Full Time

Visitor Engagement Assistant (Outreach)

You will be an ambassador for Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC), an excellent communicator and an effective team player who has the ability to multi-task and be flexible when working in a variety of areas within Aberdeen Science Centre.

Your main role will be to interact with all visitors through our Community Engagement Programme in a friendly, outgoing manner ensuring they have a 5* experience at all times. This flexible role will cover engagements on the exhibition floor, outreach sessions, workshops to schools, public groups and birthday parties.

Delivery of ASC activities in the North of Scotland will form a key part of this role, so a full valid driver’s licence is essential. This port holder will be expected to work flexibly within the team, with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

General

• Provide a high level of customer service at all times, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and inspiring experience.
• Deliver ASC’s shows, workshops and birthday parties to a variety of audiences including communities, schools and public groups, including set up and cleaning. This would include an adult audience.
• Be the first point of contact for all community outreach events, maintaining relationships with our community partners and proactively seek development opportunities.
• Ensure exhibition areas are clean, tidy and in working order, reporting any faults found.
• Support the development of STEM activities for ASC’s programme.
• Carry out reception duties, including cash handling when required.
• Contribute to review, evaluation and reporting processes for engagements as required.
• Ensure spaces are set up in advance as required, for pre-booked groups.
• Any other duties as deemed appropriate and reasonable.

All science centre staff are expected to:
• Perform their own general clerical duties including, but not limited to, typing, copying, mailing and filing.
• Ensure all current legislation including but not limited to GDPR and Health and Safety is followed at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information.
• Consider the day to day environmental impact of their work and act to reduce accordingly i.e. turn off unwanted lights, reduce paper usage etc
• Follow any other reasonable duties as assigned by their line manager or Chief Executive.
• To attend conferences and other learning opportunities as required.

The above is intended to provide a clear but concise statement of the present MAJOR TASKS and ACTIVITIES of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all its detailed duties. As a term of your employment, you may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post mentioned above.
Aberdeen Science Centre reserves the right to amend the Job Description in consultation with the employee.
Aberdeen Science Centre pursues a policy of equal opportunities in the appointment and promotion of staff.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Desire to work within the charity sector.
• Creative and innovative approach to work.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence with ICT, with an ability to keep up with advances in technology.

Essential Competencies
• An enthusiasm for a large variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic topics.
• Skilled listener with great people skills.
• Strong verbal and written communicator, ability to liaise effectively with a variety of audiences.
• High regard for customer care and service.
• Good team worker, flexible and adaptable with a willingness to work across multiple areas of the organisation.
• Willingness to be flexible on hours, with regular evening and weekend work required.
• Ability to work unsupervised, on own initiative with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and organise own schedule.
• Knowledge and competence in ICT including MS Office suite.
• Ability to follow script and adapt to create meaningful engagements with diverse audiences.
• A full driving licence

Desired Competencies

• Previous experience in a customer focused environment.
• Experience of speaking in front of a camera.
• Experience in presenting to audiences of all ages.
• Access to a vehicle

Estates Maintenance Manager

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world class centre for plant science, conservation and learning, with four unique Gardens across Scotland. Our work supports global biodiversity, sustainability and research, while providing welcoming, safe and inspiring spaces for colleagues, communities and visitors. We are committed to creating inclusive environments where people, plants and places can thrive.

We are seeking an Estates Maintenance Manager to play a key role in maintaining and protecting RBGE’s diverse estate. This role provides leadership across planned and reactive maintenance activities, helping to ensure our buildings, infrastructure and assets are safe, compliant, resilient and fit for the future.

You will lead the delivery of maintenance programmes across the four Gardens, overseeing electrical, mechanical and building fabric assets, contractor performance and service delivery. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, you will ensure high standards of safety, quality and value for money, supported by robust planning, performance monitoring and budget management.

With a strong focus on safety and sustainability, you will promote a proactive health and safety culture, contribute to carbon reduction initiatives and support effective asset and lifecycle management. You will also act as a key point of contact for maintenance services across sites, building positive relationships and helping to create well maintained environments that support RBGE’s long term mission.

For more information including job description, person specification and to apply, please visit our website.

Interview date: 5 / 6 May

Facilities and Workplace Manager

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world leading centre for plant science, conservation and education. We are committed to creating inclusive, sustainable and welcoming environments across our four Gardens, supporting colleagues, communities and visitors alike.

We are seeking a Facilities and Workplace Manager to lead the delivery of high quality facilities and workplace services across RBGE. This role plays a key part in shaping effective, inclusive and future focused workspaces, working closely with teams and stakeholders throughout the organisation.

You will oversee Soft FM services, workplace operations and performance management, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and within budget. You will also manage contracts, facilities data and reporting, supporting sustainability commitments and continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively across RBGE, you will help ensure our workspaces support hybrid working, wellbeing and operational needs, while contributing to capital planning and space forecasting. Leading and supporting the facilities team, and deputising for the Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager when required, you will help foster a positive, inclusive culture and effective service delivery.

