Summary
**Important notice** In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.
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 looking after a historic house and its collections of precious objects, furniture and works of art. And it’s about presenting all of this to people visiting, and helping to make every person’s day memorable and enjoyable.
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.
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Regular Working Days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - This role will require you to work 1 weekend in 4 as part of our team rota
Salary: £28,177.50 full time equivalent (£16,906.50 pro rata salary) / £14.45 per hour - The advertised salary is inclusive of the Outer London Weighting allowance of £3,315 per annum
What it's like to work here
One of the last surviving country estates in London, Osterley Park and House is a vibrant attraction. The high turnaround of visitors means work is fast-paced, with the team always looking for creative ways to attract greater visitor numbers. Outdoor activities are a key focus, and the estate is part of the National Trust’s Cycle Trail project. Osterley Park enjoys a fantastic location just 20 minutes outside of London, so you can travel here by car or public transport.
Osterley Park and House also has a garden for all seasons - the gardens are divided into three areas to ensure interest all year round and perfect if you're looking for some garden inspiration! The urban eighteenth-century formal gardens were restored by the National Trust to their original grandeur.
What you'll be doing
As a Collections Assistant, you’ll be working with a supportive housekeeping team in an inspiring historic setting. You’ll be helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the precious collections of objects, works of art, textiles and furniture that are part of the house’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.
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. nimble-fingered, with 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
•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