Jobs

We’re looking for 2 hands-on Heritage Venues Maintenance and Technical Assistants to help care for the unique industrial heritage and rugged rural landscape of Killhope. 

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
 
This practical outdoor role involves supporting the upkeep of historic machinery and buildings, including the underground historic mine, carrying out basic repairs, helping operate features like the waterwheel, and contributing to landscape and habitat management across the site.

You will work in all weathers in a spectacular upland environment, supporting the Maintenance and Technical Manager while also guiding volunteers and engaging with visitors during the open season.

If you enjoy varied practical work, thrive outdoors, and want to play a key part in preserving a nationally significant industrial heritage site while developing your skills, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours & Working Pattern
 
Heritage Venues Maintenance and Technical Assistant 1  

This is an annualised-hours role, totalling 842 hours per year, split between Killhope’s open and closed seasons.

Open Season (30 weeks)

• Approximately 600 hours
• Around 20 hours per week
• Weekend working is required
• Weekend hours include enhanced pay

 
Closed Season (22 weeks)

• Approximately 224 hours
• Around 10 hours per week
• No weekend working during winter

Heritage Venues Maintenance and Technical Assistant 2

This is an annualised-hours role, totalling 632 hours per year, split between Killhope’s open and closed seasons.

Open Season (30 weeks)

• Approximately 390 hours
• Around 13 hours per week
• Weekend working is required
• Weekend hours include enhanced pay

 
Closed Season (22 weeks)

• Approximately 242 hours
• Around 11 hours per week
• No weekend working during winter

You will receive annualised pay, meaning your salary is paid in equal monthly instalments throughout the year, regardless of seasonal hour variations.

We encourage you to contact Maria McArdle via email at Maria.McArdle@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  
 
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?
 
You should hold a NVQ level 2 or equivalent, in a relevant area
 
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 
 
 
INTERVIEWS
 
It is expected interviews will be held week commencing 6th April 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

 
OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.
 
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 
 
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
 
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
 
HOW TO APPLY 
 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
 
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk 
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro rata to hours worked

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant