Part-Time Conservation Assistant

at  Waddesdon Manor

Job Title: Conservation Assistant
Managed by: Collection Steward
Departments: Collections Location: Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury,
Bucks HP18 0JH
Waddesdon Manor is a historic house open to the public. Created by Baron Ferdinand de
Rothschild from 1874, it is home to the Rothschild Collection and was bequeathed to the
National Trust in 1957. Today is managed by a Rothschild charitable trust, The Rothschild
Foundation. It currently welcomes over 350,000 visitors a year to the property, just over a
third of whom visit the house.
The Collection is rich in fine and decorative arts of the 18th century, including English 18th-
century portraits, French 18th-century furniture and porcelain, drawings and works on paper,
textiles, 16th and 17th-century objets d’art, Dutch Golden Age painting, sculpture (including a
small contemporary collection), books and bindings, manuscripts and metalwork. The
collection is displayed within original 19th-century interiors, many incorporating 18th-century
French panelling.
The Department is responsible for the care and access, research and interpretation of the
contents of the House, the sculpture in the Gardens and the historic paper and photographic
archive. This includes the annual exhibition programme and the management of an exhibition
space at the Stables. It also includes the management of the collections at the Windmill Hill
Archive. Sections within the department include the Stewards, Curatorial, Archive and
Records and the Education and Learning Team.
Job summary:
Collection conservation cleaning, care and maintenance is carried out by the Stewards. As a
member of this conservation cleaning team, the Conservation Assistant is responsible for the
routine housekeeping care, cleaning and conservation of the Collection and its contents to
National Trust principles. This primarily involves the cleaning and care of historic show rooms
with a focus on the presentation of the Collection, including assisting with domestic cleaning
of staff tea rooms and lavatories within the Collection and other buildings where we are
responsible for the cleaning.
From time to time the post holder will be asked to perform other duties or tasks as may be
reasonably requested.
Specific Duties Include:
Cleaning and Presentation
As part of the conservation cleaning team be responsible for the care and presentation of the

Collection:

• Routine day to day cleaning of the Collection and its contents
• Make sure the Collection is presented to its optimum for daily opening to the visitor,

including bulb changes, blind adjustments & stanchion maintenance

• Work in accordance with the methods laid down in the Manual of Housekeeping
• Bring to the attention of the Stewarding team any signs of wear, damage or

deterioration in the fabric or contents of the Collection

• Participate in the deep cleaning programme during the summer including statues and

particularly during the winter

• Work in an environmentally friendly manner
• Participate in practical conservation housekeeping training and ensure knowledge is

always current with National Trust practice
Conservation and Protection of Contents
Responsible for helping with the long-term care of the items on display and in store at multiple

sites:

• Work with an awareness of the importance of environmental control (e.g. humidity)

and the damaging effect of light on contents

• To occasionally assist specialist conservation staff as directed when they are working in

the Collection

• Help in the packing/unpacking of contents prior to/after conservation or building works
• Help as necessary with the preparation and cover of the Collection for functions,

events, photography, filming, and in the clearing up afterwards.

• To help with the record photography of the Collection and objects within
• Assist with sewing of new furniture covers and repair works to the statue covers
• Assist in maintaining conservation records as required by the line manager to ensure

up to date and accurate record of condition and participate in other documentation as

required, such as inventory projects, using the collections management database.

• Assist in the project to number each item in the collection following methods and

techniques instructed.
Safety and Security
Ensure that Health and Safety procedures are followed when working.

Observe all security practices:

• Be careful to follow procedures including lifting and moving objects, working at height

and working in dusty environments

• Report all accidents as required by the Health and Safety policy
• Be aware of the risk of theft and the security measures put in place to prevent it – work

around these carefully and report any suspected changes to the Stewarding team

Other Duties

• To read and understand all mandatory policies and participate in the mandatory on

line eLearning modules

• Attend relevant training courses and meetings as required
• To assist the Stewards in running conservation themed demonstrations and events for

the public.

• Assist in maintaining conservation records as required to ensure up to date and

accurate records of condition and participate in other documentation as required such

as inventory projects and using the Collections Management database.

• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be requested of the Conservation

Assistant by the Stewarding team including covering for sickness and holidays where

needed.

• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may

be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

• •

Knowledge, Experience & General Attributes:
Knowledge:
Essential: Good general education
Knowledge of conservation
Desirable: Knowledge of and training in working at height regulations
PC Literate in Word, Microsoft Outlook and Excel
Skills:
Essential: Team worker
Head for heights
Good manual dexterity
Careful and accurate with attention to detail
Excellent organisational skills
Flexible and adaptable
Good verbal communicator
Self-motivator with good sense of initiative
Able to initiate, plan and implement tasks
Driver with access to a car
Experience:
Essential: Conservation cleaning in either a historic house, museum or conservation
environment
Desirable: Previous experience of working alone
Previous experience of working at height
Experience of database use, preferably Collections Management
Sewing experience (domestically or professionally)
Terms & Conditions
Salary: £17,847.00 per annum
Hours: 30 hours per week, working 3 weekdays and every other weekend.
Monday to Friday, January through to the end of March.
Holiday: From start date, 33 days (including public holiday)
After three full years of service: 36 days (including public holidays)
After five full years of service: 38 days (including public holidays)
After ten full years of services: 40 days (including public holidays)
Benefits: 50% discount from our on-site catering takeaway
20% staff discounts in our on-site Restaurant and Shops.
Matched pension contribution. Employer matched up to 10%
Beautiful location working within the charity and heritage sector.
Free parking.
National Trust Staff Card which entitles free entry for two people at all NT
Properties and a discount in their shops.
Recruitment Process
In order to be considered for this role, please submit your CV along with a covering letter
explaining how your experience and skills match those outlined above by emailing
application@waddesdon.org.uk
Closing date: midnight, Sunday 6th October 2024
Interview: TBC

• To read and understand all mandatory policies and participate in the mandatory o