South East Conservation Cleaning Work Placement Role Description

Why does English Heritage need my support?

We are looking for a careful and meticulous individual who would like to gain practical experience assisting with the conservation cleaning of the collections and interiors at various sites in the Kent and East Sussex area.

How much time will I be expected to give?

This placement will take place over two weeks, Monday-Friday, from Monday 21st January to Friday 1st February 2019. 10 days in total.

Hours may vary throughout the weeks but are likely to be around 9am to 5pm.

Application deadline: Sunday 2nd December 2018 Interview date: 17th /18th December 2018

Where will I be based?

You will be based at the Stonehut, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU but travelling to various small sites around Kent and East Sussex, including Deal Castle, Richborough Roman Fort, St Augustine’s Abbey, Lullingstone Roman Villa, Dover and Walmer Castle.

What will I be doing?

Your time will be spent at various museum and historic property sites, assisting with the conservation cleaning of the interiors and collections on display.

You will be working closely with the Collections Care Assistants and Collections Conservator and will learn:  How to assess a space for conservation cleaning needs, considering object types and materials, site footfall and building material;  Assess and condition check collection objects by completing condition report forms and taking photographs;  Object handling including archaeological materials such as ceramics, metalwork, stonework etc;  Conservation cleaning techniques such as brush vacuuming;  Environmental monitoring and how the environment affects the display of collections and their care

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

We are looking for a careful and meticulous individual with a positive attitude who is happy to work as part of team. Key requirements are:  Attention to detail  Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity  Confident with heights e.g. working from a step ladder  Ability to work in cold, confined and/or dark spaces

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South East Conservation Cleaning Work Placement Role Description

 Able to carry heavy equipment e.g. carrying vacuum cleaners up stairs  Excellent communication skills  Flexibility and adaptability  Access to a car would be ideal. Please state whether you have access to a car on your application

What will English Heritage expect from me?

 To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service  To be reliable in attendance and dependable  Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.  To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided  Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures  Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public  Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.  Observe organisational policy and procedures  Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial  Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing)

What can I expect from English Heritage?

 A welcoming and enjoyable experience  To be treated fairly and with respect  Recognition and appreciation for your contribution  A full induction and training programme with on-going support  A volunteer pass allowing free entry to English Heritage properties is available on completion of 60 hours and four months of volunteering  Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits  A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers  You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer

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