Programming Assistant

Gibside has a reputation for the quality of its play offer for families. Every summer, around 50,000 people visit Gibside with many of those visiting our flagship event 'Summer of Play'. But Gibside has so much more to offer all year round. You’ll plan and deliver events and activities that create lasting, joyful memories for our visitors over the summer holidays, such as nature crafts, as well as looking ahead towards the next big moments for autumn and winter. This role involves manual handling and being outdoors in all weather, as you will be setting up activities and equipment.

Job Details

Salary: £13.25 per hour

Contract Duration: Fixed term until 5th August 2026

Contract Type: This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible.

Typical Working Pattern: Although not guaranteed, we expect to offer around 30 hours per week, spread over 4 or 5 days a week. This role will involve work at weekends and possibly on bank holidays, as these are the busiest and most exciting times at Gibside. The role does not require evenings or split shifts.

Interview Date: Thursday 21st May

Proposed Start Date: Week commencing 15th June

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Senior Visitor Experience Officer, you’ll work alongside the Active Outdoors Assistant at Gibside.

You’ll work as part of a team that is passionate about ensuring that everyone who visits Gibside has a great day out, and is able to participate in our activities.

You’ll enjoy the benefits of working outdoors in nature. Gibside is home to Roe deer, Red Kites, amphibian-filled ponds, and a fruitful Walled Garden.

What you'll be doing

• Prepare Gibside for the summer season by creating a festival atmosphere through the installation of bunting, flags, selfie stations, and a wide range of play equipment.
• Plan and deliver drop‑in craft workshops, and support other outdoor activities such as storytelling during the summer holidays.
• Set up play equipment, carry out regular checks during the day to ensure it remains presentable and safe, and actively engage with families to encourage participation in play opportunities across the site.
• Support the evaluation of the Summer of Play programme by speaking with families to understand what they enjoyed and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with volunteer teams who help deliver events and activities.
• Ensure strong communication across departments so everyone on site is aware of planned activities, particularly the Welcome team, Gardeners, Rangers, and the House and Collections teams.
• Look ahead by researching and ordering resources for the autumn and winter programmes, keep storage areas organized, and flag any equipment requiring maintenance to ensure everything continues to run smoothly.

Who we're looking for

• Good communication skills, building relationships with a wide range of people.
• A team player, but can also work by yourself.
• Adaptable and have a flexible approach.
• An understanding of the importance of great service.
• Keen to learn new things.
• Well organised and able to manage time well.

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.

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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria).
• 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.

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