Studio / Workshop Technician (AAT)

Join West Dean as a Studio / Workshop Technician (Assistant Art Technician (AAT))

West Dean is a truly unique place to work, bringing together an internationally recognised centre for arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning gardens, historic collections and a working estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our Sussex campus is home to West Dean College, renowned gardens, heritage glasshouses, a working kitchen garden and a vibrant programme of courses, conferences and events. Together with our London campus, we offer an inspiring environment that bridges countryside and city life, creativity and heritage.

We are delighted to offer two part-time (0.5 FTE, 20 hours per week) opportunities to join our Technical Resources team at our Sussex Campus.

About the role

As a Studio / Workshop Technician (AAT), you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of courses and conferences by preparing workshops, studios, teaching and conference spaces to the highest standards. Working under the direction of the Technician Manager and as part of a collaborative technician team, you will ensure that learning environments are safe, organised and ready for use.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up and clearing workshops, studios and teaching rooms

• Responding to tutor and student requests for equipment and materials

• Maintaining health and safety standards, including workshop cover for fire evacuation

• Cleaning and preparing studios before, during and after courses

• Assisting with the preparation of art and craft materials and maintaining tools

• Supporting exhibitions, special projects and wider college activities

• Helping to maintain college vehicles and undertaking occasional driving duties, including minibus driving (where appropriately licensed)

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the College, including the Estates team

This is a varied, practical and hands-on role in a creative learning environment, ideal for someone who enjoys supporting others and takes pride in maintaining high standards.

About you

You will be proactive, practical and self-motivated, with a professional and approachable manner. You will have good time management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities, working confidently both independently and as part of a team.

A basic understanding of health and safety principles is essential, along with a full manual driving licence. Entitlement to drive (Category D1) and experience driving a minibus and/or commercial vehicle would be advantageous. An interest in arts, crafts and/or conservation and experience of setting up workshop or studio spaces would also be beneficial.

Working pattern

Both roles are 20 hours per week (0.5 FTE) delivered across a two-week rota. Working patterns may vary across the fortnight while maintaining contracted hours. One role operates on a fixed rota, while the other offers a variable rota pattern.

When submitting your application, please clearly state in your cover letter which position you are applying for - fixed rota, variable rota, or if you would like to be considered for both. This will help us ensure your application is reviewed appropriately.

Please read the job description attached to see the requirements for each role.

Salary and benefits

Salary: £13,280.80 per annum (£26,561.60 FTE)

In addition to a competitive salary, West Dean offers an attractive benefits package including:

• Generous contributory pension scheme (4%–7.5% matched)

• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free entry to West Dean Gardens

• Retail discounts in our Sussex shops

• Free and discounted places on short courses

• Free use of Sussex campus facilities including swimming pool, library and tennis courts

• Subsidised bed and breakfast rates on campus
  
  

If you are looking to contribute to a distinctive and creative educational environment, and want to be part of a supportive and passionate community, we would be delighted to hear from you.