and through paperwork, on revised security, safety and building procedures
* inspect each Studio, and public spaces every morning and clear as necessary
* ensure Studio storage areas are well-ordered, clean and well-stocked
* clean the Studios pianos once a month (training will be given)
* move and lift items, equipment and furniture and occasionally work at height with appropriate safety equipment.
Event Support
* Book freelance staff for specific events in the Studios as required, in liaison with the Technical Department and the Studios Coordinator
* prepare & clear/re-set rooms for internal and external hires including the setting of furniture as required
* liaise directly with GO Participate about their requirements and ensure areas are fully clear after their use
* work flexible hours around studio activity (E.g. on occasion swap a weekday for a weekend day)
* assist with basic technical requirements for external hires – e.g. sound/lighting/Wi-Fi/screens/heating/cooling
* assist Technical Department with operation & movement of equipment/furniture in the buildings e.g. piano moving as required, setting up rooms for external hires, getting out/putting away props, chairs, keyboards etc.
Maintenance & Logistics
* Schedule heating, cooling and ventilation system on/off times on the various buildings
* assist with managing building services maintenance contracts
* be the point of contact for any minor maintenance issues and carry out running repairs as required or as requested by the Director of Operations
* furniture inspection and maintenance as required
* inspect the Studios, Farmhouse, Cottage and Moles Cottage after each use for damage and maintenance.
Health & Safety Compliance
* Responsible for regular health and safety checks of buildings, grounds, fixtures and fittings, (including compliance with fire safety regulations) and equipment
* undertake weekly checks such as fire alarm and security alarm systems, legionella, meter readings
* ensure fire refuge areas are clear, safety equipment is in the correct place and monitored
* carry out occasional PAT testing (training will be provided if required).
Candidates must hold a full driving license and have their own transport.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter by 9am on Friday 3rd October. Further details can be found here:
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person