As a Programming Assistant, you’ll assist in the delivery and development of a programme of activities and events. By doing so, you’ll help to create an enjoyable experience for everyone that visits and help them understand more about our place.
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contract Duration: Fixed term until 18th September 2026
Contract Type: This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.
Working Pattern: Although we cannot guarantee a set number of hours each week, we expect to offer a minimum of 17.5 to 20 hours per week across three set days, with regular weekend and school/bank holiday working required. Shifts will be between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Provisional Interview Date: Monday 15th June
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is one of 1248 sites globally recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Nidderdale National Landscape, and close to the city of Ripon, the estate is iconic in the North of England. This is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
The River Skell winds its way through an 800‑acre estate of contrasts and surprises. The abbey ruins tell the story of 400 years of monastic life, years of riches, ruin and revival, brought to a close by the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Studley Royal Water Garden, with its elegant canals, follies and eye‑catchers was the height of fashion in Georgian times, with the designers cleverly incorporating the abbey ruins into their grand vision.
Together with a deer park, Cistercian Mill, Victorian Church and an Elizabethan style manor house it’s clear why the estate is one of the most popular National Trust places to visit.
Providing a great visitor experience and looking after this special place is at the heart of what we do, and we’re passionate about getting the details right. Whether you’re giving our visitors a warm welcome, caring for our buildings or collections or improving conditions for wildlife, every contribution ensures that nature, beauty and history continues to thrive at this special place.
Key Responsibilities
As a Programming Assistant, you’ll play a key role in championing the visitor experience during Fountains Abbey's busy Summer of Play programme. Based in the main play hub, you’ll help families enjoy fun, creative, and engaging activities, ensuring they have a memorable day out. You may also have the opportunity to create and lead delivery of craft workshops in our Swanley Workshop. There will also be an expectation that you will assist with wider visitor experience activities, including providing visitor engagement at our Petals of the Past installation at Fountains Hall.
You’ll provide a warm, inclusive welcome to all visitors, keep play areas clean, safe, and well‑presented, and carry out any basic maintenance needed to keep activities running smoothly. You’ll also gather valuable visitor feedback through evaluation surveys, assist the Welcome team greeting Summer of Play visitors on busy days, and ensure relevant signage is put in place each day.
Some days, you may work independently with the support of volunteers, while on busier days, you’ll collaborate with other members of the visitor experience team to deliver the best possible experience for every visitor.
Who we're looking for
* Good communication skills, building relationships with a wide range of people
* A team player, but can also work by yourself
* Adaptable and have a flexible approach
* An understanding of the importance of great service
* Keen to learn new things
* Well organised and able to manage time well
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)
* 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
National Trust place
Fountains Abbey, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
Documents
Programming Assistant - Career Level A2.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 7th June 2026
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
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