Workshop Technician – West Dean, West Sussex

About West Dean

West Dean is a truly distinctive place to work, bringing together arts, design, craft, and conservation within a stunning heritage setting. Located in the South Downs near Chichester, the West Dean Estate spans 6,350 acres and is home to West Dean College, award-winning gardens, historic buildings, and a thriving creative community. Alongside its Sussex campus, West Dean also operates in London at the KLC School of Design, offering a unique blend of countryside and city experiences.

The Role

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a proactive and practical Workshop Technician to join our Technical Resources team. This hands-on role is central to supporting the delivery of courses and conferences by preparing and maintaining workshops, studios, and teaching spaces.

Working as part of a technician team, you will set up learning environments, respond to tutor and student requests, and ensure all spaces are safe, organised, and ready for use. You will also play an important role in maintaining health and safety standards, supporting fire safety procedures, and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the College.

Key Responsibilities

You will assist with setting up workshops, studios, and conference spaces, preparing materials, furniture, and equipment to a high standard. The role includes maintaining cleanliness and organisation of teaching spaces before, during, and after use, as well as safely storing supplies and equipment.

You will support requests for tools and materials, assist with maintaining and preparing equipment, and contribute to exhibitions and special projects. You will also share responsibility for college vehicles, ensuring they are clean, maintained, and fuelled, and undertake driving duties to transport students and materials when required.

Additional responsibilities include supporting health and safety compliance, assisting with manual handling and COSHH processes, monitoring site security, helping the Estates team with equipment and furniture, and undertaking training such as PAT testing.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who is organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. You should be confident working both independently and as part of a team, with a professional and approachable manner.

A basic understanding of health and safety principles is essential, along with a willingness to learn and support a dynamic educational setting. A full manual driving licence is required, and experience driving commercial vehicles would be beneficial. Previous experience setting up workshop or studio environments and working within a similar setting would be an advantage.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £13,280.80 per annum (£26,561.60 FTE)
Hours: 20 hours per week (0.5 FTE), worked across a flexible two-week rota, including weekends and bank holidays

Benefits include a generous contributory pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, cycle to work scheme, free entry to West Dean Gardens, discounts on retail and courses, access to on-site facilities including swimming pool, library and tennis courts, and subsidised accommodation rates.

Location

West Dean, West Sussex (PO18 0QZ), set within the beautiful South Downs National Park.

Why Join Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a creative and inspiring environment, supporting arts education and events within a prestigious institution. You’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside talented colleagues, and contribute to a supportive and collaborative community.

Apply Now

If you are practical, motivated, and ready to play a key role in supporting creative learning spaces, we would love to hear from you. Apply via the West Dean careers site now! 

• Please view the Workshop Technician Job Pack 05 2026 document (opens in a pop up)