Company: National Trust
Location: County Down
Posted: May 18th, 2026
Summary
We're looking for a Service Assistant to join us at Castle Ward in the County Down Portfolio to help support the House & Collections team in our historic mansion.
Salary: £12.75 per hour
Contract/duration: Fixed term contract until 31-Dec-2026
Hours/working pattern/hours: Seasonal, flexible, weekends. 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. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.
For this role, you'll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Castle Ward is a unique 18th-century mansion famed for its mixture of architectural styles and interiors. One half is built in the classical Palladian style, while the other half - which faces out across Strangford Lough - is built in the more elaborate Gothic Side. The estate has been home to both 8 generations of the Ward family, along with their servants and friends. There are many fascinating stories and histories to share with our visitors of all generations and backgrounds, along with new history being made everyday!
Reporting to the Collections & House Manager, you'll be part of a passionate House team of 7 staff and over 40 volunteers working at Castle Ward in the County Down portfolio. In the wider portfolio team, everyone brings their own knowledge and passion to their specialist areas to ensure this place is looked after for everyone for ever.
What you'll be doing
You will perform an integral role in greeting and supporting visitors in our historic mansion. This can range from delivering tours or acting as the day leader to a group of volunteers on our self-guided days. You are responsible for bringing our visitor experience to life in house and ensuring our visitors learn all there is to know about Castle Ward.
No two days will be the same. You can expect to meet many different people and gain experience in different visitor areas. You will contribute towards keeping our visitors safe as well as our highly significant collections. You will liaise with the House Team leads and duty manager regularly to ensure the smooth running of the house offer during busy weekends and event days.
We are seeking people who are passionate about history and the National Trust and able to communicate this vital message to our visitors. Being able to build relationships with both staff and our dedicated house volunteers is integral. The role requires someone who is adaptable and can make decisions based on the needs of our visitors and the historic house.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
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