Featured Jobs and Volunteering Positions

£33,000 p.a. (plus benefits)

We’re looking for a bright, proactive person with a passion for the special places we represent, a keen interest in policy-making, knowledge of parliamentary process and the policy landscape, and accomplished research and writing skills. If you’re energised by the opportunity to make a real difference in the heritage sector, and you’ve some experience of political and parliamentary monitoring and research or similar, we want to hear from you!

To find out more about the role, please download the full Job Description & Person Specification. To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter (outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the skills and experience specified in the Person Specification) to Emma Robinson, Director of Policy & Public Affairs: emma.robinson@historichouses.org Please include contact information for two referees and details of your notice period (if applicable).

The closing date for applications is Sunday 28 May. First round interviews will take place in London on Wednesday 7 June.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Catering Manager to be responsible for the day-to-day management of onsite catering where you will be hands on in the kitchen with the team.

You should be able to deliver excellent customer service whilst creating a positive team atmosphere. The Bishop’s Table is a thriving business, offering good job security and a bustling working environment.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Parham House in West Sussex is seeking a full-time secretary to join it’s small and friendly team. This is a busy and varied role and would suit an enthusiastic applicant with previous administrative and customer-service experience.

For more information and to apply, please refer to Parham’s website.

This is an exciting time to join Hever Castle’s retail team and take a leading role in providing visitors with a memorable retail experience. Managing the daily operations of both onsite shops, this role will be pivotal in driving sales and motivating our Visitor Experience Assistants to reach challenging commercial targets.

The Retail Manager will work with the Head of Retail and Marketing to develop Hever Castle’s Ecommerce offering to increase visibility, create and deliver a dynamic Ecommerce strategy that links into key existing and emerging markets and consumer trends.

The successful candidate will be experienced in retail and driven to succeed in a challenging economic climate. They will be creative, yet have exemplary attention to detail.

A can-do attitude and a strong commitment to the organisation’s cause is essential. Applicants should have relevant experience in a similar role. An interest in history and heritage and the desire to make a difference is desirable.

See website for further details and an application form.

A truly exciting opportunity for an experienced, hardworking, and enthusiastic people person to join the small, friendly and highly motivated team at Arundells.

Lead the ongoing development, management, and successful delivery of a wide range of events across a platform of excellence.

Promote this sensational heritage visitor attraction, with its beautiful garden and stunning collection of artwork and memorabilia.

Consolidate and develop new corporate and private hospitality initiatives.

Read the full job description here.

Unique opportunity to work in full time position as ‘Assistant Estate and Events Manager’ on a diverse country estate with varying business ventures.

Email enquiries@bryngwyn.com for more info.

Would you like to be part of the next chapter in the future of The Merchant’s House Trust?

The Trust was established 30 years ago to conserve and preserve the Grade II* home of Thomas Bayly, a silk merchant who built the house in 1656. Today the Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees, who are supported by an office and shop team and volunteers.
We are looking for additional Trustees to join our Board. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, but we are particularly looking for people with expertise or experience of:

• Historic Buildings and interpretation of Heritage
• Fundraising
• Financial and accounting background
• People management
• Building links with the community

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

You will pride yourself on the highest standards of customer care. Ideally with a current basic food hygiene certificate, you will ensure the cafe premises are always scrupulously clean and all our delicious freshly prepared food is beautifully presented. Food preparation, cash-handling and touchscreen till operations skills are required for which training will be provided.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

We are looking for customer focused people to support the daily operational performance of the Retail Department with the aim of delivering a word class customer service experience to every visitor, every time. With our busy retail outlets at Dunvegan Castle, we are looking for people with a passion for selling our high-quality range of products across our retail outlets. You will have a natural ability to engage with customers and achieve high standards of work whilst maintaining attention to detail and a friendly, calm and professional manner. Cash-handling and touchscreen till operations skills are required for which training will be provided.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

As a member of the MacLeod Estate team, provide a warm, friendly and professional welcome to all visitors. Prepare, serve and sell hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks. You are accountable for maintaining exceptional standards of customer service as part of delivering the visitor experience.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

The Bishop’s Palace aims to be a national beacon of community engagement and wellbeing. This exciting position will work alongside the Community Engagement Manager to support and develop community engagement at The Bishop’s Palace. The role will take a lead on the administration of the volunteers and community groups engaged with the site. You will be involved in volunteer recruitment, training and support. You will also assist with creating and developing, links with local people and groups to foster their engagement with The Bishop’s Palace though a variety of activities. We are looking for someone who is passionate about the benefits of volunteering and working with community groups.

