Full Time

Senior Content & Interpretation Editor

Full-time and Fixed Term (22 months)
Salary £42,938 – £48,054 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid / flexible working

About the role

We have a rare opportunity for a Senior Content & Interpretation Editor to join our team.

This is an exciting new role within the organisation where you will support the strategic delivery of our priorities. We are looking for a passionate editor to develop our online and in-gallery interpretation and support the implementation of our interpretation framework.

You must already have substantial experience in developing both text-based and digital interpretation. You will have excellent written and verbal communications skills with a sharp eye for detail and linguistic nuance. You will be an integral part of our cross department editorial panel, working across different departments as well as working autonomously.

While this role’s focus is editing text-based content for high profile exhibitions and displays, it will also provide support for video and audio scripts. You will coordinate the editorial pool, steer the implementation of our new interpretation framework, accessibility guidelines and support the delivery of training across the organisation. You’ll be confident managing relationships with a range of key stakeholders including internal colleagues and partner organisations.

About our content and interpretation

Our interpretation framework outlines our approaches to and the underlaying principles of our interpretation. The framework emphasises our tone of voice and our priority audiences to support those creating interpretation. Our editorial panel develops training, accessibility guidelines and coordinates a range of editorial outputs across the organisation. We also have an editorial pool – made up of colleagues from across the organisation – who provide editing support across our content and interpretation.

The National Galleries of Scotland produce a range of interpretation including in-gallery texts, online captions, audio tours, videos and podcasts among other outputs including BSL videos and audio described content. Our interpretation framework is structured around visitor journeys, emphasising the audiences that we intend to grow and retain.

The difference you’ll make

This role requires creative and critical thinking combined with advanced editing skills and an understanding of how to manage people and projects. Working with key internal stakeholders the postholder will deliver interpretation and content that meets our vision to make art work for everyone.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

– Develop engaging interpretive text (including audio and video scripts) for our exhibitions and other content types with curators and project managers.

– Work closely with the interpretation editorial panel to implement our new interpretation framework and meet our accessibility requirements and strategic vision.

– Chair the interpretation editorial panel and manage our editorial schedule and regular training.

– Edit a range of content types for a variety of projects, including major capital projects and exhibitions and displays.

– Manage the interpretation editorial pool, ensuring a high quality of work through direction, training, and communication.

– Advise on best practice interpretive text writing, championing the interpretation framework, accessibility guidelines and house style guidelines and ensuring all text complies with our principles, performing training where required.

– Update interpretation guidelines as required to ensure that they continually reflect developments in best practice in the profession and the interpretation framework and disseminate accordingly. As part of this, contribute to the development of our approach to terminology within interpretive text.

– Liaise with relevant colleagues in departments across NGS, including Collection & Research, Visitor Experience, Digital, Collection Care and Marketing & Communications to ensure the effective implementation of our interpretation principles and strategy across sites.

– Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively contributing to developments that support our strategy for widening equality, diversity and inclusion.

– Keep up to date with developments around interpretation through research, attending conferences and training, sharing outputs with colleagues to maintain and further our reputation as a national and international leader in interpretation.

– Manage budgets and procure, appoint suppliers for our interpretation editorial work.

Who we are looking for

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

– A degree in English, journalism, or a related field preferably with a post graduate qualification in museum studies or a related field
– Extensive experience in developing both text-based and digital interpretation within a museum/gallery context.
– Significant interpersonal and consultative skills, including the ability to communicate, present, negotiate, influence, and build credibility with colleagues and external parties.
– Exceptional editing, editorial, creative writing and critical thinking skills.
– Experience in managing projects and coordinating teams.
– A passion for art, storytelling, creativity and accessibility.
– Experience of reaching and engaging with audiences through storytelling and content.
– Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative attitude and understanding of the issues involved in working in partnership.
– Experience in editing a range of interpretation and content types in a gallery and heritage context.
– Experience working within a range of corporate information management systems e.g. M365, DAMS, content management, web systems.
– Good organisational and time management skills.
– Ability to plan and work on own initiative.
– An interest in and commitment to the work of NGS.

It would also be great if you have:

– Knowledge of Scots and Gaelic Languages.
– Knowledge of our collection and programme.
– Experience in developing and delivering training for staff.
– Knowledge of best practices in design thinking, information architecture and user experience.
– Familiar with commitments relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.
– Knowledge of search engine optimization and accessibility.

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

Closing date is 12 noon on Tuesday, 07 January 2025.

Assistant Head Gardener

KEY PURPOSE:

To ensure that the garden and wider policies of Brodie Castle and Playful Garden are managed and maintained as a nationally-recognised estate and garden of historic importance; contributing to the property’s overall conservation and development and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters. The Assistant Head Gardener will act as a deputy for the Garden and Estate Manager in their absence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:

Supporting the Garden and Estate Manager to ensure the conservation and practical maintenance of the garden and wider policies – whether through delegation to other staff/volunteers, or personal participation – in terms of:

Care and development of the internationally significant Brodie Daffodil Collection.

Practical horticulture (e.g. managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, half-hardies, annuals and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care, polytunnel care and plant propagation of vegetables, herbs, along with maintaining biosecurity.

