The National Trust of South Australia is seeking a dedicated live-in caretaker to oversee the day-to-day maintenance of Collingrove Homestead, located in the picturesque Barossa Valley.
This position offers a unique opportunity to live on-site amidst rich cultural heritage while playing a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the history of the region.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Practical, hands-on experience in property management, preferably in a historic or cultural setting.
- Experience in conducting regular inspections and overseeing maintenance tasks.
- An organised approach to maintaining accurate records of property management.
- Ability to assist National Trust staff in use of the property for public events and programs.
- Excellent verbal communication skills to engage with stakeholders effectively.
- Up to date Police Check & Working With Children Check, current drivers licence.
The Role includes:
- Keeping the house clean and tidy.
- Maintaining the yard and immediate surrounds of the house.
- Checking that the watering system in the garden is working as required.
- Monitoring the water tanks and run pumps as required.
- Mowing the lawns as required – ride on mower is provided.
- Performing basic repairs and maintenance jobs as required (e.g replace leaking washers, clean gutters when necessary etc)
- Ensuring that water, heating and cooling systems, and alarm systems are in working order.
- Cleaning accessible light fittings, replacing globes where necessary and where fittings are 3.5 metres or less from ground level.
- Ensuring all doors and windows are locked when the house is empty.
- Directly contacting the appropriate services in the event of the following emergencies: fire; flood; break-in; vandalism; accident.
- Monitoring consumable items (i.e. cleaning materials, soap, towels, toilet paper, dishwashing liquids etc) and re-order as required.
In exchange for these responsibilities, you will be able to live free of charge in the caretakers’ quarters at Collingrove Homestead.
About the National Trust of South Australia:
The National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) actively conserves, manages and promotes South Australia’s indigenous, natural, built, historic heritage and culture, and does so as a community-based, not-for-profit, non-government organisation.
NTSA’S core responsibility is the preservation, management, maintenance and promotion of historic sites, natural reserves, museums, folk history, collections, icons and heritage. Our aim is to raise awareness in the broader community and to encourage current and future generations to explore their past, immerse themselves in the present and imagine their future heritage.
The National Trust in South Australia has active programs in three main areas:
- Managing heritage buildings and nature reserves including over sixty museums and folk history collections.
- Devising and disseminating policies on a range of heritage issues and lobbying for improved protection of our heritage.
- Providing awareness raising programs in the broader community on cultural and natural heritage matters.
Our vision is more people experiencing, enjoying and valuing our heritage.
About Collingrove Homestead:
Conceived as a little piece of England and commenced in 1856, Collingrove was the Angas family home and headquarters for their considerable pastoral interests. The Angas family made significant contributions to the growth and development of South Australia from its earliest days through political involvement, pastoral endeavor and philanthropic gesture. Collingrove was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1976 by Ronald Angas.
Collingrove Homestead is a large house built of local stone with a slate roof and provides a fine example of how our pioneers created a new Australian architecture which still retains the Old Country atmosphere of their origin, set in landscaped grounds. Located in the famous Barossa Valley wine district of South Australia, home to some of the world’s best wines.
The caretakers quarters includes:
- Master bedroom
- Study/second bedroom (opens into master bedroom)
- Living/dining room
- Bathroom
- Access to homestead kitchen, including gas stove
- Enclosed sleepout/porch area
Applications:
Please submit an introductory letter and CV to admin@nationaltrustsa.org.au .
Site inspections will be arranged for shortlisted candidates.