Senior Collections & House Officer

Summary

Are you a proven manager of collections or houses? Can you bring your conservation knowledge to this close knit team? We need someone who can champion fantastic collections care and practise, visitor welcome and the day to day operation of managing volunteers to give great experiences.

This is a full-time position, you'll be working 1 weekend in 3, with time off in lieu. Flexibility will be needed to help cover holidays. 

Interviews will be held on the 19th of March. 

What it's like to work here

It’s an exciting time to work at the celebrated Edwardian retreat of Polesden Lacey. New areas of the property have opened to the public, making this a year-round attraction with lots of opportunities within the team. The property boasts glorious views of the surrounding Surrey Hills, as well as an impressive art collection, manicured gardens and a large National Trust Shop. Colleagues have a great team spirit with close links to the local community. This picturesque property is just four miles outside of Dorking, however you're likely to need your own transport to get here.

Everything in the garden reflects Mrs. Greville's desire to impress her guests with lavish displays, garden tours are available through the day in summer and weekends in the winter.

Click here for more information about this location What you'll be doing

As the day to day lead of the House Team, you’ll manage a team of Collections Assistants and volunteers to implement preventive conservation and cleaning programmes in the house to ensure excellent standards of care, delivering strategies to improve conservation. You’ll be responsible for the planning and implementation of conservation projects, collections care and daily opening of the house ensuring appropriate resources are in place to provide a consistent and excellent visitor experience. We have over 300 volunteers working in all areas of the house and this role will play a vital part recruiting, training, communicating and supporting them throughout their volunteer journey.

You'll collect and accurately record information to inform our understanding of the house and the collection and use preventive conservation techniques to improve how we conserve, interpret and present the property. Leading by example you’ll ensure a culture of excellent customer care, engaging our visitors with conservation and the values and behaviours of the National Trust.

Who we're looking for To deliver this role successfully you'll have: 

• outstanding people leadership skills and experience of working with and managing volunteers 
• the ability to work independently as well as with a team, contributing to a positive, inclusive, and productive place for staff and volunteers 
• great communication skills, establishing positive relationships with both external and internal collaborators 
• demonstrate experience designing and implementing creative programming, interpretation and museum quality displays 
• an understanding of audience insight and how we can use this to better develop our offer 
• operational experience of collections management and care in an historic environment, including relevant collections management systems 
• knowledge of Health and Safety and Emergency procedures

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)

• Tax-free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• 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

• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.