Collections Assistant

Summary

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. It is also about presenting all of this to visitors and helping to make every person’s day memorable and enjoyable.

Weekend and bank holiday working will be required. We are a 363 property open all year round except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We operate a rolling 3‑week rota for the House team, which involves working 1 in 3 weekends (shared across the team).

22.5 hours per week, worked across 2.5 days per week.

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.

Reporting to the Senior Collections and House Office, you will be working onsite alongside a small team of collections assistants on a weekly rota. As part of the day‑to‑day routine tasks, you will prepare and open the House to visitors, look after our house volunteers, carry out housekeeping tasks to ensure the House and collection are both looked after, and maintain standards of presentation.

Throughout the year, you’ll be involved in preparing and creating displays and events that align with property‑specific, seasonal, or National Trust programmes; with particular emphasis on Christmas, the main visitor event highlight. The Collections and House team works closely with teams such as Gardening, Visitor Operations, and Visitor Experience, liaising with them regarding upcoming events, group bookings, and organised tours of the House.

You will receive collections‑based and health and safety training specific to your role and further opportunities to support personal and professional development.

As a Collections Assistant, you’ll work with a supportive housekeeping team in an inspiring historic setting. You’ll help 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, keeping a keen eye on everything from environmental conditions in a room to any signs of wear and tear.

You’ll also keep accurate records and routinely provide support to our Collections and House volunteers on a day‑to‑day basis as needed. The role is 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.

• Good hand‑to‑eye skills and the ability to work from ladders or scaffold towers
• Comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
• Focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• A team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• Well‑organised and versatile
• Willing to learn new skills

• 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

Learn more about the benefits we offer to support you.

Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

26 July 2026

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

The National Trust is committed to safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults  you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.