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Full Time

Head Gardener

JOB PURPOSE
Step into a unique opportunity to lead and inspire at the heart of the Scottish Borders. As Head Gardener for Harmony Garden and Priorwood Orchard, you won’t just manage two of Scotland’s horticultural treasures—you’ll become their guardian, storyteller, and visionary.

Nestled in the historic town of Melrose, Harmony Garden is a vibrant, living tapestry set against the elegance of one of Scotland’s finest Regency houses. With sweeping herbaceous borders, a rare bulb lawn, productive vegetable beds, and a traditional orchard, this is a garden that celebrates both beauty and bounty. Just across the lane, Priorwood Orchard offers its own charm as Scotland’s first garden dedicated to the art of flower drying, with over 90 heritage apple varieties and a peaceful woodland glade.

As Head Gardener, you’ll lead a passionate team of gardeners and volunteers, shaping a visitor experience that is rooted in horticultural excellence and seasonal wonder. You’ll balance traditional gardening craft with modern sustainability, bringing creative flair to planting schemes, restoration projects, and visitor engagement.

You will live the Trust’s values of brave, caring, curious, inclusive and vibrant.

RESPONSIBIILTIES
 Working with the Operations Manager and Gardens & Designed Landscape Manager to create a vision for the gardens that blends conservation with creativity.
 Leadership that motivates, mentors, and grows both people and plants.
 A deep respect for the heritage of these spaces and a desire to make them thrive in the present.
 Opportunities for learning and discovery—whether that’s through workshops, community involvement, or seasonal storytelling in the gardens.
 Collaboration with a wider network of Head Gardeners and conservation experts across the Trust to deliver impact on a regional scale.
 You’ll play a key role in events like the Apple Weekend and Borders Book Festival, help tell the gardens’ stories through interpretation and social media, and ensure the properties are always presented at their best for visitors, holiday guests, and special functions.
 This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of two remarkable gardens, leaving your mark on landscapes that have inspired for generations.

 
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential
 Sound practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.
 Substantial relevant practical experience in general amenity- and heritage gardening with experience of tool and machinery use and maintenance.
 The ability to remain calm in challenging and unexpected situations.
 Experience of managing a team of staff and/ or volunteers
 Confidence and ability in dealing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
 Good organisational and time-management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary.
 Computer literacy with excellent ability of MS software
 Being able to demonstrate our values: caring, inclusive, brave, curious & vibrant.
 Demonstrable propagation skills and experience.

Desirable
 Skills in arboricultural techniques – tree inspection experience.
 Ability to plan, design and execute small-scale replanting projects.
 Experience of developing risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work.
 Experience and certification in use of a tractor mounted boom sprayer PA2 (or willingness to train and use).

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential
 An HND/HNC level qualification in amenity horticulture or related subjects (equivalent to NVQ/SVQ level 3), or higher or equivalent experiencey.
 Valid UK driving license.

Desirable
 Current First Aid certificate.
 Basic chain-saw certificates CS30 and CS31.
 Ride on mower experience and certification.
 Brush cutter experience and certification.
 Professional tree inspection qualification and advanced CS units.
 PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates.
 Woodchipper experience and certification.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale
 Operationally responsible for day to day management of five acres of gardens and designed landscapes.
 Following the completion of the Priorwood boundary wall re-build, the head gardener will have responsibility – in discussion with the Gardens and Designed Landscape Manager – to appropriately replant the area.
 There is an original Moncur and Mackenzie glasshouse which will require conservation planning.
 Will have regular (daily) interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities; including holding workshops, talks and events.
 Will have frequent interaction with suppliers and contractors, including supervision.
 The duties/responsibilities/accountabilities of the role require you to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which replaces the ‘Enhanced Disclosure’ check and is administered by Disclosure Scotland.
 Acting as a first aider for the sites.

People Management
 Line management of three gardeners and a team of dedicated volunteers.
 Working closely with property, cluster and Regional and National colleagues and external supporters, suppliers and stakeholders.
 Working with volunteer groups, e.g. planning Conservation volunteer events and liasing with external corporate and charitable groups.
 Frequent interaction with suppliers and contractors.

Tools/equipment
 Will be a frequent user of driven vehicles such as tractors, ride-on mowers (including trailers and other attachments) and road going vehicles.
 Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as stump-grinders, winches, chainsaws, mowers, strimmers, brushcutters, hedge-cutters, etc.
 Will be a frequent user of hand-tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs.
 Will be a frequent user of IT equipment.

Finance Management
 Whilst not a budget holder, has delegated responsibility for the property budget.
 Will be expected to look after tools and equipment in a manner which is considerate to available charitable funds.
 Will be required to manage expenditure within that defined for the gardens and to contribute fully to the development of an appropriate budget and capital expenditure cases.

Additional Responsibilities
 Will be a key holder.
 May be asked to facilitate holiday cottage changeovers on occasion.

Assistant Manager – Retail

We have a number of exciting opportunities to join the team at The Inverness Castle Experience, opening late summer/early autumn.

