Operations

JOB PURPOSE

The Garden team plays a vital role in delivering the National Trust for Scotland’s mission by contributing to nature conservation, visitor experience, learning, and community engagement. This work supports both the strategic objectives of individual properties and the wider goals of the organization, helping to protect and promote Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Garden Apprentice position offers a valuable opportunity for a young person to gain hands-on experience, training, and professional development in a dynamic conservation and visitor services environment. Working alongside experienced colleagues, the apprentice will support the care and presentation of our landscapes, engage with visitors and local communities, and contribute to the protection and enjoyment of special places.

Through meaningful public engagement, excellent customer service, and commitment to high standards, the Garden Apprentice will help create memorable experiences for visitors. As part of the site team at Kellie Castle and Garden (East Fife Team), the apprentice will also support income generation and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Trust’s work.

The Apprentice will also study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Horticulture within Parks and Gardens and greenspaces at SCQF Level 6) with Rural Skills Scotland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

You will take direction from the Head Gardener, with the Garden team providing day -to-day supervision. You will also work alongside other property staff. The apprenticeship will be run in partnership with Rural Skills Scotland, who will support the successful candidate through their SVQ undertaking regular observations to allow the apprentice to meet the necessary evidence requirements. The apprenticeship is for a fixed period of 18 months during which the successful candidate will be mentored and undertake relevant vocational training.

You will provide a consistently high standard of work and customer care at all times:
 Promoting and supporting the organic management principles within the gardens
 Assisting with the production of fruit and vegetables for sale.
 Assisting with all general gardening duties
 Maintenance of the of the estate
 Providing an excellent visitor experiences including delivery of guided walks, events and educational activities, answering visitors’ queries about the property and gardens
 Promoting the National Trust for Scotland and the benefits of Trust membership
 Always maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation
 Ensuring work is undertaken in a safe and appropriate manner, wearing correct uniform, name badges, or PPE as required

JOB PURPOSE
The National Trust for Scotland is passionate about Scotland’s heritage; we make a difference to what makes Scotland so special. The role is based at Brodie Castle and Estate. Brodie Castle, Garden & Estate comprises: Grade A-listed 16th century tower-house with 17th, 18th and 19th century additions, the Playful Garden, a significant collection of paintings and furniture, and a 75-acre estate of designated historic designed landscape which holds policy woodland, a large pond and the famous Brodie Daffodil Collection. It maintains strong links to the Brodie family, whose ancestral seat this was for its entire history. The buildings and grounds are open to the public all year round and are supported by multiple catering facilities within the Castle and Playful Pavilion, two gift shops, the Stables conference centre and holiday. Brodie also hosts weddings, private hire functions and year-round events.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
• A formal qualification at NVQ/ SVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture supported by knowledge and a minimum of 2 years practical work experience in a heritage or amenity garden context.
• PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates, or willingness to be trained in the use of pesticides and to exercise that training.
• Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.
• Formal machinery certifications, i.e., Ride on mowers, tractors, chainsaws etc or willingness to be trained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and estate e.g., managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors including other professionals in the horticultural industry.
• Contributing to the management, conservation, and development of the garden and estate by plant propagation, cultivation, production of seed and the inputting of appropriate plant records on IRIS database and labelling were directed by the Garden and Estate Manager or Assistant Head Gardener.
• The ability to work individually or as part of a team across a wide range of activities across the garden & estate including hedge cutting, strimming & brush cutting, tractor/ATV driving, chipping & spraying.
• As requested, assisting with education/interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.
• Fostering positive relationships with visitors, local communities and other organisations and promote the work of the Trust when & were appropriate.
• On occasion, supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs and the appropriate standard of work, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
• Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operations Manager / Property Management team.
• On occasion, contributing to the review and development of operational workplans for the gardens.
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures. This will include timely completion of HAVS, spraying records and attendance of annual health monitoring.

JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Head Gardener and as part of the property team, assist with the conservation and development of the gardens to ensure that Culzean Castle Gardens are presented at the highest standards to its visitors and guests. The post exists to in order to ensure that the garden and policies across the Property are managed and maintained as an internationally recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:
1. Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and wider estate (e.g. managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care; waste management) to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors;
2. Fostering positive relationships promote the work of the Trust.
3. On occasion, working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
4. Demonstrating self motivation, organizing, planning, and the ability to prioritise along with good time management;
5. Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Head Gardener.
6. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.

Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) is an educational charity and leading science centre and visitor attraction with a 5-star status. Our mission is to inspire everyone to explore and understand the world around them and to discover and enjoy science.
We are a place of learning, creativity, curiosity, and fun, inspiring and empowering around half a million people every year, both inside and outside our amazing centre in Pacific Quay, on the banks of the Clyde.
Our state-of-the-art centre contains more than 450 interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a science show theatre, a teaching laboratory, an IMAX cinema, and a maker space. We also take science out of our centre and across Scotland with our On Tour programme and our Community Engagement Programme works closely with people in our local communities.
Our staff are vitally important to us and play a key role in achieving our mission. We value diversity in our workforce and want our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve bringing a range of skills, experiences, knowledge, and ideas to help towards our mission.
Our company values are important to us as they underpin who we are and how we work, what we believe in and stand for:
We strive for excellence
We are inclusive
We innovate
We collaborate
ABOUT THE ROLE
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Operations Team.
This varied role is instrumental in line management and supervision of staff across all customer-facing areas, including front-of-house, food and beverage outlets, gallery floors (including Newton Flight Academy, Planetarium and SST), Corporate Events, Gift Shop, Car Park Operations, IMAX and Tower. While experience in visitor attractions or cultural venues are valuable, we are also keen to hear from applicants with a background in hospitality, catering, events, or retail operations who can bring fresh perspectives and operational expertise to our team.
This role requires you to assist the Operations Mangers with the day-to-day management of all areas, and to act as appointed person (Duty Manager) for specific events where required.
As well as to implement the GSC Customer Service promise. Offer a fun, safe and welcoming environment to all customers and to provide an integrated, co-ordinated and professional level of service to our customers at point of contact.
If this sounds like you then we would love you to get in touch!

Benefits:
• Company events
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free and on-site parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person

About Lost Shore Surf Resort
Lost Shore is about bringing a world-first and world-beating surf resort to the outskirts of the capital. The largest inland wave pool in Europe, has arrived next to Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, and is putting Scotland on the map for all the right reasons!
But it’s the range of other activities and leisure offerings that make us so special, offering something for everyone.
Picture a surfing paradise where surfers, tourists, and locals converge—a place where adventure meets relaxation.

About the role

The Night Duty Manager plays a critical part in determining our Visitor’s out of hours onsite experience, including responding to queries, dealing with incidents and resolving issues in an appropriate, safe and timely manner.
The Day Duty Managers ensure smooth day to day running of the resort operation, during the hours of 7am until 11pm. The Night Duty Managers look after the resort and guests during the quieter hours, allowing many tasks which could not be completed during the day, to be kept up to date.

What you’ll do
– Responding to issues and queries about the Resort from both Visitors and 3rd parties, either in person or on the phone.
– Processing late check-ins and buggy runs as required.
– Maintaining well presented and clean public areas, ensuring spaces are tidy and well presented over night.
– Collaborate with our security contractor, ensuring that the Resort and those staying with us are safe and comfortable at all times.
– Manage opening and closing procedure for the Resort, including effective communication of handovers with Day Duty Manager Team.

Skills required
– Previous experience in a front-of-house, hsopitality or leisure facility is essential.
– Demonstrated ability to handle issues independently and escalate when necessary, ensuring smooth operations.
– Strong commitment to customer satisfaction, maintaining high standards and building lasting relationships with stakeholders.
– Exceptional organisational, report writing and time-management skills, ensuring attention to detail and effective task prioritisation.
– Ethically minded with a dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, coupled with a calm demeanour in challenging situations.
– Experience with Microsoft Office is essential and familiarity with POS or bookings systems would be advantageous, although full training will be provided.
– Available for overnight shifts, including periods of lone work.

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: FC07

Salary: £34,914.86 – £43,437.09

Hours: 36 per week

Location: Kirkcaldy Galleries with travel across OnFife venues

Job Reference: ON000637

We are OnFife and we know how valuable creativity is to our communities. Whether we’re helping people learn or making them laugh – we’re here to bring people together and make them feel good. Our spaces are some of Fife’s favourite places – from historic buildings to mobile libraries, award-winning new destinations to much-loved community hubs. Museums, theatres, galleries, libraries, and archives – we offer them all. We’re built on strong values, and those values make us who we are – Fearless, Inviting, Fair and Exciting.

We’re a Real Living Wage employer, and we offer a local government pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and flexible working opportunities. We have a dedicated training scheme offering professional development opportunities and you can also access our employee discount scheme which offers local and national savings and a range of employee benefits. 

The Role

We are looking for a creative and community-focused Curator (Engagement) to join our Cultural Heritage team. In this role you will bring the collections and the stories they hold to life working closely with communities by providing meaningful opportunities for engagement, enjoyment and learning. Engaging with groups and individuals to enable them to contribute to collections, interpretation, displays and exhibitions. 

Typically working Monday – Friday, there may be requirements to work some evenings and weekends to meet business needs.  

You can view the full job spec on our current vacancies page.

About You

We want someone who is enthusiastic, imaginative, and deeply committed to community engagement in a museum context. You will have 1–3 years of relevant experience working in museums, galleries, or the heritage sector specifically working with communities; relevant qualifications and CPD. You will also have demonstrable skills in interpretation & exhibition work, collections management and partnership working. There is a requirement for the postholder to have a PVG. You will have access to transport and a willingness to travel across Fife, alongside flexibility for occasional evening and weekend working when required.  

How to Apply

If you would like to find out more information about this role before applying, please contact Gillian Crumpton for an informal chat. Please email gillian.crumpton@onfife.com to arrange this.     

When you’re ready to apply, please complete our application form and equal opportunities form and return them to the HR team.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Thursday 1 October.  

Interviews will take place on 22 and 23 October 2026.

OnFife is an equal opportunities employer. 

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