IRC162405 - Service Assistant

Salary: £12.25 per hour

Contract/duration: 9 months Fixed Term Conract until 30-Nov-2025

Hours/working pattern/hours: This role is an hourly paid, fixed term position. Wherever possible, we aim to offer a consistent working pattern, but we're looking for flexibility as it may be necessary for us to alter this pattern from time to time to suit the needs of the business. We'd give you as much notice of this as possible. The role will include weekends and Bank Holidays. 

Interview date: Friday 11th April 2025

Potential start date: ASAP

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.

What it's like to work here

Castle Ward is a unique 18th-century mansion famed for its mixture of architectural styles and interiors. One half is built in the classical Palladian style, while the other half - which faces out across Strangford Lough - is built in the more elaborate Gothic Side. The estate has been home to both 8 generations of the Ward family, along with their servants and friends. There are many fascinating stories and histories to share with our visitors of all generations and backgrounds, along with new history being made everyday!

Reporting to the Collections & House Officer, you’ll be part of a passionate House team of 6 staff and over 40 volunteers working at Castle Ward in the South Down portfolio. The Collections & House team are only part of the overall team based across the South Down portfolio. Everyone brings their own knowledge and passion to their specialist areas to ensure this place is looked after for everyone forever.

What you'll be doing

You will perform an integral role in greeting and supporting visitors in our historic mansion. This can range from delivering tours or acting as the day leader to a group of volunteers on our self-guided days. You are responsible for bringing our visitor experience to life in house and ensuring our visitors learn all there is to know about Castle Ward.

No two days will be the same. You can expect to meet many different people and gain experience in different visitor areas. You will contribute towards keeping our visitors safe as well as our highly significant collections. You will liaise with the House Team leads and duty manager regularly to ensure the smooth running of the house offer during busy weekends and event days. 

We are seeking people who are passionate about history and the National Trust and able to communicate this to our visitors. Being able to build relationships with both staff and our dedicated house volunteers is integral. The role requires someone who is adaptable and can make decisions based on the needs of our visitors and the historic house. 

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• well-organised and adaptable
• willing to learn new skills.

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