This role will focus on supporting the Retail Manager, whilst working positively and collaboratively with the wider Inverness Castle Experience team.

You will support the delivery of a retail experience which reflects The Inverness Castle Experience brand and caters to all visitors and local markets.

Ensure high performance, service excellence and maintain presentation standards throughout the retail outlet.

Engage with customers, building rapport, upselling and sharing the stories behind the products.

Take responsibility for the successful delivery of visual merchandising standards, ensuring displays are refreshed regularly to reflect seasonal changes and visitor trends.

Engage with suppliers, manage day-to-day stock related administration, support stock counts, processing deliveries,
updating pricing and maintaining accurate stock records.

Support the management of the retail EPOS system and stock management.

Deputise for the Retail Manager in their absence and support the day-to-day management of the retail team, overseeing the successful delivery of a quality retail experience.

This role will involve working weekends, bank holidays and early evenings.

For the full job description and person specification, please see the link below.

Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage (2 vacancies)

We have a number of exciting opportunities to join the team at The Inverness Castle Experience, opening late summer/early autumn.

This role will focus on supporting the Food & Beverage Manager, whilst working positively and collaboratively with the wider Inverness Castle Experience team.

You will support the delivery of a food and beverage service which reflects The Inverness Castle Experience brand and caters to all visitors and local markets.

Ensure high performance, service excellence and maintain presentation standards throughout food and beverage services.

Engage with customers, building rapport and enhancing their overall experience.

Deputise for the Food and Beverage Manager in their absence and support the day-to-day management of the food and beverage team, overseeing the successful delivery of a quality visitor experience.

This role will involve working weekends, bank holidays and evenings.

For the full job description and person specification, please see the link below.

Assistant Manager – Visitor Services (3 vacancies)

We have a number of exciting opportunities to join the team at The Inverness Castle Experience, opening late summer/early autumn.

This role will focus on supporting the Visitor Services Manager, whilst working positively and collaboratively with the wider Inverness Castle Experience team.

You will support the delivery of a visitor experience which reflects The Inverness Castle Experience brand and caters to all visitors and local markets.

Ensure high performance, service excellence and maintain presentation standards throughout visitor services.

Engage with customers, building rapport and enhancing their overall experience.

Deputise for the Visitor Services Manager in their absence and support the day-to-day management of the visitor services team, overseeing the successful delivery of a quality visitor experience.

This role will involve working weekends, bank holidays and early evenings.

For the full job description and person specification, please see the link below.

Social Media Officer

Full-time and Permanent
Salary £29,888 – £32,602 per annum (pay award pending)
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid / flexible working

About the role

We’re looking for a creative, knowledgeable and passionate storyteller to take the lead on our social media presence at the National Galleries of Scotland. If you love creating fun content that connects, inspires and informs, and you know what it takes to grow online audiences then this could be the role for you.

As our Social Media Officer you’ll create a rich mix of engaging content that appeals to our target audiences, including short-form video, live video, static images, carousels and text. You will plan, source, schedule and evaluate content across all our channels. You will also arrange and host influencer events, coordinate partnership activities and work on sector wide collaborations.

Working closely with our Communications Manager and colleagues across all departments, you’ll make sure our social media voice is fresh, engaging and always on-brand. You’ll monitor and evaluate engagement and growth on our channels, feeding back to colleagues and updating our social media strategy. In our small but dedicated communications team you’ll be our go-to person for everything on social media, from creating campaigns promoting our exhibitions to crisis comms and everything in between. You will also ensure our content is accurate and accessible, and provide expertise on emerging trends, new channels, and best practice.

This is a role for someone who knows their way around video editing apps, understands analytics, and is confident turning big ideas into thumb-stopping content. You’ll need strong experience in growing audiences organically and through paid content, an eye for detail, and a flair for visual storytelling.

The difference you’ll make

Working as part of the Marketing and Communications team you will have the sole responsibility of planning, creating and evaluating content for our social media channels. Reporting to the Communications Manager you will:

– Develop and deliver a comprehensive social media strategy that tells our stories. This will include our full audience offer, such as exhibitions, the permanent collection, events, education, conservation, research, retail and hospitality.
– Source and create interesting audience-focused content by engaging with colleagues across the organisation. Develop and manage a calendar of content across our channels, which include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Trip Advisor.
– Edit and produce short-form videos optimised for our social media platforms (primarily Reels and TikTok).
– Transform clips into visually engaging content with text overlays, voiceovers, captions, transitions, effects and music.
– Support on the delivery of paid for content, such as boosted posts and targeted social media ads.
– Track measurable engagement goals to include reach, interaction, sentiment, influence and click through.
– Organise regular influencer partnerships and events, collaborations with other organisations and new partnerships.
– Respond to visitor feedback across all our social media channels, including TripAdvisor.
– Maintain and safeguard our brand across all our channels, including managing issues and ad-hoc crises on social media.
– Research and stay abreast of developments in user-generated content, including emerging platforms, influencer content and new technologies.
– Advise the organisation on best practice on social channels.
– Manage scheduling tools to ensure content is effective and timely.

Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

-A passion for storytelling through social media.
– Experience creating exciting and engaging audience-focused social media content across a range of platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TripAdvisor.
– Experience growing a social media audience using paid for and organic content.
– Strong technical skills, including editing (video, text, audio and images), working with text animations, subtitles, transitions, sound, creative writing, and proof-reading for social media.
– Experience and understanding of social media strategy, evaluation and analysis.
– Experience working with social media influencers, delivering influencer events and creating new partnerships.
– Working knowledge of content creation and publishing tools such as Canva, Capcut, Sprout Social, Facebook Creator Studio.
– Understanding of current social media trends and ability to adapt quickly when trends happen.
– Excellent time and work-schedule management and the ability to meet deadlines, while working on several tasks at any one time.
– High standard of accuracy and attention to detail in a busy working environment.
– Ability to work collaboratively, across departments and as part of a team.

It would also be great if you have:

– Understanding of Scottish art and culture.
– Experience of using art and museum collection database systems.
– Knowledge of copyright requirements in the use of images online.

Please apply directly via our careers portal. Applications via email will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 12 May 2025.

Finance Manager

JOB PURPOSE

This role will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Financial Control team which manages income, expenditure streams, assets, liabilities and associated tax within the Trust. This includes the following key areas:

• Revenue recognition and reconciliation,
• Accounting for Stock,
• Intercompany accounting,
• Balance Sheet Management,
• Accruals, Prepayments, Accrued and Deferred Income
• Taxation Accounting & Advisory Services
• Trust payroll and expense claim facilitation
• Financial Control related procedures, systems and team activities

The delivery of these will have to be planned and managed around a variety of deadlines which can be anything from daily/weekly to annual. Areas of priority will be: to lead the delivery activities required for the preparation of the month-end results and completion of the Trust’s annual report and accounts, and the external audit for the Trust; to lead on VAT and Gift Aid claim review and compliance to ensure all areas of the Trusts income streams meet HMRC regulations whilst maintaining efficient associated VAT recovery. The role also involves ensuring that the Trust’s systems of financial and internal control relating to these areas, are operating effectively, and leading the development and implementation of best in practice processes / controls in these areas.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the postholder is required to support them in delivering programmes of work that meet the Finance Team’s objectives ensuring complete accurate and compliant reporting to internal and external stakeholders to tight deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead and manage members of the Financial Control team, ensuring that they are supported, developed and performance managed in accordance with the HR policies of the Trust to ensure that the functions of the team are delivered efficiently and effectively and members of the team are able to continually improve and develop.
• Supporting development of appropriate policies and develop and maintain processes and procedures with regard to income recognition and associated balance sheet management to ensure compliance with FRS102 and OSCR SORP.
• Supporting development of appropriate policies and develop and maintain, processes and procedures to ensure the Trust’s financial operations are compliant with all relevant VAT & Tax legislation and regulations. Will require liaison with and management of external advisers to support compliance and submission activities. Focus will be on making these compliant, effective and efficient.
• Working with, influencing and business partnering members and leaders in other teams to ensure that the necessary processes and controls are developed and implemented.
• Enhancing working relationships with other departments and explaining financial terms to non-accountants to ensure the sharing of knowledge.
In relation to the key areas of responsibility for specific role:
Revenue Recognition & Accounting

a) Review & management of monthly processes to ensure accurate reporting of income.
b) Ensure timely and accurate collection of direct debits for memberships, donations and rents. This will involve close business partnering with other areas of the Trust and also engagement with the IT Team.
c) Reconciling data to third party documentation
d) Reconciling the financial system to the sales system across multiple payment methods.
e) Reconciliation of non-financial sales ledger information to external sales ledger
f) Calculation of accrued/deferred income at month end/year end. Ensuring long term contractual income correctly accounted for.
g) Adherence to regulated income guidelines
h) Other areas relating to effective Financial Control management

Projects and Process Improvement

a) Developing processes to improve the accuracy of data to support internal and external reporting.
b) Involvement in planned system improvements to ensure financial reporting effective and accurate.
c) Involvement in new income streams, providing a financial insight on new initiatives to other departments at first stage of a new stream.
d) Maximise opportunities to increase automation and efficiency and limit the need for manual processing and reconciliations.
e) Review of all income streams current practice with a view to improvement and streamlining. This will involve gaining a knowledge of CRM and interacting with various departments out-with Finance.
f) Other areas relating to effective Financial Control management

Month end & Reporting
a) Month end postings & authorisations.
b) Undertaking reviews of provisions, accruals and advance income to ensure that these remain valid and establishing and continually improving the processes around these to ensure that these are efficient from an end-to-end process perspective.
c) Intercompany accounting.
d) Balance sheet management, reconciliation and review, ensuring all balances (GL & Sub-Ledger) are accurate, substantiated and complete
e) Liaison with Financial Planning & Analysis to provide key input to the monthly management accounts and Board Reporting ensuring income, employment costs, expenses and supplier postings are all complete and on time.
f) Other areas relating to effective Financial Control management

Statutory accounts & Audit
a) Support the preparation of the statutory accounts under FRS102 and OSCR SORP.
b) Support the annual audit cycle.
c) Support development of and give advice on accounting policies and procedures, to ensure the Trust complies with accounting standards and practice.

