Summary
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 contract until 06-Sep-2026. There are three contracts available.
Hours/working pattern: 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. You'll typically work 2-4 days per week and alternate weekends including the bank holiday. shifts will be 9.30am - 5.30pm.
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
One of the National Trust’s top ten most visited sites, Calke Abbey is a high-performing property that welcomes over half a million visitors each year. At its heart lies a remarkable heritage landscape, featuring a Baroque mansion house, historic stableyards, church and formal gardens, set within 600 acres of ancient parkland.
While parts of the house and stableyards vividly reflect the past lives of one of Derbyshire’s wealthiest families, other areas have been carefully preserved rather than restored. These spaces offer a unique glimpse into the decline of the country house in the 20th century, telling stories that many similar estates did not survive to share.
Today, Calke Abbey is a vibrant destination where nature, history, and people come together. It offers opportunities for outdoor activity, play, learning, and cultural exploration. Working here means becoming part of its ongoing story, helping to inspire visitors, create lasting memories, and support the National Trust to ensure these special places can be enjoyed by everyone, now and in the future.
What you'll be doing
As a Programming Assistant, you’ll play a key role in championing the visitor experience during Calke’s busy Summer of Play programme. Based in the main play hub - the Garden of Imagination - you’ll help families enjoy fun, creative, and engaging activities, ensuring they have a memorable day out.
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 lead and deliver a range of play and craft sessions, as well as gather valuable visitor feedback through evaluation surveys.
Some days, you may work independently with the support of volunteers, while on busier days, you’ll collaborate with fellow Programming Assistants to deliver the best possible experience for every visitor.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document 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 have:
1. good communication skills, building relationships with a wide range of people
2. a team player, but can also work by yourself
3. adaptable and have a flexible approach
4. an understanding of the importance of great service
5. keen to learn new things
6. 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)
•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