Summary
We’re looking for someone with a love of history and an eye for detail, who’s friendly and open with people. This role is about helping to look after a group of historic houses at Quarry Bank and their collections, and presenting all of this to people visiting in order to make every person’s day memorable and enjoyable.
You'll be working in a fast-paced property, and will be doing everything from vacuuming and dusting to detailed preventative conservation work. All training will be provided in-house, with opportunities for development in preventive conservation.
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contract Duration: Permanent
Working Pattern: 993 hours per year. This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. A typical working pattern is approximately 19 hours per week, usually Monday (8.30am-3.30pm), Wednesday (8.30am-3.30pm) and Thursday (8.30am-3pm), including regular weekends and Bank Holidays.
Interview Date: 18th May 2026
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
Built at the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1784 by Samuel Greg, Quarry Bank grew to become one of the largest textile manufacturing businesses in the country and is one of Britain’s best preserved industrial heritage sites.
It is a place of stark contrast, in which the power of the Industrial Revolution sits alongside the picturesque gardens on the banks of the river valley and 400 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside. Visitors can experience the very different worlds of the mill owners and mill workers who lived and worked here side by side.
This contrast is reflected in the buildings and collections we look after; from the Mill with working textile machinery and steam engines, the Apprentice House where the child workers were housed, the Worker’s cottages built for the mill workers to Quarry Bank House, the elegant Georgian home built by Samuel Greg for his family. Quarry Bank’s collection is varied, and you will help to look after a wide range of objects; from the nationally significant archive containing the records for the mill, estate and Greg family, delicate watercolours, photographs and paper, to furniture and large industrial machinery.
What you'll be doing
You’ll be working alongside three other Collections Assistants within a supportive team in an inspiring historic setting.
You’ll be helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the precious collections of objects, that are part of Quarry Bank's history. You’ll be alert to details and changes, and will keep a keen eye on everything from the environmental conditions in a room to any signs of wear and tear. You’ll also be keeping accurate records. Providing support to our Collections and House volunteers when needed.
It's a role that’s all about people as well, so you’ll be talking to visitors about the work you’re doing and the collections you help to look after.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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:
1. good hand-to-eye skills, and happy to work from ladders or scaffold towers
2. comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
3. focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
4. a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
5. well-organised and versatile
6. willing to learn new skills.
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 (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.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places