Taxation and External Reporting

a) Being responsible for all aspects of VAT including: timely and accurate VAT submissions; ensuring correct VAT application to all income streams and associated recovery; VAT optimisation; Partial Exemption Calculations; VAT compliance including Making Tax Digital; HMRC audits, provision of advice & training to the wider Trust including set up of new projects.
b) All aspects of Corporation Tax
c) Lead on ensuring timely and accurate Office of National Statistics returns.
d) Key point of contact for HRMC and ONS.
e) Manage and contribute to other appropriate tax and compliance requirements
f) Other areas relating to effective Financial Control management

The current duties of this job do require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications
• Fully qualified with a relevant professional accounting qualification (i.e. ACCA, CA or CIMA);
Experience
Essential:
• Inspiring manager used to developing and motivating staff
• Ability to manage and manipulate large amounts of data to import into ledger and associated reconciliations
• Broad experience of Balance sheet reconciliations, journals and preparing accounts
• Proven experience of implementing financial best practice
• Experience of working on integrated, complex financial systems with a focus on internal control framework and compliance activity
• Experience of supporting the development and implementation of policy, procedure and process change
• Experience of VAT application
Desirable:
• MS Dynamics 365 Experience, Business Central and a high level of general IT competence
• Knowledge of FRS102
• Charities VAT and Partial Exemption
• Gift Aid
• Charities/Third Sector Experience
• High level of Excel skills
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
• Strong people management skills, including leading through change
• Strong communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of specialist and non-specialist staff at all levels
• Well-developed analytical and numerical skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to reconcile and manipulate of large volumes of data maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure, juggling conflicting priorities, managing change and delivering to tight deadlines without compromising accuracy or work or provision of customer service
• Working knowledge of and application of Accounting Principles and standards, taxation (especially VAT) and other areas relevant to the role
• Must be self-motivated with a proactive approach to work, ability to take initiative & identify opportunities, to accept challenges and responsibility, initiate and implement change, ability to seek knowledge and apply solutions
• Excellent Computer Literacy skills; an advanced user of spreadsheets; and ability to assimilate and adapt quickly to new packages and other information, technologies and systems.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
People Management
• Direct line management of up to 6 members of the Financial Control team
• Responsible for the continuing professional development of the resources within their responsibility.
• It is imperative that the post-holder is confident in dealing with colleagues at all levels within the organisation.

Financial Scope
• Not a budget holder;
• The post holder will need to make sound, justifiable decisions with regard to financial issues and organisation wide process change. These will generally be required only after consultation with senior staff.

The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

Project Delivery Manager

JOB PURPOSE
The Fyvie Major Conservation project is an ambitious, long-term vision to protect and enhance this important site with its 800 years of history. Spanning several phases of delivery at its core the project seeks to deliver essential conservation to the built heritage including the A-listed castle and the B-listed, building at risk Old Home Farm. The Fyvie project also aims to make strategic investments in the visitor experience and offering to encourage a landmark destination and support the long-term sustainability of Fyvie. Outreach, engagement and skills training are embedded into the project design and the project also aims to address environmental performance and impacts of Fyvie. This will offset the high consumption demands and deliver tangible strides towards the Trusts climate change ambitions through this signature project.
The project activity therefore spans across building conservation, construction, project management, skills training, natural heritage conservation, historical research, interpretation, engagement and community relations. This post will work directly to the Project Director to assist in ensuring that this complex and exciting initiative will be managed and delivered effectively and to the highest standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Role Overview:
The Project Manager will work alongside and support the Project Director in project planning & scheduling, budget monitoring, project administration, project delivery and progress reporting. This role ensures that tasks are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The role will also lead on delivery of smaller packages of work within the project programme, and leading on critical aspects of the project delivery with oversight from the Project Director.

Responsibilities:
• Lead in co-ordination and management of the Fyvie Major Conservation Project through production and maintenance of project schedules and timelines, ensuring milestones are tracked and resources are dynamically monitored, available and always adequate.
• Lead on design and delivery for identified packages of work under the project programme including specifications, procurement, cost control, quality assurance, operational mitigation and contractor management of on-site works.
• Coordinate team members and compile monthly progress reports, including review of project spend against budgets including reporting to external grant funders as required.
• Establish a process and culture of continual evaluation through data collection, milestone reviews by monitoring project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques.
• Deputise for the Project Director in co-ordination and management of the Fyvie Major Conservation project, including standing in for the Project Director to attend meetings as requested with subsequent reporting.
• Support the Project Director in project development and contribute to project proposals.
• Lead on liaison with Internal Finance team to ensure Purchase Orders are set up and invoices are processed timeously, including administration and reporting of the budget tracker.
• Liaison with internal Legal and Procurement Teams for production of contract documentation including appointment of contractors and review of Risk Assessment Method Statements and other contractor H&S, legal and insurance documentation.
• Organise project meetings, prepare agendas, presentations and document meeting minutes and actions.
• Establish and maintain the project administration platform (SharePoint) ensuring all records and documentation is up to date.
• Gather data and monitor project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques.
• Maintain the project action tracker, risk and issues log. Identify and escalate issues and risks to the Project Director as required.
• Track resource availability and update schedules accordingly.
• Assist in the continual evaluation of the project through data collection, milestone reviews and reporting.
• Lead, support and participate in internal and external working groups. This includes internal and external stakeholder communications management and supporting community engagement activity.
• Support partnership working and the delivery of education, training and outreach activity.
• Ensure that all works are planned and delivered in accordance with statutory, contractual and health and safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to internal policies, Planning, Listed Building and Building Warrant, H&S regulation including CDM, contractual terms, environmental monitoring and compliance, DDA and insurers’ requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Building Surveying, Project Management, Heritage, Conservation or a related field.
• PRINCE 2 or Project Management Professional (RICS), Institute of Project Management or equivalent experience

