We’re looking for someone with an eye for detail and a passion for making history accessible to all. As a member of the Collections & House Team you will work collaboratively to ensure that Knole’s internationally significant collection of art, furniture, textiles and decorative arts is shared with varied audiences and cared for to a high standard.

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.

The current scheduled interview date is 20^th June 2025.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact: James McGrath, Collections & House Officer at Knole- james.mcgrath@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01732462100.

Sitting proudly within Kent’s last medieval deer park, Knole offers something for everyone. Visitors immerse themselves in the vast estate, still populated by wild deer, and follow in the footsteps of tourists who have visited Knole’s showrooms for 400 years. Originally built as an archbishop’s palace, Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family. The collection includes paintings by Reynolds and Gainsborough, 17th century tapestries and royal state furniture.

The Collections & House Team at Knole is a dedicated group of professionals who work hard to manage, conserve and interpret the collection. We work with colleagues across the property team and wider National Trust to deliver well planned conservation routines which ensure the building and collection look their best. We will offer training in every aspect of the role.

See Links and Downloads for more information about this location

As a Collections Assistant, you’ll be working with a supportive and knowledgeable team in an inspiring historic setting. You’ll be helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of a historically significant collections of objects, works of art, textiles and furniture. You’ll be alert to details and will keep a keen eye on everything from the environmental conditions in a room, to any signs of wear and tear. You’ll work with the rest of the Collections & House Team to keep accurate records. You will also go “behind the glass” on more intensive cleaning and conservation projects, such as an intensive winter clean programme, and periodic deep cleaning of showroom spaces.

Offering all visitors a welcoming and memorable experience of Knole is at the heart of everything we do. As a Collections Assistant you’ll provide excellent customer care by engaging our visitors with history, conservation and our values.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

This post holder is required to work 1 in 4 weekends as part of a shared rota pattern.

We’d love to hear from you if you're:

• nimble-fingered, with good hand-to-eye skills, and happy 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.

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

See Links and Downloads to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.