Location:Raby Castle
Department:Leisure and Tourism
Employment Basis:Full-time, Permanent
Salary:£24,082.50 per annum
Closing Date:12th Sept 2025
Interview Date:September 2022
Job Ref:VA204-2025
Job details
We seek to recruit an experienced Housekeeper to play a key role in preserving Raby Castles important heritage collections and to ensure that the Castle is presented to the highest standard. Raby Castle houses a collection of recognised national significance, which must be cared for, conserved and displayed appropriately.
What youll be doing
As Housekeeper you will play a key role in preserving Raby Castles important heritage collections and ensure that the Castle is presented to the highest standard. You will be responsible for day-to-day cleaning and will contribute to the care of the collections and interiors of this historic building.
Raby Castle is a busy visitor attraction and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Welcoming visitors and providing clean, well maintained facilities is essential, reporting issues quickly and keeping all areas to a high standard.
What we need to see
This is an important role within the Raby Team, not only taking responsibility for the care and conservation of many important heritage assets but also working closely with Lord and Lady Barnard and our Curator to understand their wishes for the collections care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing the Castle for opening daily.
- Vacuuming visitor route floors/carpets.
- Dusting objects and furniture using appropriate equipment and techniques.
- Monitoring light levels and adjusting room blinds as needed.
- Observing and reporting on changes in any objects condition.
- Assisting with moving objects using appropriate art-handling techniques.
- Taking part in annual deep clean of rooms outside of the visitor areas and on the public route.
- Cleaning staff facilities such as offices, breakrooms and toilets.
- Assisting with cleaning in other areas of the site, where required.
- Sharing a passion for history and for the care and conservation of the castle collection.
- Being part of the Salvage Team for Raby Castle.
- Interacting with guests and answering questions about work in progress as required.
- Working in a responsible and safe manner at all times, adhering to Health & Safety policies, safe working practices and Company Policies and Procedures (e.g. COSHH, working at heights, manual handling).
- Represent Raby and Lord and Lady Barnard appropriately at all times by being smart in appearance and behaving in an appropriate manner in line with our estate values.
Skills Required
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work from ladders and tower scaffolds
- Willingness to work in cold and dusty environments
- Enthusiasm to learn and undertake continuing professional development
- Great team player
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential information
Knowledge and Experience:
- Proven working experience as a Housekeeper
- Ability to handle heavy cleaning equipment and machinery
- Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
- Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets
- Knowledge of general conservation principles
Overview of Raby Estates
Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard have developed the Castle and grounds in recent months to become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the North.
The Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations which include in-house farms, let farms and residential property, along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire. We also have visitor attractions at Raby Castle, High Force Hotel and Waterfall in Upper Teesdale and The Wrekin in Shropshire.
As well as the Estates own Home Farm in Raby Park, there are many tenanted farms and a large number of houses and cottages in villages around Teesdale, many are whitewashed farmsteads and houses where families have been tenants for several generations.
What weve got to offer
Its people that make a place, without people, a place is simply an empty shell. At Raby this is certainly true, its our people that make Raby special.
We strive to offer our employees an excellent working environment and the tools to perform, enabling them to achieve their goals and be the best they can be.
As well as some of the most iconic locations to work we offer:
- Attractive Salary
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of statutory holidays)
- Group Pension Scheme (7.7% employer contribution)
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Uniform
- Continuous improvement through staff training and staff development programmes
- Discounts at our retail and food outlets
- Discounts for stays High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force attractions
- Behind the scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
How to apply
If you would like to be part of our journey, wed love to hear from you. If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience and personality to undertake this role, please get in touch.
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