Experience
Essential
• Comprehensive understanding of project management, project coordination or a similar role.
• Demonstrable experience in historic building conservation, cultural heritage, design history, architecture or related disciplines
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, constructively challenging thinking where appropriate.
• Experience with budgeting and financial reporting.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, working collaboratively to develop creative strategies and solutions.
• Ability to work independently, use own initiative, be proactive and creative
• Demonstrable use of project management Frameworks including proficiency with MS Office 365 applications and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Understanding of the application of relevant legislation and regulation.
• A high level of Health & Safety awareness.
• Experience of supervising consultants and contractors.
• Experience of managing competitive procurement processes.
• The ability to lead and work in multi-disciplined teams, respecting the expertise of others and actively promoting strong working relationships with colleagues.

Desirable
• Awareness of Scottish history and baronial architecture
• Experience of public sector procurement processes
• Experience of writing briefs and of reviewing tender documentation
• Experience of public speaking and in-person presentations
• Ability to build and manage effective and productive stakeholder and partnership relations
• Experience of working in the charitable sector
• Experience of working with external grant funding bodies or private donors
• An empathy with the aims, ethos and policies of the National Trust for Scotland

Competencies:
• Planning and Organising: efficiently prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
• Team Collaboration: work effectively within a team, fostering a collaborative environment
• Communication: clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of channels
• Analytical Thinking: analyse information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
• Adaptability: adjust to changing priorities and project requirements
• Creativity: ability to bring effective fresh thinking and innovation to all processes

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale
• This role will focus on the needs of the Fyvie Major Conservation project. As such, this requires frequent attendance on site at Fyvie. Occasional travel may be required within the North East of Aberdeenshire for site visits and partner meetings with very occasional travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow for Trust internal meetings or design team reviews.

People Management
• Although the role has no direct employee reports, it may be involved in working with project related apprenticeships, fixed term posts, volunteers and community groups.
• The role will also be required to liaise with external stakeholders, partners and interested parties to represent the Fyvie Major Conservation project.

Finance Management
 The role is not a direct budget holder however will be responsible for expenditure and cost control of delegated funds from the Fyvie Major Conservation project budget.
 The role will work closely with the Project Director and regional Business Manager to ensure that all financial systems and transactions are accurate, timeous and validated.
 The role will be responsible for compilation and administration of project financial reports.

Tools / equipment / systems
 Use of Microsoft 365 suit in particular – Word, Outlook, Excel, One Drive, Sharepoint, Powerpoint or equivalent
 User of finance system to process purchase orders and invoices.
 Must hold a current valid UK driving licence with access to a vehicle and be happy to travel.

Ecologist – Seabirds & Biosecurity

JOB PURPOSE
This role enables the delivery of high priority projects which, together, deliver the Seabird and Island Biosecurity actions in NTS’s ‘Plan for Nature’. These projects are the prioritised list of work for which NTS has identified a critical need to conserve its seabirds and garner wider societal support while we do so. The role fills both skill and capacity gaps in our current workforce by providing a flexible mobile team to carry out operational, research and communication work across our seabird places.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The post-holder will:
• Carry out a list of high priority research, operational work and communications projects to progress NTS’s seabird conservation actions across its seabird sites. These include our work to recover seabirds affected by avian influenza, research to understand how to manage visitor pressure on seabirds, citizen science methods to monitor seabirds, developing new technology to improve biosecurity on seabird islands, and specific work such as biologging on NTS’s identified priority species: Leach’s storm petrel, Fulmar, Puffin, Razorbill, European storm petrel and Great Skua.
• Present work in clear, accurate, scientifically robust, engaging and timely ways so that conservation evidence can be fast-tracked for use in managing our sites and garnering wider societal support for seabird conservation.
• Liaise frequently with the wider seabird ‘community of interest’ at NTS (The senior seabird officer, nature conservation team, rangers, operations managers, marine policy colleagues, communication and fundraising staff) to share information about your work and capture their input into it.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of welfare for wild seabird populations while collecting data to inform their conservation.
• Work to agreed standard operating procedures while working in island and clifftop environments.

