Operations

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

Thank you for your interest in the post of
Apprentice Stonemason with Historic
Environment Scotland that will be based at
Glenluce Monument Conservation Unit depot.
This is a 4 year fixed term appointment. While
open to all applicants, we would welcome
applications from school leavers and young
persons.
We will be holding an Open Day at
MacLellan’s Castle on Tuesday 31st March
where some of our stonemasons will be
giving demonstrations and talking about their
roles. Come along to learn more about being
an apprentice stonemason at Historic
Environment Scotland. For more information
contact southrecruitment@HES.scot or call
01315567472.

Thank you for your interest in the post of
Apprentice Stonemason with Historic
Environment Scotland that will be based at
Dumfries Monument Conservation Unit depot.
This is a 4 year fixed term appointment. While
open to all applicants, we would welcome
applications from school leavers and young
persons.
We will be holding an Open Day at
MacLellan’s Castle on Tuesday 31st March
where some of our stonemasons will be
giving demonstrations and talking about their
roles. Come along to learn more about being
an apprentice stonemason at Historic
Environment Scotland. For more information
contact southrecruitment@HES.scot or call
01315567472.

Full-time and Fixed Term to 31 March 2030
Salary £30,900 – £32,250 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
On site

About the role

We are delighted to announce a new opportunity for an experienced Art Handling Technician to be part of our talented team. This role will play an important part in helping with the delivery of our ambitious international touring exhibitions programme, enabling works from Scotland’s national collection to be shared with audiences around the world.

To succeed in this post, you must have proven skills and experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art within a museum or gallery environment.

Your work will play a vital role in delivering our wider strategy, supporting our Public Offer, equalities, and environmental priorities. Along with installing exciting exhibitions in our galleries, you will ensure art works travel both safely and sustainably.

You’ll work across all three of our stunning Galleries based in the heart of Edinburgh as well as our arts store at Granton Art Centre handling our incredible art. The Art Movement Team works to national standards supporting complex national and international programming in the handling, packing, movement, installation, and location tracking of a wide variety of artworks, including those from our collection and those on loan to us.

In this role you will ensure the safe movement, transportation, and installation of all artworks within the National Galleries of Scotland, and to other organisations globally as part of our loan and touring exhibition programme. You will also assist in maintaining the upkeep of the storage areas, exhibits, tools, and equipment.

About the Touring Programme

National Galleries of Scotland is launching an ambitious international touring programme contributing to our aim to make art work for everyone. This new initiative builds on past touring success and increases opportunities for the collection to be shared with audiences across the world. The touring programme is also part of our strategy to grow our income to ensure our future financial sustainability.

Work has already begun and we are now recruiting a number of posts from May 2026 to support taking the touring programme forward. The programme will run initially to 31 March 2030. The success of the initiative will determine next steps for both the programme and the team supporting it.

You will help to deliver this ambitious new initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of the programme.

The difference you’ll make

In all that you do you will be part of a small, dedicated team of Art Handling Technicians who are supported by the Senior Art Handling Technicians. Reporting to the Art Movement Manager your responsibilities will include:

-Providing safe and efficient movement of art works and other objects within the organisation and to other institutions, including risk assessments and method statements as required.
-Contributing to resource and planning discussions as required in line with skills and experience.
-Leading on individual project elements as requested.
-Maintaining location records and relevant paperwork following our procedures.
-Packing and unpacking objects and checking conservation condition reports.
-Undertaking courier duties.
-Sharing responsibility for the care and maintenance of equipment, including highlighting any concerns as appropriate.

Who we are looking for

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

-You must have proven skills and experience in the safe handling and movement of works of art within a museum or gallery environment.
-Awareness of and commitment to health and safety compliance and best practice.
-High standards of accuracy and attention to detail as well as an excellent manual dexterity.
-With the ability to work calmly and carefully under pressure you will actively anticipate and plan for potential problems.
-Can demonstrate sound, timely and appropriate decision-making skills taking responsibility and using initiative.
-You will have a helpful manner and flexible approach, great communication skills and enjoy working flexibly as part of a team with the ability to work alone and committed to getting the job done.
-Apply sound judgement with regards to maintaining confidentiality.
-Good IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
-Demonstrable commitment to updating skills and knowledge.
-Current driving licence.

It would also be great if you have:

-Willingness if required to train towards a category C (formerly known as HGV) driving licence if not already held.
-Experience in completing risk assessments and method statements, working at heights and heavy lifting operations.
-Experience with modern or complex installations.
-Familiarity with a collections management database.

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 30 March 2026.

Full-time and Fixed Term to 31 March 2030
Salary £37,614 – £41,138 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
On site with flexible working

About the role

We are delighted to announce a new opportunity for an experienced Paintings Conservator to join our Conservation Department at the National Galleries of Scotland.

