Property Steward- National Trust - Rippon Lea

Join us to meet the team and discover what being a Volunteer Property Steward is all about .

 

Volunteer Property Stewards play a vital role in preserving and presenting Rippon Lea Estate, one of Victoria's most significant heritage properties.

Working alongside National Trust staff and fellow volunteers, you will support the ongoing care of the estate's historic buildings, gardens and visitor spaces through practical landscape, conservation and basic property maintenance activities. Essentially you need to be a handy.

This rewarding role helps ensure the estate remains beautifully maintained for the thousands of visitors who enjoy Rippon Lea each year. Ideal for people who enjoy working outdoors, have an interest in heritage and want to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of Victoria's cultural heritage. It is a special place to be.

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Location & Department; Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick. 

Reports to; This volunteer role is based at Rippon Lea Estate and is managed by the Property Manager, with training, guidance and project support provided by the National Trust's Gardens & Landscapes and Conservation & Advocacy teams.

Time Commitment;  Volunteers are encouraged to commit to a minimum of three weekday shifts per month. Volunteer opportunities are preferred on Wednesdays, with flexible arrangements considered.

Number of Volunteers Required;  Up to 4 volunteers,  Volunteers will ideally work together where appropriate. Minimum of 1 volunteer required per shift

Support Provided by the National Trust

• Site-specific induction and orientation
• Training in safe work practices
• Instruction in the safe use of tools and equipment required for assigned tasks
• Ongoing support from property, conservation and gardens staff
• Access to all tools, materials and equipment required to undertake approved tasks
• Opportunities to learn from specialist heritage, conservation and horticultural professionals

Volunteer tasks can be ; 

A task list and training will be provided on site. Tasks will vary according to property priorities, seasonal requirements and volunteer interests.

Landscape Maintenance

• Repairs to fencing and garden edging
• Topping up and levelling path surfaces
• Cleaning landscape structures such as fences, bridges and outdoor features
• Pressure washing and oiling exterior structures where required
• Basic pool maintenance activities as directed
• Supporting the Gardens & Landscapes Team with projects and seasonal works

Building Maintenance

• Dusting and de-cobwebbing building exteriors
• Cleaning and washing decks, paving and landscape features such as fountains and balustrades
• Cleaning windows, windowsills and exterior light fittings
• Graffiti removal
• Oiling curtain tracks and minor fixtures
• Minor hardware or carpentry repairs where appropriately skilled and authorised only

Conservation Team Support

• Project setup and access preparation as directed 
• Painting and maintenance activities when authorised 
• Gutter cleaning under supervision and appropriate safety controls
• Documentation and recording of conservation work
• Practical support for conservation projects as required

Skills, Experience and Attributes

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Essential

• Physically capable of undertaking practical outdoor tasks
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely with minimal supervision when required
• Curious, with an eye for detail
• Reliable, punctual and committed to maintaining high standards
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team
• Previous experience at home or work with tasks ideal but not essential such as the application of finishes.

Benefits for the Volunteer 

• Learn practical maintenance and conservation skills.

• Work outdoors in a stunning heritage environment.

• Support the preservation of one of Victoria's historic places.

• Meet new likeminded people and join a passionate volunteer community.

• Gain hands-on experience alongside heritage, conservation and horticultural professionals.

• Make a visible and lasting difference to the presentation of a National Trust property.