As our ideal candidate you should:
• Have experience of volunteering, working with different community groups and volunteers.
• Have experience in providing training
• Have a passion for the benefits of volunteering and working with disadvantaged communities.
• Have excellent customer service and administrative skills.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

A wonderful opportunity has risen to work within the Knowsley team, and we are in search of a bright, enthusiastic, and ambitious Sous Chef who loves food and hospitality and has a desire to deliver excellent food in line with our fabulous reputation.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, team-player who enjoys interacting with diverse groups of people, has a passion for historic houses and visitor experience.

You’ll be responsible for the co-ordination, recruiting and training of the Volunteer House Stewards. You will lead and manage the volunteers during the House Opening season to deliver a special and unique experience to our visitors.

You will take the lead on visitor engagement for the Estate. With a strong desire to learn about the Estate and its collections, you’ll enjoy revealing our fascinating history.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

The Portland Collection at Welbeck Abbey is one of the leading collections of fine and decorative arts still in private ownership in England. As well as being displayed in the historic rooms at Welbeck Abbey, a selection of objects from the collection are also shown in a purpose-built gallery. The collection also includes a significant historical archive including extensive estate papers and maps.

The Collections Manager is responsible for all aspects of collections care and management. Leading a small curatorial team, they will maintain and update collections documentation and ensure the daily and long-term care of the collection through preventative conservation, safe storage, and best collection care practice.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

The primary objective of the weddings and functions coordinator is to sell and deliver high quality and magical weddings and functions. Both sales and delivery are of equal importance in maintaining a successful and sustainable department as part of a multi-faceted business.

The role is an operational one, and to ensure that our clients are happy and that their event goes to plan you will be expected to work at all your allocated client events throughout the year. Therefore, this position requires evening and weekend working. Some of these shifts will be acting as Duty Manager and require you to supervise events staff in addition to carrying out your own responsibilities.

As a Weddings and Functions Coordinator you will be responsible for all aspects of our weddings offering. Working with clients from initial meetings and enquiries to their wedding day. Powderham Castle has four unique wedding venues, the Castle, Belvedere Tower, American Garden and Old Riding School. There are no package deals, all our weddings and functions are carefully curated in consultation with each individual client.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Thirlestane Castle is open to the public for guided tours from May to September, and for private guided tours the rest of the year.

If you have an interest in history and enjoy engaging with the public, you may like to become a tour guide.

You may be interested in being a volunteer helper, who are friendly and welcoming of our visitors. They support tour guides and then provide hospitality to visitors in the tearoom and gift shop. We are looking for people who enjoy engaging with a range of different people and who are good communicators.

We’re really excited to introduce this new volunteer role of Grounds Person / Gardener. If you love being outdoors, Thirlestane Castle has over 500 acres of parkland to enjoy. As you can imagine with an estate of that size, much work goes into its upkeep to ensure it always looks its best for our visitors. This role includes planting and weeding, grass cutting and general grounds maintenance.

Find out how to apply here.

You will be one of the ‘faces’ of Larchfield Estate – often the first point of contact for clients and guests. The focus of this role is to manage the accommodation side of our company with support from the Events & Accommodation Assistant, and housekeeping team. This is the perfect opportunity to further or develop a career within an independent high-end luxury accommodation business, with the scope to develop alongside the company.

You will be someone who loves working with people, building rapport and getting to know them to truly understand their needs, whilst considering the finer details in all that you do.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Quiet Company is seeking an outstanding, multi-skilled Site/Project Manager for Swarthmoor Hall – a Grade II listed historic/heritage property and the home of Quakerism in Britain. You will have demonstrable experience across facilities management (FM), hospitality, accommodation, and historic house/national heritage sites. This includes project management, site development and the operation of visitor experiences, catering and accommodation services, and facilities oversight.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

The Old Kitchen Tearoom is a vital part of Chawton House, and we welcome visitors throughout the year for teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches, as well as offering catering for special events. We are looking for someone with kitchen experience to join our busy Tearoom environment.

Duties to include food preparation, cleaning, some customer service, stock control and managing deliveries.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of food hygiene, with a Level 2 Food safety certificate being preferable, or a willingness to undertake training to achieve it. They will also have the ability to work well in a small team, including good communication, willingness to learn, punctual and reliable. Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, a friendly manner and the ability to offer good customer service

Read the full description and how to apply here.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens is seeking to appoint an exceptional person as its new Head of Operations, to lead and manage the daily activities of Sudeley, and to implement a number of initiatives that have been agreed as part of Sudeley’s strategic plan.

