JOB DESCRIPTION
Role: Assistant Housekeeper
Reports to: Head Housekeeper
March 2013
Business Function: Property & Visitor Services
Pay Band/Starting Salary: Band A : £12,876
pro-rata
Type of Contract : Permanent / part-time (15
hrs per week). Some weekend working will be
involved.
Location: Falkland Palace, Falkland, Fife,
KY15 7BU
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
To maximise visitor enjoyment in the property by providing an efficient and effective service through high
standards of conservation cleaning and general housekeeping based on the needs of the property and its
collections.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant Housekeeper is responsible for carrying out a wide variety of duties in connection with the care
of the property. These duties involve the correct handling and conservation cleaning of the collection,
following best-practice at all times, and general housekeeping duties throughout the Palace.
Duties include:
 Assisting with the cleaning of the collections (furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, works of art, textiles, rugs,
books, and other artefacts), using property-specific cleaning plans and approved / recommended
conservation methods, materials and equipment.
 Assisting with deep conservation cleaning of collections & property pre/post season opening
 Assisting in setting up/putting property to bed pre/post season opening
 Assisting in the monitoring the condition of the collections and the property, both through routine,
informal checking and formal record keeping (e.g. pest damage, Accidental Damage Reports). Any
concerns, damage or loss should be reported immediately to the Head Housekeeper (or Property Manager
in the absence of the Head Housekeeper)
 Assisting with the administration of any repair works, liaising with the Palace Property Manager, Head
Housekeeper, Handy Person and contractors when necessary.
 Cleaning of surfaces (e.g. window-sills, skirting boards, doors, paneling) and the vacuuming/cleaning of
floors as appropriate
 Cleaning of staff room and staff toilet facilities in the Palace
 Cleaning of public toilet facilities if required
 Assisting in ensuring sufficient stocks of conservation cleaning materials and janitorial supplies
 Participating in the Trust’s annual Collections Care training programme in order to increase knowledge
and to ensure the highest level of conservation cleaning and collections care is adhered to at the property
 Ensure Safe Systems of Work is implemented effectively in all areas of work.
 Share in the common responsibility of working in a manner mindful of the Trust’s obligations to minimise
impact on the environment, through e.g. efficient use of water/heat/light, recycling and the disposal of
waste, considered use of transport.
 Deliver excellent customer care (internal and external) to foster a friendly and inviting atmosphere for
visitors, staff and volunteers.
 In accordance with the property’s procedures, share in the common responsibility for the safe evacuation or
management of colleagues and visitors in the event of a fire or security alert or alarm.
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Any other duties that fall within the scope of this post and as delegated / instructed by the Head
Housekeeper or Property Manager
To provide holiday cover for Head Housekeeper as and when required
SCOPE OF ROLE:
People Management:
 Not a line-manager but supported by the Head Housekeeper, will give direction to collections care
volunteers. Will also work closely with other property colleagues, Conservator North and will have
interaction with other technical/specialist advisory colleagues based in other locations and
departments. Will also work closely with contractors working on site.
Financial Management:
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N/A
Additional Information:
 Post holder will be a frequent user of cleaning materials and tools.
 Much of the Palace is accessed by turnpike staircases and Housekeeping duties are carried out on all
floors of the property, including the third floor.
 The post holder is required to attend the Trust’s annual Collections Care training programme to
maintain and improve on their technical skills.
 On the job training will be given by the Head Housekeeper and support will be given by the Trust
Group Conservator.
 Duties are carried out in the morning, prior to the Palace opening to the public and the post holder will
be required to work from either 7am or 7.30am, Monday to Friday plus 4.30pm – 6.30 / 7pm Fridays.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
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Commitment to high standards of conservation and general cleaning.
Attentive to detail, with an eye for condition, presentation, and finish.
Must have an appreciation of the importance of the collections at Falkland Palace.
This is a physical job, which will normally include use of ladders, stepladders, vacuum cleaners, and
working at heights, lifting, fetching and carrying objects.
Previous housekeeping or cleaning experience in a historic property or museum an advantage, but not
essential.
Ability to work under supervision, but able to work effectively on own initiative when required
Willingness to learn and develop specialist cleaning techniques, and the willingness to attend any
required training (including the annual Conservation Care training programme)
Personal commitment to excellence in customer care.
Must have a genuine understanding of, and belief in, the work of the National Trust for Scotland.
The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect
the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate
consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within
the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
Applications:
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to Human Resources Department
(Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road
Edinburgh, EH11 4DF, by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post (i.e. 10.00am) on 29
March 2013. Interviews are likely to be held at Falkland Palace on 10 April 2013.
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