Caretaker

The Estate Caretaker plays a key dual role within the Castle Howard team, combining professional care of one of Britain’s most significant private collections with hands‑on estate maintenance and site security responsibilities.

You will be responsible for the handling, movement, and protection of the Castle Howard Collection, which includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts of national importance. You will also contribute to the day‑to‑day operation, security, and upkeep of the historic house and its associated buildings, ensuring the environment is safe, clean, and welcoming for the Howard family, visitors, and staff.

This is a live‑in position requiring flexibility, professionalism, and discretion, as well as a genuine passion for historic buildings, heritage preservation, and exceptional presentation standards.

• Handle, move, pack, and install objects from the Castle Howard Collection — including paintings, tapestries, furniture, books, and decorative art.
• Work closely with the Curators and Collections Technician to ensure best practices in preventive conservation, particularly regarding handling, transport, and environmental control (light, humidity, and temperature).
• Assist with exhibition installations, loans, photography sessions, and filming projects, ensuring that all activities safeguard the integrity of the Collection and the building fabric.
• Immediately report any damage, deterioration, or conservation concerns to the Curatorial team.
• Supervise external contractors and specialists working on the House or near the Collection, ensuring proper handling and site protocols are observed.

• Serve as a keyholder and first responder, always ensuring the safety and security of Castle Howard House and associated estate buildings.
• Conduct opening and closing checks, ensuring all doors, windows, gates, and alarms are properly secured, and that fire safety systems are fully operational.
• Operate and monitor security, fire, and environmental systems, responding promptly and appropriately to any alarms or incidents.
• Carry out regular internal and external security patrols, including daytime, evening, and overnight checks as required by the rota.
• Monitor CCTV and intrusion detection systems where applicable, escalating issues in line with agreed security protocols.
• Participate in the emergency response and salvage team, providing support during fire, flood, or other conservation emergencies.
• Carry out a programme of regular checks (daily, weekly, monthly, and annual) on the estate’s operational systems, including, but not limited to generators, reservoirs, lighting, and water supply.
• Maintain vigilance for any security or safety risks, ensuring timely reporting and resolution.
• Liaise with senior staff, external security providers, and emergency services when incidents arise, producing clear written incident reports.
• Support crowd management and visitor safety during busy periods, events, or VIP visits, helping ensure secure movement through the House.

• Carry out minor repairs and general maintenance tasks (e.g. replacing light bulbs, attending to leaks, clearing gutters and drains.
• Work collaboratively with Building Services, Housekeeping, and Operations teams to ensure Castle Howard’s interiors and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.
• Support events, filming, and VIP visits, ensuring the safe movement of furniture, setup of rooms, and restoration of areas to their original state.
• Assist contractors working on‑site, ensuring works are safely and efficiently completed with minimal disruption to the…