Plantsmanship (e.g. the identification, knowledge and understanding of this high calibre plant collection, including recording and labelling using IrisBG database of individual plants and recognised collections).

Research and development (eg. research into historical precedents and practical contemporary solutions to inform proposed activities and projects; support to the design and implementation of restoration and/or development projects).

Interpretation (eg through the development and delivery of events such as introductory talks, weekly guided tours or practical demonstrations, contribution to guidebooks or leaflets).

Ensuring an appropriate management regime of the garden and policies that includes the management of:

Staff and volunteers (assisting with recruitment, induction, direction, development and performance management) such that they are fully equipped, organised and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards.

Health, safety and the environment in line with stated Trust policies and approaches to ensure the health and welfare of staff and volunteers.

Recognition of the Trust’s policies with respect to sustainable gardening activities, including energy, water, peat and pesticide-use.

Input into daily, weekly, yearly and longer-term operational work plans and reporting in the context of the properties’ statements of significance and action plans (and contribution to these action plans) to ensure that activities are prioritised and planned to optimise the use of resources.

Customer service and care from garden staff/volunteers, and in the broader sense of facilities and “visiting experience”, to ensure that the properties’ reputation for excellence is maintained and enhanced.

Administration to enable gardening activities to be undertaken and recorded efficiently.

Participating fully in the property’s wider “management team”, deputising for the Garden and Estate Manager as required.

Supporting the Garden and Estate Manager, Operations Manager & Visitor Services Manager strategically and practically with the operation of the property, this will include being a Duty Manager on a rotational basis. Will be a key holder.

Participating in weekend duties on a rota basis for which Time Off In Lieu is applicable.

Stalker

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To assist the Head Stalker in managing and enhancing the game resource and conservation activities on Mar Lodge Estate in accordance with the management plan. The central function of the role is in deer management; with delivering our annual cull being the principal priority but also catering to our sporting clients.

The position plays a key role in the practical implementation of written management plans on the ground. This includes carrying out works in some of the most ecologically significant wildlife communities within the Cairngorms National Park. The location of the Estate in such an area of environmental significance, as well as the high levels of public usage, means that the role is often employed in practical ways to manage the potential conflicts between these interests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Key Purposes of the role will be met by:

Leading on, implementing and ensuring the successful delivery of the Mar Lodge Estate Deer Management Plan, and operational management plan as well as other priority actions (i.e. predator control) over a ‘beat’ (area assigned to each Stalker) of several thousand hectares of remote woodland, moorland and mountainous terrain.

Advising and supporting the Head Stalker on appropriate management issues and processes, as necessary, and assist in the formulation of appropriate management prescriptions.

Training, mentoring, and supervising junior staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and guests.

To implement fully the National Trust for Scotland’s Health and Safety Policy and any processes and procedures specific to issues of game management and sport. To be active in the continual development and review of risk assessments.

Keeping, training and caring for working dogs to; comply with the legal conditions of deer management authorisations, and to support game shooting and predator control activities.

Supporting the wider estate in maintenance of key infrastructure using a wide range of plant and machinery.

Working at all times to a level of service delivery equivalent to, or above, published codes of conduct and best practice relating to areas of work undertaken as part of the duties of a stalker.

To extend the understanding of visitors to the Estate of game management and field sports and the harmonious benefits to be experienced for both sports, access, and conservation.

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

SCOPE OF ROLE

People Management

Not a line manager, but will be responsible for training, supervising and guiding seasonal staff, volunteers and clients as required.

Will have frequent contact with visitors, particularly sporting clients and will from time to time be expected to take part in public events and to present the Trust’s policies in a holistic sense and promote its work at all times.

Financial Management

Not a budget holder.

Learning and Engagement Officer

About New Lanark

New Lanark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 18th Century Mill village with a rich history and vibrant community. We are committed to preserving our heritage while creating inclusive and engaging experiences for visitors, schools, and the wider community. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced professional to join our team as Learning & Engagement Officer. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing our learning and engagement offer, breaking down barriers to heritage access, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in and enjoy what New Lanark has to offer.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Heritage, the Learning & Engagement Officer duties will involve:

Learning and Engagement Operations

• Develop and deliver dynamic educational opportunities using New Lanark’s site, collections, and stories.
• Design inclusive programmes that connect with underserved groups, strengthening community participation and access to heritage.
• Support the design and delivery of initiatives that showcase New Lanark as a hub for learning and research, engaging audiences at local and national levels.
• Design and deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned programmes for schools, colleges, and universities.
• Host visitor tours and workshops, creating impactful and memorable experiences.
• Build and sustain relationships with schools, outreach networks, and community groups to promote participation.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit and coordinate volunteers to support visitor engagement across heritage operations.
• Build a supportive and collaborative culture, ensuring volunteers feel valued and empowered.
• Exhibitions and Interpretation
• Collaborate on the development of engaging exhibitions and interpretation strategies.
• Use a range of media to bring stories to life and encourage visitor interaction.