The Head of Operations will be responsible for the daily operations of Sudeley, which comprise visitor services, retail, catering, weddings and events, as well as gardening, security and maintenance teams.
Sudeley has 15 full time employees, around 35 seasonal workers and a further 40 volunteers. In addition, you will be responsible for implementing initiatives that have been agreed as part of Sudeley’s strategic plan.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to work in our gardens along with our existing team. Ideally the volunteers will work 1 day a week/up to 4 days a month.
Capesthorne Hall is a 300 year old stately home set in 100 acres of parkland which includes woods and formal gardens. Our volunteers will be working on new projects as well as helping maintain the formal gardens.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

We have a terrific opportunity for an energetic and outgoing Tea Room Assistant who would like flexible working hours.

Experience in catering and event work is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided.
To ensure a high-quality welcome, service and customer experience in the tearoom, including private hire and special functions.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

The Bishop’s Palace is a thirteenth century medieval palace and has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. The Palace is surrounded by a breath-taking moat, drawbridge and iconic gatehouse. It is a beautiful and inspirational place to work. As a charitable organisation our purpose is to protect The Bishop’s Palace.

The Public Events Executive will join the Visitor Experience Manager in developing and delivering our public events programme as well as working alongside the front of house team to welcome our visitors on a day-to-day basis and generate income which will ensure the longevity of this site for future generations. As the Public Events Executive you will organise and deliver our public events programme including Christmas at the Palace, Artisan Christmas Market and members only events. You will also act as Duty Manager on a rotational basis, supporting the front of house team in welcoming our visitors.

Key responsibilities include:
• Taking the lead in devising, organising and delivering a range of events
• Leading by example to ensure the Front of House team deliver a top-quality visitor experience to our visitors
• Take responsibility for site safety when acting as Duty Manager
• Working within agreed budgets and establishing sponsorship partnerships to support our events programme.

To join the team you will have excellent customer service skills coupled with clear organisational skills and self-motivation. You will also have experience of designing and delivering public events and exhibitions along with experience of Duty Management or Supervision at a Visitor Attraction/Heritage site. You will also have excellent ICT skills and ideally experience with ticketing/till systems.

This part time role is 24 hours per week. Standard working days Sun-Monday with one other. Standard hours 9.15am – 5.45pm, but flexibility will be necessary for events outside our usual opening hours. There is some flexibility on working pattern for the right candidate.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

The Bishop’s Palace is a 13th century medieval palace and has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. The Palace is surrounded by a breath-taking moat, drawbridge and iconic gatehouse. It is a beautiful and inspirational place to work. As a charitable organisation our purpose is to protect The Bishop’s Palace.

The Visitor Experience Manager will lead the Front of House team to ensure that all visitors have a fantastic experience. As a member of the Senior Management Team, they will contribute towards delivering the Strategic objectives of The Palace Trust, and be responsible for managing an annual budget, increasing visitor numbers and income, along with overseeing the development and delivery of a dynamic public events and exhibitions programme. They will also act as Duty Manager on a rota basis.

Key responsibilities include:
• Leading by example to ensure the Front of House team deliver a top-quality visitor experience to our visitors
• Take responsibility for site safety when acting as Duty Manager
• Managing the Visitor & Events budgets
• Managing and developing the strategy for increasing visitor numbers, memberships and maximising commercial opportunities.
• Overseeing the events and exhibitions programme

We are looking for someone to join the team who has excellent customer service skills coupled with clear organisational skills and self-motivation. At least two-years management experience within the heritage/tourism sector, with a proven record of budget management and increasing visitor income. Experience of Duty Management and knowledge of health and safety on a public site plus excellent ICT skills and knowledge of ticketing/till systems.

Find out how to apply here.

As the first point of contact for visitors, the Visitor Welcome Assistant provides visitors with the information they need for an enjoyable and memorable visit. The Visitor Welcome Assistant is responsible for; welcoming visitors, selling tickets, assisting with orientation, up-selling membership, processing cash and card transactions including retail sales, and cashing up at the end of each shift.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Working closely with the House and Events Manager, the Events & Marketing Assistant will primarily be responsible for the preparation and running of events and the marketing and promotion of Stansted House, Grounds and Walled Gardens.