For more information including job description, person specification and to apply, please visit our website.

Interview date: 5 / 6 May 2026

Keeper, Global Arts, Cultures & Design

This senior leadership role at National Museums Scotland offers an incredible opportunity to shape the future of the Global Arts, Cultures and Design department, managing the understanding, development, organisation, and public access to the collections.

Overseeing a diverse collection spanning material from prehistory to the present day from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Oceania, and Europe, you will lead a dedicated team of curators and researchers in redefining the modern museum’s relationship with its global heritage.

You will drive strategic innovation and ensure these world-class collections are accessible through cutting-edge digital programmes and national outreach.

Crucially, you will represent the organisation on the international stage, engaging in vital dialogues including those that address the histories and legacies of colonialism.

For a visionary professional committed to inclusive curatorship and global cultural exchange, this position provides the platform to lead transformative change within one of the UK’s most prestigious heritage organisations.

Garden Trainee

JOB PURPOSE

The Garden Trainee role at Threave Garden will provide the post-holders with development in a broad range of work-based practical horticultural skills, over the course of a year spent working as part of the team there, supplemented by written coursework and plant identification tests. Training will be based primarily around the content of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, but additional enhancements will also be available. Our aim is to take people who have undertaken a horticultural apprenticeship, an academic horticultural qualification or who have proven practical gardening experience and to develop them further into the rounded skilled, craft professional gardeners that the heritage garden sector, including the National Trust for Scotland, requires.

WHAT WE OFFER

The year at Threave comprises paid day-to-day work in the garden alongside practical training and assessment of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The RHS Level 2 training is supplemented by several assessed written assignments designed to enhance trainee learning. This includes fortnightly plant identification tests (20-25 plants), keeping a daily diary, completing plant profiles and written reports for any trips which may be organised during the year.

The Garden Trainees are overseen by our teaching staff of Gardener Instructors, seasoned experts in their fields who have worked in a wide range of gardens themselves. The garden has three department areas: the grounds (lawns, hedges, herbaceous borders, woody plants, alpines, hard landscapes, aquatic, and bog), the walled garden, and the glasshouses. Although most of the time will be spent in the grounds, the Garden Trainee will work in each of these areas, moving between them on a rota basis, to ensure in-depth training across the seasons. Trainees will work alongside the Gardener Instructors, other garden staff and volunteers, receiving hands-on tuition and practical experience. There will be some limited classroom time, however this is primarily a practical role where trainees will spend 95% of their time working in the garden. Study and assignments will be completed largely in their own time. Trainee only shared accommodation within easy walking distance is available for rent.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

While in the garden the Garden Trainee will be formally line managed by the Head Gardener and will have the support, guidance and direction from other members of staff they are allocated to work alongside. The employment is for a fixed period of 1 year, subject to continued progression on the programme with acceptable practical performance.
Trainees will be expected to take responsibility for their learning which will include significant out of hours study, practice of skills and/or project work.

ABOUT THE GARDEN

The School of Heritage Gardening, based at Threave Garden was formed in 1960, shortly after the National Trust for Scotland took ownership of the property. For over 65 years we have been teaching horticultural skills and techniques to aspiring professional gardeners. Former trainees have gone on to have successful careers in the industry, many choosing to stay with the Trust.

Threave Garden is perfectly suited for a range of training requirements, having been created over the years to accommodate a variety of horticultural situations. The garden has a large and diverse plant collection set within an extensive landscape and includes features such as a rock garden, fruit and vegetables, ponds, naturalised bulbs, woodland, orchard, nursery, lawns, herbaceous beds, mixed borders, and glasshouses. This purposefully broad array of garden landscapes, plants and features ensures that trainees are able to receive an extensive and well-rounded experience, covering many aspects found in a career in horticulture.

Threave is an approved centre to deliver Royal Horticultural Society qualifications, one of only a handful across Scotland.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

This is a development role intended to take the Garden Trainee to competent professional gardener level for the heritage garden sector through the vehicle of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

Essential:
• A practical horticultural qualification at SVQ Level 2 or equivalent is preferred as a minimum, however places are also open to those with academic horticultural qualifications or who have proven practical gardening experience.
• Prior achievement at SCQF Level 5 or above is required to underpin learning
• Commitment to out of hours study and practice of skills
• Enthusiasm for horticulture with a positive approach to undertaking fundamental horticultural tasks
• Level of computer literacy, to produce well-prepared diaries and reports
• A good level of communication skills to converse clearly with colleagues and visitors
• Proof of the right to work in the UK
• Able to follow clear instructions competently
• Willing to work outside in all weathers and undertake physically demanding tasks
• Commitment to completing the training year (August to August), including RHS practical examinations held three times during the year
• Time management skills in being able to work flexibly and to a deadline
• Good people skills enabling strong relationships both externally and internally, to be built and maintained
• Able to use tools and equipment as required for the role