Learning & Engagement Manager (Community Programmes)

Reports to: Head of Learning and Engagement
Salary: £31,000 – £42,000 (Manager Band)
Hours of Work: Core hours are Monday-Friday 09:00 – 17:30 (reasonable flexibility is required for occasional evening and weekend work at Dynamic Earth and for outreach activities)

Background:

Dynamic Earth is an educational charity on a mission to empower people with understanding and empathy for the Earth. Our Learning and Engagement team creates, curates and delivers a diverse programme of events and experiences throughout the year which support the delivery of Dynamic Earth’s strategic plan and charitable purpose.

As part of our Learning and Engagement team, you will work with a broad range of underserved and underrepresented audiences who face barriers to engaging with science. You will create, coordinate and deliver a wide variety of informal science learning events and experiences which deliver our charitable mission, vision and purpose, across indoor and outdoor engagement programmes. You will work across a breadth of Earth and environmental science and sustainability topics to deliver impactful experiences which support our strategic plan and community learning priorities, improving access to science learning experiences.

Role Purpose:
To manage Dynamic Earth’s community learning and engagement programme in support of our strategic priorities, charitable mission and purpose.

Main Duties:
Community Events and Experiences: You will lead on the management of our programmes with underserved and underrepresented community audiences, placing evolved co-creation and values-driven practice at the heart of our programmes with a focus on repeat engagement models in an in-reach and outreach capacity. You will play an active, regular and hands-on role in delivering our community events and experiences with colleagues and audiences.

Strategy and Culture: You will champion a culture of excellence in science engagement and play a key role in delivering our programming and organisational strategies. You will act as a science communication mentor and champion, leading through example in delivery with community audiences and colleagues.

Project Management: You will lead on the planning, execution and evaluation of funded community initiatives in partnership with colleagues from Fundraising.

Partnerships: You will play a key role in managing a range of partnerships, including initiation, development and stewardship, with both funders and project participants.

Budget and Finances: You will manage budgets for community programming with the Head of Learning and Engagement.

Health and Safety: You will take an active role in health and safety processes and procedure for the activity areas you are responsible for, such as Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.

Evaluation, Storytelling and Advocacy: You will capture and co-create powerful stories and data which showcase the value and impact of our charitable activity together with colleagues across the charity.

Across the breadth of work within the Learning and Engagement Manager role, you will demonstrate commitment to Dynamic Earth’s organisational values of passion, care and inclusion, always acting as a science engagement role model with colleagues, audiences and peers, and championing access to science engagement experiences.

Required qualifications and experience:

Educated to a degree level in a STEM subject area or related discipline, or alternatively lived experience as an alternative to a formal qualification

Experience of working with a broad range of underserved and underrepresented audiences

Experience of creating and delivering high-quality science learning and engagement experiences from inception to point of delivery

Excellent time management skills, including the ability to effectively reprioritise a varied workload of multiple concurrent programme areas and projects

Knowledge of implementing sector-wide community best practice

A pro-active, warm, enthusiastic and friendly disposition with the ability to build rapport with people quickly

An enabling and pro-active attitude and commitment to a culture of continuous improvement

Excellent interpersonal, communication, planning and organisational skills with strong attention to detail

A proactive and enabling approach to problem solving

A reflective practitioner with the ability to reflect both on self and situation

Desired qualifications and experience:

Experience of implementing sector-wide community best practice

Experience of working in informal science learning

Experience of creating, maintaining, evolving and stewarding partnerships

Experience of developing evaluation methodologies

Appointment to the Learning and Engagement Manager position is subject to enhanced pre-employment checks as part of our approach to ensuring Child Protection & Wellbeing, including membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

Dynamic Earth is committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture where our people feel a sense of belonging and can bring their authentic self to work each day.

Applicants should submit a CV and Covering Letter (c. 2 sides each) detailing why they are the best candidate for the position to peopleandculture@dynamicearth.org.uk ahead of the closing date of Sunday 18th May.

Recruitment Timeline:

Applications Close – Sunday 18th May

Successful Candidates Notified of Next Steps – target date of Friday 23rd May

Interview Date – w/c Monday 2nd June

Castle Housekeeper

We’re looking for a professional, hard-working and well presented housekeeper to join our wonderful team. The purpose of this role is to assist with housekeeping and cleaning duties in all areas of Blair Castle. As frequent contact with our visitors is part of the daily routine, a smart appearance and a high standard of customer care are expected.

Main duties:

· To assist with general housekeeping and cleaning duties, including vacuuming and dusting, working with extra care around antique and museum items in the castle.

· Cleaning of all public areas including the castle exhibition.

· Daily cleaning and daily maintenance cleaning of visitor toilets.

· Cleaning staff room areas and toilets.

· Assistance and support to other teams within the Castle enterprise as required.

· Comply with health & safety directives and organisational policy, including regular fire drills.

· Comply with organisational policy for green tourism and recycling policies.

· Attend team meetings and training sessions as required.

· Deep cleaning every artefact in the castle over winter.

About you:

· You should have a keen attention to detail and take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and care that a historic house demands.

· Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

· Initiative, enthusiasm, and strong communication skills.