Access and Inclusion

• Promote accessibility by identifying and removing barriers for underrepresented and underserved groups.
• Engage directly with local community groups and charities to identify their needs and tailor programmes accordingly.
• Champion compliance with the Equalities Act and inclusive best practices, ensuring all programmes and resources are accessible.

Strategic Development

• Monitor and evaluate programmes, producing regular reports on performance and feedback.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop New Lanark’s profile as a leader in heritage education and engagement.

For more information about the role and how you can submit an application, please visit the New Lanark World Heritage Site website.

Driver / Skilled Labourer – Highland Wildlife Park

Please note this is a fixed term position for 12 months based at 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 we’re looking for:

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 £23,400 – £23,900 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £24,400 per annum
37.5hr working week
34 days annual leave (pro rata)
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.
For further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria – please see the ‘related documents’ section under the site location map.

Expected interview date – Thursday 16 January 2025

Summer Retail and Admissions Assistant

Apply now for an amazing opportunity to join our team at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where your everyday summer job can become truly exceptional.

Standing at the end of the Royal Mile, The Palace of Holyroodhouse attracts thousands of visitors from around the World, to explore the Palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures and learn how today it is used by The King.

Our Retail and Admissions team are often the first and last point of contact for visitors, and so you’ll play a pivotal role in creating an extraordinary experience, from welcome to goodbye.

Key Responsibilities:
• Act as the first point of contact for visitors, guiding them through their booking to ensure visitors have everything they need for their visit.
• Process ticket sales efficiently and accurately at our ticket counters.
• Use online systems to manage bookings and provide accurate visitor information.
• Promote and advise on a range of products in our shops, actively identifying opportunities to upsell and achieve sales targets.
• Maintain a consistent friendly and professional demeanour, ensuring every customer receives excellent service.
• Efficiently replenish stock on the shop floor, contributing to a seamless shopping experience.
• Answering customer questions and informing them of other experiences and opportunities we offer.

Essential Criteria:
• Friendly with a customer-focussed attitude and great verbal communication skills, you’ll enjoy working with people and take pride in delivering an exceptional visitor experience.
• You’ll also feel confident initiating conversations with visitors to help meet retail sales targets.
• At your best working as part of a team and with lots of initiative, you can anticipate visitor needs and work with colleagues to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.
• Pro-active and organised, you can work effectively even when it gets busy.
• You can stay focused and accurate when performing routine tasks.
• And you’ll have good numeracy, IT literacy and data entry skills.

Additional Information:
• We are currently advertising for two summer roles: Visitor Services Assistants as well as Retail and Admissions Assistants. Please consider which role best suits your aims, skills and experience, as you can only submit one application.
• This role will involve standing on your feet for a large part of the day.
• Your contract will run from the 17th March until the 30th September 2025. Both part-time and full-time roles are available.
• If working a full-time contract, you will typically work 37.5 hours per week and be rostered to work 5 days, Monday through to Sunday.
• Selection processes will likely take place on the 7th and 8th January 2025.

Benefits:
• Competitive pay of £12.60 per hour.
• Complimentary lunch during your shift.
• The opportunity to join a large, friendly, and sociable team.
• Benefits including complimentary tickets to Royal Collection Trust sites and a 20% discount at Royal Collection Trust shops.

Summer Visitor Services Assistant (Warden)

Apply now for an amazing opportunity to join our team at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where your everyday summer job can become truly exceptional.

As a Visitor Services Assistant, you’ll welcome visitors from around the world and ensure every visitor has an exceptional experience from welcome to goodbye.

Responsibilities:
• Provide a warm welcome to visitors, actively engaging with them to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the Royal Collection, Palace and local area.
• Assist in preparing the visitor route before opening by ensuring all areas are clean and tidy, maintaining high presentation standards throughout the day.
• Provide exceptional customer service, always maintaining a friendly and professional demeanour.
• Be aware about security, emergency, and evacuation procedures ensuring the safety and security of the visitors and the site.
• Work collaboratively as a team to ensure the smooth flow of visitors along the route.

Essential Criteria:
• Friendly and customer-focussed attitude and great verbal communication skills, you’ll enjoy working with people and take pride in delivering an exceptional visitor experience.
• You’ll feel confident initiating conversations with visitors, understanding their needs and providing tailored information and knowledge.
• At your best working as a part of a team and with lots of initiative, you can anticipate visitor needs, ensuring the visitor route is managed to a high standard throughout the day.
• Pro-active and organised, you can work effectively even when it gets busy.

Additional Information:
• We are currently advertising for two summer roles: Visitor Services Assistants as well as Retail and Admissions Assistants. Please consider which role best suits your aims, skills and experience, as you can only submit one application.
• This role will involve standing on your feet for a large part of the day.
• We have three contract start dates available: 1st April, 15th May and 16th of June all until the 30th September 2025. Please specify your availability in your application. Both part-time and full-time roles are available.
• If working a full-time contract, you will typically work 37.5 hours per week and be rostered to work 5 days, Monday through to Sunday.
• Selection processes likely to take place on the 16th and 17th of January 2025.

Driver / Skilled Labourer – Edinburgh Zoo

Please note this is a fixed term position for 12 months based at Edinburgh.