Further Information:

Key Responsibilities

1. Collection Handling and Preventive Conservation Care

• Handle, move, pack, and install objects from the Castle Howard Collection — including paintings, tapestries, furniture, books, and decorative art.
• Work closely with the Curators and Collections Technician to ensure best practices in preventive conservation, particularly regarding handling, transport, and environmental control (light, humidity, and temperature).
• Assist with exhibition installations, loans, photography sessions, and filming projects, ensuring that all activities safeguard the integrity of the Collection and the building fabric.
• Immediately report any damage, deterioration, or conservation concerns to the Curatorial team.
• Supervise external contractors and specialists working on the House or near the Collection, ensuring proper handling and site protocols are observed.

2. Building Security and Caretaking

• Serve as a keyholder and first responder, always ensuring the safety and security of Castle Howard House and associated estate buildings.
• Conduct opening and closing checks, ensuring all doors, windows, gates, and alarms are properly secured, and that fire safety systems are fully operational.
• Operate and monitor security, fire, and environmental systems, responding promptly and appropriately to any alarms or incidents.
• Carry out regular internal and external security patrols, including daytime, evening, and overnight checks as required by the rota.
• Monitor CCTV and intrusion detection systems where applicable, escalating issues in line with agreed security protocols.
• Participate in the emergency response and salvage team, providing support during fire, flood, or other conservation emergencies.
• Carry out a programme of regular checks (daily, weekly, monthly, and annual) on the estate’s operational systems, including, but not limited to generators, reservoirs, lighting, and water supply.
• Maintain vigilance for any security or safety risks, ensuring timely reporting and resolution.
• Liaise with senior staff, external security providers, and emergency services when incidents arise, producing clear written incident reports.
• Support crowd management and visitor safety during busy periods, events, or VIP visits, helping ensure secure movement through the House.

3. Maintenance and Operational Support

• Carry out minor repairs and general maintenance tasks (e.g. replacing light bulbs, attending to leaks, clearing gutters and drains.
• Work collaboratively with Building Services, Housekeeping, and Operations teams to ensure Castle Howard’s interiors and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.
• Support events, filming, and VIP visits, ensuring the safe movement of furniture, setup of rooms, and restoration of areas to their original state.
• Assist contractors working on-site, ensuring works are safely and efficiently completed with minimal disruption to the Collection, family, or visitors.
• Drive estate vehicles as required, including the safe transport of materials, equipment, and personnel, as well as driving the Directors or guests when needed for business or operational purposes.
• Provide logistical assistance to the family and management team, such as moving objects, vehicles, or equipment when required.

4. Presentation, Housekeeping, and Customer Service

• Ensure all public and private spaces within Castle Howard are clean, tidy, and visually consistent with the property’s heritage character.
• Work sensitively within family and public areas, always maintaining discretion and respect for privacy.
• Act as an ambassador for Castle Howard, demonstrating excellent communication, courtesy, and professionalism with staff, family members, and visitors.
• Support the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience by maintaining access routes, signage, and facilities to the highest standards.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Proven ability in general maintenance and repair tasks, including confident use of hand and power tools.
• Substantial practical experience of building or site security within a heritage, visitor, hospitality, or similarly complex environment.
• Understanding of security and fire safety systems, with experience as a Fire Warden or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and manual handling principles; physically capable of lifting and moving heavy objects.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisation, and record-keeping skills.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and proactive, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional, customer-focused approach.
• Flexible, adaptable, and calm under pressure, especially during emergency or out-of-hours situations.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• First Aid and/or IOSH Health & Safety certification.
• Experience working in Grade I listed or heritage properties.
• IT literacy (Microsoft Office, digital logging tools).
• Experience operating security systems (e.g., alarms, CCTV, access control), and responding appropriately to incidents.

Special Features

• This is a live-in role, with accommodation provided within the Castle Howard Estate.
• Participation in a duty rota covering weekends, evenings, and emergency first-response is required.
• The position involves occasional out-of-hours work for emergency response, events, or conservation projects.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine enthusiasm for historic houses and heritage preservation.
• High personal integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Practical and hands-on, with a “can-do” attitude.
• Respectful of confidentiality and the unique environment of a family estate.
• Committed to maintaining the standards of excellence associated with Castle Howard.

To apply for this role please send your CV and covering letter to hr@castlehoward.co.uk

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