We are seeking a skilled and collaborative Conservator to help us share our collection with audiences around the world. To succeed in this post, you’ll bring resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and excellent interpersonal skills along with a strong professional network. You will have evidence-based skills as Painting Conservator, and you will be confident in assessing and treating a wide range of materials and formats.

Our extensive painting collection is often on the move. You’ll be at the heart sharing this collection with the widest possible audience ensuring that works from our rich and varied painting collection travel safely, sustainably and look their very best when on display. Your work will play a vital role in delivering our wider strategy, supporting our Public Offer, equalities, and environmental priorities.

You’ll help preserve the collection while enabling us to deliver a generous lending programme from our diverse collections, also an ambitious number of exhibitions across our galleries. Through research and outreach, you will deepen knowledge of the collection and help attract new audiences to engage with it.

This is more than just a conservation role. It is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the way we care for, understand and share our collection.

About the Touring Programme

National Galleries of Scotland is launching an ambitious international touring programme contributing to our aim to make art work for everyone. This new initiative builds on past touring success and increases opportunities for the collection to be shared with audiences across the world. The touring programme is also part of our strategy to grow our income to ensure our future financial sustainability.

Work has already begun and we are now recruiting a number of posts from May 2026 to support taking the touring programme forward. The programme will run initially to 31 March 2030. The success of the initiative will determine next steps for both the programme and the team supporting it.

You will help to deliver this ambitious new initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of the programme.

The difference you’ll make

The role sits within our Painting Conservation section within the Conservation Department. You will also work closely with colleagues specialising in frames, preventive conservation, paper, sculpture, and time-based media. Together, we are a collaborative department where everyone strives to keep abreast of recent developments within the wider profession. Knowledge-sharing, research, and innovation are encouraged and celebrated. You will have the chance to develop and embed professional approaches to painting conservation across the collections.

Reporting to a Senior Paintings Conservator your core activities will include:
-Assessing the condition of paintings for our busy touring exhibition and short-term loan programme.
-Preparing works for travel with a focus on preventive conservation measures and rigorous documentation.
-Delivering a variety of interventive painting conservation projects with sensitivity, skill and imagination while undertaking research and exploring new ways of working, where appropriate.
-Developing appropriate methodologies for documenting paintings including entering information into our collections management database.
-Supporting the other painting conservators with exhibition preparation and delivery
-Communicating and collaborating frequently with colleagues from across the organisation, for example, other conservators, conservation and art handling technicians, members of collection management and curators.
-Delivering a variety of interventive painting conservation projects with sensitivity, skill and imagination while undertaking research and exploring new ways of working, where appropriate.
-Keeping abreast of developments in the paintings conservation sector and undertaking appropriate art historical and heritage science research to enhance our knowledge of the collection and inform working practices.
-Delivering activities to widen our audiences and encourage engagement with conservation.
-Working with and supervising volunteers, placement students, and external conservation specialists.

Who we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

-A recognised qualification in paintings conservation with at least two years’ experience post- graduation, ideally within the museums sector.
-Experience of assessing and preparing works for loan and implementing solutions for safe transport and public access.
-A track record of delivering a range of painting conservation projects with the ability to carry out research and devise innovative solutions to new challenges.
-Excellent time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure.
-Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate and well-structured documentation.
-The ability to work effectively as part of a team, and the confidence to take on a leading role when required.
-Strong connections within the painting conservation sector, and commitment to continuous professional development.
-Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations.
-Excellent IT skills, including MS Office and image processing software.
-Experience of using a collections management database.
-Professional accreditation through the Institute of Conservation (ICON) PACR scheme, or a clear commitment to work towards this.

It would also be great if you have experience of:
-Factoring equalities and environmental sustainability into your work.
-Writing for publications and social media.
-Supervising placement students and volunteers.

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 06 April 2026.

Full Time and Fixed Term to 31 March 2030
Salary £30,900 – £32,250 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
On site with flexible working

About the role

We are excited to have a new opportunity for a Conservation Technician to join our Conservation team. You may already be working as a Conservation Technician looking for a new opportunity or have relevant experience handling artworks and fitting works into frames. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

In this specialist role you will work closely with Conservators and Senior Conservation Technicians to deliver high-quality technical solutions. You will provide bespoke framing and glass cutting, mounting, packing and transit solutions for a wide variety of objects. You’ll work with both paintings and works on paper, in line with recognised industry standards.

Your main focus will be ensuring that objects from our collection are displayed, stored, and transported safely and appropriately, particularly those travelling as part of our touring exhibitions. You will also contribute to the ongoing care and maintenance of collections on display and in storage.