You’ll be promoting Stansted Park through maintaining our digital and print media presence, showcasing us for Weddings, Corporate and Private events. You’ll also be fulfilling Front of House duties supporting successful Event delivery.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, team-player who enjoys interacting with diverse groups of people, has a passion for historic houses and visitor experience.

You’ll be responsible for the co-ordination, recruiting and training of the Volunteer House Stewards. You will lead and manage the volunteers during the House Opening season to deliver a special and unique experience to our visitors.

You will take the lead on visitor engagement for the Estate. With a strong desire to learn about the Estate and its collections, you’ll enjoy revealing our fascinating history.

Read the full job description here.

As a charitable organisation, The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens seeks to welcome everyone to enjoy the historic buildings and beautiful gardens. Set within the grounds, The Bishop’s Table serves locally sourced homemade food and drinks, with one of the best views in Wells.

We are looking for a passionate Food and Beverage Supervisor to assist the Café Manager in delivering excellent customer service whilst creating a positive team atmosphere. The Bishop’s Table is a thriving business, offering good job security and a bustling working environment.

The Palace has been home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, you couldn’t ask for a more inspirational place to work.

Read how to apply here.

Kelburn has a great variety of offerings and attractions for our visitors. They’re looking for an enthusiastic Marketing Officer to join their team to develop and deliver daily, event and core product specific marketing coverage for Kelburn. This will include being responsible for social media, website and print marketing campaigns, website updates, producing newsletters, industry listings and the creation of marketing materials.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Vacancies have arisen for Guides at Inveraray Castle. These positions can be either Full or Part-time, and will involve conducting castle tours and answering visitor queries.
An interest in Scottish History would be an advantage. Full on-the-job training will be provided.

Successful candidates must be friendly and outgoing and enjoy providing a high degree of customer service.

Read the full job description here.

Vacancies have arisen for Tearoom Assistants to join our happy team in the cafe / tearoom at Inveraray Castle. This can be an exceptionally busy venue during the summer months. The position involves constant interaction with the public and we take pride in our high customer services standard, so the successful candidate must display similar attributes.
On-the-job training will be provided.

Read the full description and how to apply here.

This new position with SHPT will support Anna McEvoy (House Custodian) across a wide range of responsibilities. Working Tuesday to Thursday, the Assistant House Custodian will be involved in all aspects of the ongoing conservation and upkeep of Stowe House, working closely with Anna, SHPT and School colleagues, and external contractors and stakeholders, to ensure that Stowe House continues to develop and thrive.

Read the full job description here.

The Learning and Community Officer will oversee and build the learning, outreach and public programme offer at Stowe House by developing and delivering inspiring, informative, and engaging learning programmes for people of all ages. Taking overall responsibility for these activities, you will collaborate closely with the local community and a wide range of groups to bring Stowe House to the attention of a wider audience and encourage new visitors to the house. Following Stowe’s spirit of creativity, the learning and outreach offer at Stowe will have a strong creative approach, so will inspire people to generate artwork, photography, performances, creative writing, and other creative media by responding to Stowe and its stories.

Read the full job description here.

Stowe House is looking for a new Visitor Experience and Events Officer.

Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the visitor offer and the visitor volunteer team during house opening hours, the role ensures that the team delivers the highest standard of visitor experience. You will work with the rest of the SHPT team to ensure that key elements of volunteer management, customer care, retail and visitor experience are delivered, along with assisting at events and promotions.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Marketing and Events Manager to play a crucial role in the development of Burton Constable.

You will lead on the marketing of the site, and you will develop and manage an annual programme of outdoor events and a programme of holiday activities for children.

Read the full job description here.

Kelburn Castle and Estate is looking for a dynamic, creative and talented person to join our hardworking team as a Creative Events and Operations Manager. This role is directly responsible for devising and delivering our innovative events programme, as well as our front of house operations, ensuring both visitors and audience have an amazing experience. The ideal candidate will be able to be both creative in their thinking, as well as able to manage teams and external performers. This is a an hugely exciting position and will be critical in developing the financial and cultural performance of Kelburn.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

The Doddington Hall Conservation Charity has been successful in raising development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for an ambitious project called Wilder Connections.

The Charity is seeking 2-3 new trustees to support the delivery of the project. 

Read the full description and how to apply here.

We are looking to recruit volunteer guides and room stewards for the 2023 season, especially on Sunday and bank holiday Monday afternoons between April and September.