· An understanding of Health & Safety and COSHH is a bonus.

Benefits:

· Attractive, competitive salary, supported by an excellent company pension scheme that includes life cover.

· Annual leave scheme.

· Great staff events such as a summer BBQ, bonfire night and Christmas meal.

· Other benefits include free tickets to: Atholl Gathering and Highland Games and Blair Castle and Gardens. Discounts off: The Larder, Castle Gift Shop, Restaurant, holiday accommodation, fishing and more.

· Work in a beautiful castle surrounded by historic woodland, acres of green space and the serene Hercules Garden, perfect for lunchtime walks.

If you are passionate about maintaining high standards of cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment for our visitors, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of our dedicated housekeeping team.

Please email your CV and covering letter to niallg@atholl-estates.co.uk.

Driver / Skilled Labourer – Highland Wildlife Park

The role:

To carry out, to completion, property maintenance related tasks (multi trade) to agreed timescales, quality standards and in a cost-effective manner; undertaking designated activities (trade specific) in managing the build and maintenance of all buildings, facilities and infrastructure owned by the RZSS.

Ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors in support of RZSS’ mission and vision.?

Some of the things you’ll do:

Work under the direction of more senior tradesperson to;

take the day to day lead on designated activities (trade specific) to ensure all assigned repairs and projects are delivered effectively, safely, on time and to budget.

provide reactive labouring and driving tasks to agreed H&S and quality standards.

Undertake all forms of general labouring works, e.g. planning general works and multi trade repairs (that don’t require an experienced tradesperson to complete) and repairs under the direction of appropriately qualified tradesperson.

Support the construction and maintenance of new buildings, facilities and infrastructure to agreed standards, budgets and deadlines, including smaller multi trade repairs or works, e.g plant, equipment and labouring tasks.

Ensure own machinery is cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport policy standards and procedures.

Operate heavy plant on a regular basis and ensure all machinery and tools are cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport and other policy standards and procedures.

Assist in the ordering of supplies and services required for the team.

Ensure all pre-start check sheets are completed as required.

Work collaboratively with other sections and departments to ensure all work is scheduled coordinated and monitored effectively, providing guidance and advice relating to your trade when required.

Drive company vehicles including pickup truck, off road ATV and fork lift truck and ensure maintained and road worthy and reporting repairs where required.

Recommend to your manager cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of your department and RZSS’ operations on the environment.

Ensure compliance with RZSS’s policies, procedures and guidelines, together with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements.

Engage with the Society’s appraisal system, and demonstrate commitment to our values, behaviours and your continuous personal development.

Perform other reasonable duties and projects as directed by your manager

What you’ll need:

Relevant construction qualification, or minimal 2 years’ experience of working on a hands on construction/maintenance role.

Full driving licence.

Able to identify and make safe (for self, colleagues and the public) all the utilities and services encountered whilst working on RZSS sites.

What you’ll get in return:

Starting salary between £23,868 – £24,378 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £24,888 per annum
37.5hr working week
34 days annual leave
Discount in both retail/catering
Access to a healthcare plan
Employer contributory pension scheme
You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
We offer a range of great benefits which can be found at www.rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/staff-benefits
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager

About the Role

Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) is the National Development Body for Scotland’s museums and galleries. We support a sector of 449 museums and galleries, through strategic investment, workforce development, advice and advocacy.  We are a forward facing and inclusive organisation, committed to the ongoing development of a positive culture for our team.

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead our work to clearly communicate the positive value and impact of the museums and galleries sector. You will do this by developing and leading advocacy campaigns and activity that make a strong case for Scotland’s museums and galleries sector to influence a range of external audiences and stakeholders including Government Officials, Government Ministers, MSPs, relevant Committees, relevant funders and other key organisations and influencers.

Politically astute, the Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager possesses strong communication and influencing skills, using research and information to build a political and public case for our sector and inform evidence-based advocacy messaging and activity.

Being able to navigate and effectively communicate complex issues that implicate the wider culture and heritage sector in Scotland will be essential. MGS has worked to raise awareness of the budget challenges faced by our sector while also striving to adapt to ensure relevance to communities and users. An exciting new capacity programme with the Scottish Government is in development designed to transition the sector to a sustainable footing and you would play an instrumental role in shaping how we communicate the benefits of this programme to key stakeholders.

This role offers an enriching opportunity to be creative and proactive in developing our organisational voice to highlight the immense value of Scotland’s museums and galleries

The successful candidate will manifest MGS’s core values: collaboration, integrity, passion for museums, and courageousness.

