Collections & House Officer

Are you someone who cares deeply about achieving high standards, and helping to make beauty and history accessible to all? If so, you could become a Collections and House Officer at Smallhythe Placeand Lamb House bringing to life the history and significance of this much-loved place.

Your time will be split between the 2 properties.
This is a fixed term contractuntil the end of Feb 2026.

Weekend and bank holiday working is required on a rotation basis.

What it's like to work here
You'll be part of a small supportive team and will report to the Senior House and Collections Officer. The role provides variety and requires adaptability as it covers two unique places, Smallhythe Place near Tenterden, and Lamb House in Rye. We are a creative team dedicated to sharing our knowledge and passion for these smaller properties with our visitors. Smallhythe Place is a theatrical delight, a large Tudor cottage containing a nationally important collection of Victorian Theatre memorabilia which once belonged to the great Shakespearian actress Ellen Terry. Smallhythe was her country home and is a time capsule which holds the fascinating story of her life as well as significant works by many artists. It houses one of the most important costume collections in the country including the famous beetle wing dress. In the timeless cottage garden stands the Barn Theatre which is used throughout the summer providing a magical space for our extensive events programme.

Lamb House is an elegant Queen Ann house standing at the centre of the beautiful town of Rye. It is a literary house having been the home and inspiration to many resident authors including Henry James and E.F.Benson. Hidden away behind the House is one of the largest gardens in Rye which offers a place for calm and reflection in a busy town. Lamb House is at the centre of Rye community, welcoming local groups and art events to share this special place.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of 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.

What you'll be doing

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 Senior Collections and House Officer, 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.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you're:

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 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

to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.

Closing Date: 02 February 2025

Interview Date: 07 February 2025

To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0*** or email us at

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0*** or email us at and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.

EqualOpportunities Statement

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 .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a 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 at risk. If 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.
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