We are looking for someone with woodworking / machine shop skills, ideally gained in a museum, gallery or with clearly transferrable experience from a commercial setting. This is a practical, hands-on role, requiring confidence in working with tools and machinery, excellent manual dexterity, and a careful, methodical approach.

Initially, the role will focus primarily on paintings, with some time spent supporting paper-based projects. With training and support, your responsibilities will develop to include a broader involvement in both paintings and paper conservation preparation and mounting. While training will be provided, some prior experience of working with either paintings or paper is preferred. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled technician who enjoys problem-solving, working with their hands, and contributing directly to the care, movement and sharing of nationally important collections.

About the Touring Programme

National Galleries of Scotland is launching an ambitious international touring programme contributing to our aim to make art work for everyone. This new initiative builds on past touring success and increases opportunities for the collection to be shared with audiences across the world. The touring programme is also part of our strategy to grow our income to ensure our future financial sustainability.

Work has already begun and we are now recruiting a number of posts from May 2026 to support taking the touring programme forward. The programme will run initially to 31 March 2030. The success of the initiative will determine next steps for both the programme and the team supporting it.

You will help to deliver this ambitious new initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of the programme.

Who we are looking for

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

-Proven hands-on experience in woodworking / machine shop, operating and maintaining fixed and hand-held wood working equipment ideally gained in a museum, gallery, or commercial setting.
-Confident use of tools and machinery, with excellent manual dexterity.
-Some experience handling artworks and fitting paintings and works on paper into frames preferably using historic or artists’ own frames.
-Ideally with experience of constructing museum standard frames and designing and making mounts for works on paper.
-Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and accurate documentation.
-Time-management and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
-Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
-Experience of following health and safety practices in the workplace ideally gained in a workshop or studio environment.
-Willingness to continually develop technical skills with regards to new methods and techniques, actively engaging in professional development.
-Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

It would also be great if you have:

-Some experience of working in a museum or gallery in a technical role.
-Some experience or qualification in wood working (e.g. City and Guilds).
-Awareness of conservation issues and environmental risks.
-Experience of cleaning objects on display.

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 06 April 2026.

Museum Install Technician, Paisley, Full Time 37 hours, Temporary up to 9 months, Grade 4 £30,212.58 – £31,813.89 p.a.

We’re seeking a Museum Install Technician to join our museum team at an exciting time as we prepare to reopen Paisley Museum. You’ll work with colleagues at Paisley Museum and our collections store, The Secret Collection, providing specialist technical support in the handling and installation of the museum collection cared for by the Trust.

This is hands-on, skilled work that directly supports how visitors experience our stories, exhibitions, and the world-class setting created through the Paisley Museum

Re-imagined project. You’ll be part of an expert team responsible for the secure movement, packing, and environmental care of the collection, often working with specialist equipment and contracted partners.

This posted is supported with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Closing date: 29 March 2026

Interview date: week commencing 13 or 20 April 2026

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure Scotland check.

If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit their website.

Applications are welcome from candidates from all backgrounds including those with disabilities and candidates who have ‘care experience’.

Operations Assistant, Johnstone, Full Time and Part Time hours, Temporary 6 months, Grade 2: £11,503.37 – £26,190.06 p.a

To work within Health & Safety legislation, policies and procedures to ensure venues are well presented and set to exceed customer expectations and to ensure the security and integrity of buildings, collections and equipment, while delivering the highest standard of customer service.

You may be required to work at any locations across OneRen in accordance with the needs of the business.

18.5 hours

Week 1: Thursday 3pm-10pm, Friday 3pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-3:30pm

Week 2: Monday 4:30pm-10pm, Tuesday 3pm-10pm, Wednesday 3pm-10pm

37 hours

Week 1: Monday 7am-2:30pm, Tuesday 7am-2:30pm, Wednesday 7am-3:30pm, Thursday 7am-3:30pm, Friday 7am-2:30pm

Week 2: Monday 1:30pm- 10pm, Tuesday 2:30pm-10pm, Wednesday 2:30pm-10pm, Thursday 2:30pm-10pm, Friday off, Saturday 8:30am- 5:30pm

Week 3: Monday 7am-2:30pm, Tuesday 7am-2:30pm, Wednesday 7am-3:30pm, Thursday 7am-3:30pm, Friday 7am-2:30pm

Week 4: Monday 1:30pm- 10pm, Tuesday 2:30pm-10pm, Wednesday 2:30pm-10pm, Thursday off, Friday 2:30pm-10pm, Saturday 8:30am- 5:30pm

Closing date: 29 March 2026

Interview date: 13 and 14 April 2026

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure Scotland check.

If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit their website.

Applications are welcome from candidates from all backgrounds including those with disabilities and candidates who have ‘care experience’.