Collections & House Officer in Buckland

Are you someone who cares deeply about achieving high standards, and helping to make beauty and history accessible to all?

If so, you could become a Collections and House Officer at Buckland Abbey, bringing to life the history and significance of this much-loved place.

This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave.

At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.

What it's like to work here

When you visit Buckland, you follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.

The Abbey is part museum, part house, and filled with treasures.

There’s no mistaking the magnificence of the Great Barn, which has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago.

What you'll be doing

As the Collections and House Officer, joining a small but dedicated team, you’ll be responsible for opening the house, and making sure there are enough people in the right places to give visitors a consistently good experience.

Supervised by a Senior Collections and House Officer, you'll be responsible for routine conservation, preventive conservation and the annual programme of deep cleaning.

Your attention to detail and expertise will help to ensure excellent standards of care throughout the house and buildings that we care for.

You'll collect and record information gathered during cleaning and housekeeping, to improve our knowledge and understanding of the house and all that’s in it.

You’ll use preventive conservation methods to improve how we look after everything, and how we present it to visitors.

You'll also be supervising the day to day work of two Collections Assistants and Conservation volunteers.

Working as part of the team, you'll also care for the visitor facilities ensuring high standards of presentation and cleanliness.

You'll be flexible and adaptable and work as part of the wider property team, participating in the Duty Management rota, working regular weekends and helping with property events.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• someone who puts people first, and who knows what’s needed to make sure everyone receives great service
• able to work as part of a team, with skills in day-to-day supervision and management
• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
• comfortable with managing costs and spending
• full of ideas about how to make spaces and objects accessible to more visitors

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.