Overview of Responsibilities

Strategic

  • Work with the Head of Strategy and Communications and Senior Management Team to develop advocacy and public affairs strategic plans and messaging that meets MGS’s strategic priorities
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure strong MGS and sector profile and reputation
  • Contribute to the delivery of the National Strategy for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries and ensure strong awareness of the strategy among key political stakeholders and policy makers
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of MGS’s Business and Operational Plans, reporting on progress as required
  • Lead on the coordination of the MGS led Scottish Museums Advocacy Group quarterly meetings
  • Work closely with a policy network of MGS culture and heritage sector partners to help inform and develop aligned advocacy across organisations

Communications

  • Lead on the delivery of Advocacy and Public affairs plans and activity with Marketing and Communications team, wider MGS and sector colleagues
  • Communicate the views of MGS to legislators in the Scottish and UK Parliaments, local government and other external organisations, either directly or through joint working with strategic partners to influence decision making
  • Lead on MGS’s responses to relevant public consultations co-ordinating with relevant sector partners and MGS colleagues
  • Communicate MGS’s advocacy work to the sector through relevant channels including writing content for news items, newsletters and blogs
  • Prepare briefings for Ministers, MSPs and Civil Servants in response to sector related matters
  • Lead on briefings and speech notes for the Chair, Chief Executive Officer and senior managers for major events and key engagements that reflect sector advocacy messaging and maintains profile and engagement with the sector

Research and analysis

  • Oversee and maintain timely monitoring of Parliament, Government, stakeholders, press and media on relevant policy developments in the museums and galleries and wider culture sector and brief MGS colleagues on relevant activity or issues
  • Maintaining an understanding of current political priorities within MGS, making opportune connections to the work of the sector and MGS colleagues. Provide advice and guidance, both internally and externally, on relevant policy matters
  • Work with Senior Management Team to maintain awareness of museums who are experiencing challenges; coordinating MGS’s response and supporting other organisations with response development when necessary
  • Help inform relevant MGS research activity and leading on development of advocacy related messaging informed by data findings.

Relationships

  • Build and nurture effective working relationships across the organisation and be part of an effective Senior Management Team
  • Advocate on behalf of the sector and MGS and including representation to key external stakeholders and the Scottish museum sector as a whole
  • Collaborate with other staff to identify and deliver opportunities to profile the work of the sector and MGS
  • Work fairly and with integrity and adapt style to different people, cultures and situations

People Management

  • Line manage the Research Manager, working together to develop advocacy opportunities and messaging from findings from MGS or externally led pieces of research
  • Work with Marketing and Communications Head and Managers to provide collaborative leadership of the Marketing and Communications team, supporting efficient allocation and prioratisation of resources.
  • Provide support and recognition to staff and understand the needs and concerns of the team
  • Take responsibility for development and motivation of staff, ensuring skills and strengths are used effectively
  • Support on aspects of staff performance development and management process
  • Undertake line management responsibilities as required

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience gained working in an in house or agency Advocacy and Public Affairs Role or similar for example Public Relations or Government Affairs
  • Politically astute with strong knowledge of the Scottish political system and priorities
  • Experience of leading advocacy or awareness raising campaigns or activity designed to meet a need
  • A strong understanding of policy development and influencing policy decisions
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • The ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex issues to a range of audiences
  • Confidence using a range of digital platforms

Preferred 

  • Experience working with or in Scottish Government
  • Experience of working with the Scottish or UK press
  • People management experience
  • Experience or knowledge of the museums and galleries, heritage or cultural sector
  • Commissioning or using research findings in advocacy work
  • Campaign measurement, evaluation and reporting
  • Understanding and managing risk

We work with staff to help everyone reach their potential in the workplace and welcome conversations with individuals about their needs, circumstances and aspirations. 

HOW YOU WORK

MGS has a behavioural competency framework which describes how we expect people to go about their work day-to-day. Staff must demonstrate the following skills areas at an appropriate level:

  • Works collaboratively
  • Communicating with impact
  • Respect, inclusion and integrity
  • Effective decision-making
  • Sector focus
  • Drive for results
  • Innovation, agility and building capability

This role requires someone who displays energy and enthusiasm in their interactions with others; communicates effectively with and is approachable to a range of different audiences and can positively shape how people view the museums and galleries sector. As a member of the Senior Management Team you are expected to act as a role model for MGS’s organisational behaviours and to champion the organisation internally and externally.

All staff are expected to champion and help deliver MGS’s commitments to anti-racism and climate.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – Travel – occasional regional travel may be required.

Please download the job information pack for the full details of this role (available via link to website below).

How to Apply

  1. Please complete an application form, by downloading it from our website.
  2. Then submit your form via our online system Breathe HR.

The deadline to apply is Monday 19th May 2025 at 9am.

Please use our application form, CVs will not be accepted. If our application form makes it difficult for you to apply and demonstrate your skills effectively, we would be happy to accept a video, audio or alternative application format. Please refer to the guidance on alternative application format to ensure your application will cover all the required information. If you would like to discuss an application in an alternative format, please contact us on the email below or call 0131 550 4197.

If you have any queries please email hr@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk, including the name of the post in the subject box.

Please note that interviews for this post are planned to take place online,  in the week commencing Monday 26th May.

Museums Galleries Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is an equal opportunities employer. We hold Living Wage and Investors in People Gold accreditation and are happy to talk flexible working. We will guarantee an interview to people with disabilities who meet the essential criteria in our person specification.

Please note that details supplied may be held in electronic and paper files for administration purposes only during the recruitment process.  We retain recruitment files for six months following the date of interview, after which they are disposed of appropriately. Our privacy policy. 

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