Maintenance Volunteer

Dominating a high, rocky headland thrust out into the open sea, the great fortress of Pendennis has protected the entrance to the River Fal and its deep estuary, Carrick Roads, for nearly 500 years. We are looking for volunteers to help us care for Pendennis Castle’s beautiful grounds by carrying out regular small-scale maintenance to ensure the site looks its best for our visitors.

We are looking for someone able to commit to 3 - 4 hours a week. Working under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator, you will be:

• Removing weeds from around the site
• Using hand shears to cut the long grass around the benches and guns
• Sweeping and helping to keep areas free from vegetation, dead leaves etc.
• Cleaning outside signage and display boards
• Painting / Varnishing small items/ furniture of a non-historic nature
• Other small- scale maintenance tasks as they arise.

Whilst on site you might meet visitors and chat about what you are doing and why it is important, or help with on-going site presentation by collecting litter. After each visit you will give brief feedback to the site team.

This role would therefore suit someone who has; 

• Good understanding of health and safety principles
• Experience of working on practical tasks such as weeding, painting and low-level maintenance tasks
• Self-motivated and happy to work alone, but confident in talking to the public
• Happy to be working outside in various weathers

Your Volunteer Coordinator will be the first point of contact, and will meet with you to give you an introduction to the role and the tasks to be undertaken. They will provide any training, so you are able to carry out your task in a safe way. You will receive detailed instructions, access to a basic toolkit and appropriate PPE.

Our volunteer teams are dedicated, welcoming and fun. We kindly ask all of our volunteers to; 

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided.
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial. 
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

As an English Heritage volunteer, you can expect; 

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.