Desirable:
• Proven ability to work flexibly as part of a team
• Prior experience in a customer service role – our gardens are open to the public almost every day!
• Prior knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures
• Prior experience of horticultural machinery

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

The Garden Trainee
• will work as part of the garden team increasing their knowledge and experience of duties such as soil cultivation, weeding, establishing and maintaining plants and displays, propagation, turf care, using tools equipment and machinery, and much more. This will include physically demanding activities in all weathers
• will take responsibility for their learning which will include significant out of hours study, skills practice and/or project work
• will be required to meet regularly with Trust staff to discuss progress, assessment of which is constantly monitored in order to provide developmental feedback
• will take part in additional training offered by the Trust
• will be based in Threave Garden but may be given opportunities to visit or work in other Trust gardens
• will work 5 days out of any 7, which may include weekends and evenings helping with events and other activities
• will work closely with rest of the property team, and the area Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager
• will be expected to interact daily with other staff, volunteers and visitors and may be asked to meet donors who are supporting the Trust with finance
• will be expected to participate, contribute, and feature in promotional activities/material for the School and the Trust
• is not a budget holder but will be responsible for submitting any expense claims in good time and in line with allowances

Food & Beverage Supervisor

JOB PURPOSE
The Visitor Services Supervisor primary role is to assist the Visitor Services Manager and provide operational and supervision of the food & beverage department, comprising of historic tea rooms, private dining and event spaces at The Mackintosh Tearooms, in line with the Trust’s policies, procedures and performance standards and targets to contribute to the enjoyment of the property by visitors and members, and help ensure commercial, financial, and conservation objectives are achieved.

The Visitor Services Supervisor at a Trust property plays a pivotal role ensuring that the management objectives are achieved through excellent customer service, and, with delegated responsibility for catering, functions and events and duty management is very often the ‘face’ of the Trust to visitors and suppliers. As such, s/he directly influences public perceptions of the Trust and is crucial to developing and maintaining the property’s local and national reputation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Supervising/undertaking the day-to-day operation of the property and environs to ensure excellent customer/visitor experience.
• Line management of Visitor Services Assistants and volunteers to deliver an exceptional visitor experience for all guests.
• Overseeing and ensuring that the sale of alcohol legislation is adhered to.
• Being visitor focused by being visible, approachable, and quick to exceed expectations in fulfilling customer needs. Promote a culture of a ‘warm welcome’ to visitors and ‘exceptional service, every time.
• Working closely with other managers across the Property to deliver a programme of visitor events, which increase visitor numbers, drive secondary spends and support overall Property targets.
• Responsibility to ensure that all policies and procedures related to the day-to-day financial administration such as cash/till reconciliation and day end reports are adhered to.
• Compiling staff rotas in line with staffing budgets and imputing and signing off working hours for payroll.
• Assisting with ordering stock and stock control and carrying our monthly stock takes.
• Handling guest inquiries and complaints and resolving any issues rising promptly.
• Working closely with the team to deliver a programme of visitor events to increase visitor numbers, drive secondary spends and support the overall Property targets.
• Working with the Functions & Events Supervisor and Creative Learning Supervisor to deliver the catering offer for weddings, hospitality, corporate events and creative leaning & education groups.
• Duty management and oversight/maintenance of the property to include visitor services, functions, admissions and retail offer when acting as Duty Manager.
• Deputising for the Visitor Services Manager/Operations Manager and providing cover for other Visitor Service Supervisors as required.
• To support the property social media content to generate interest, engagement and help drive visitors
• To manage staff and volunteers; (recruitment, induction, development, and performance management and sickness management) , ensuring they are fully equipped and motivated to carry out their duties to the required Trust standards.
• Taking responsibility for key holder management and security of the Property.
• Ensure Health & Safety procedures, emergency procedures, and environmental procedures are adhered to.
• To promote a Health & Safety culture across the property, ensuring the team work within the property’s ‘Safe System of Work’ to reduce risk of incidents and accidents to volunteers, employees, and visitors.
• Completion of all cash handling processes and reconciliation as per the Trust’s policies and processes and when required.
• Assist the Visitor Services Manager with Recruitment; induction; development; and management of all visitor services employees and volunteers such that they understand and are equipped to fulfill their roles to the standards required and that they feel valued, respected and supported.
• To actively support and promote the National Trust for Scotland as a memberships organization and the benefits of becoming a member to all visitors to achieve the membership KPIs.
• Undertake any other tasks that may be reasonable requested
• Scottish Personal Licence Holder’s Certificate and Personal Licence

A significant amount of time spent in the role is non-desk-based, requiring good time management, and the role-holder can expect that a substantial part of the working day will be spent front of house, providing operational delivery of the food & beverage offer.

Will be required to work flexible working patterns and hours including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. As part of the role and as a senior member of the team, there will be an expectation that the post holder would attend work at short notice (if operational needs demand and circumstances allow)

This role is one for which the duties and responsibilities require you to undertake a criminal records check.

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