Room guides are vital in bringing Deene Park to life, welcoming our visitors and imparting their knowledge of the Brudenell family and the history of the house in a fascinating and enjoyable way. Room guides also play a valuable role in safeguarding our interiors & collections.

This role will suit individuals who enjoy making visitors happy, who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, who have an interest in local history and enjoy meeting new people.

Read more and find out how to apply here.

Kelburn Castle and Estate is known throughout the world as the iconic Graffiti Castle and we are looking for a confident, hands-on and practical manager to be responsible for the day-to-day management and future development of our Glamping Site at Kelburn. The site consists of 8 luxury yurts and a communal Bothy, with a separately located field campsite. This role will include managing and working alongside cleaning and hospitality staff to deliver a top-quality product with a focus on creating a lasting and magical experience for Kelburn Guests.

The role provides a fantastic opportunity be part of a dedicated team who love trying new things and thinking differently! Although the role is seasonal till the end of October, there is the potential to extend depending on business needs and accommodation is available.

Find out how to apply here.

Middleton Hall & Gardens are looking for a Gardener.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the garden and equipment, following a maintenance plan and supervising a team of volunteers to help ensure the highest standards of presentation for our visitors. You will be knowledgeable about the site and able to engage with our visitors, making sure that they have the best experience when with us. The role will involve a hands-on approach to daily operations in an organization where no two days are the
same. Full training will be given and enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are essential.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

We are looking for a Cook/Chef to assist the Head of Catering in delivering a quality service, maintaining the highest standards of food service, whilst creating a positive team atmosphere and customer environment.

As a charitable organisation, The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens seeks to welcome everyone to come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Set within the gardens The Bishop’s Table serves locally-sourced homemade food and drinks and has one of the best views in Wells.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

We are looking for somebody who is friendly, positive and outgoing who will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people. You will be responsible for volunteer recruitment and will work with colleagues and partners to grow volunteer and community engagement. Volunteers are a great asset to Middleton Hall and Gardens, and volunteering also improves the health and well-being
of individuals and benefits the local community. So, you will aim to ensure that the experience of all volunteers, communities and partners is positive, flexible, inclusive and safe..

Read the full job description here.

The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is looking for a Head of Finance and People to lead the finance, HR and administrative functions for the duration of Maternity Cover. The role will be responsible for delivery of strategy for these core support functions and will also provide secretariat support to the Board of Trustees.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Chawton House are looking for someone with kitchen experience to join their busy Tearoom environment.

Duties to include:

• Food preparation
• Cleaning
• Some customer service
• Stock control and managing deliveries

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, hardworking and energetic ‘people person’ to join the small, friendly and highly motivated team at Arundells.

Read the full job description and how to apply here.

Following the retirement of long-serving trustees, the Bishop’s Palace are looking for new trustees with time, energy and vision to help them conserve this unique heritage site and develop it for future generations to use.

They are particularly seeking trustees with experience in:

• Fundraising
• Ownership and conservation of historic buildings
• Sustainable development of historic grounds and gardens
• Development of new audiences, and of partnerships and networks
• Financial/commercial development – with experience of managing/leading visitor attractions

Find out more, including how to apply, here. 

This is a great opportunity to join the team at Inveraray Castle, the home of the Campbell Family and the Dukes of Argyll.

You’ll need excellent communication skills and be friendly with a genuine desire to help and please others, along with strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and think clearly. A ‘can do’ mentality is desired. Out of the visitor season, the castle is busy with various works, tests or training and you will be at the heart of coordinating this, as well as taking and managing bookings for the season ahead.

Read more about the role and how to apply here. 

The Bishop’s Palace aims to be a national beacon of community engagement and wellbeing.  This exciting position will work alongside the Community Engagement Manager to support and develop community engagement at The Bishop’s Palace.  The role will take a lead on the administration of the volunteers and community groups engaged with the site.  You will be involved in volunteer recruitment, training and support.   You will also assist with creating and developing, links with local people and groups to foster their engagement with The Bishop’s Palace though a variety of activities.

Read more about the role and how to apply here.

Working under the Head Gardener, you would be expected to have a reasonable level of horticultural experience, including propagation and pruning, as well as experience in the heavier areas of working in a large garden, including hedge trimming and strimming. The Gardens include meadows, orchards, a cut flower garden, glasshouses, vegetables, pots and containers, lawns and walled areas.

Read more about the role and how to apply here.