Collections & House Officer

Are you someone who cares deeply about achieving high standards, and helping to make beauty and history accessible to all? Would you like to be part of a dedicated professional team working at one of the National Trust’s finest houses, looking after its collections of art and objects, and presenting them to visitors? If so, you could become a Collections and House Officer at Coleton Fishacre , bringing to life the history and significance of this much-loved place. 

This salary will be applicable from 1st April 2024.

At the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age.

This most evocative of country homes was built in the Arts & Crafts style, and is imbued with Art Deco elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms, and music plays, echoing the family's Gilbert and Sullivan connections. You can get an insight into 1920s life 'upstairs and downstairs' from the glamorous Saloon and the airy servants' rooms. 

In the RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

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

Supervised by a Collections & House Manager, you'll be responsible for routine conservation, preventive conservation and the annual programme of deep cleaning. Your attention and expertise will help to ensure excellent standards of care throughout the house.  

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. And you’ll be sharing stories about the past with anyone who’s interested, as well as your personal experience of working here. 

This role involves working alternate weekends.

• 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 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.