Operations

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, situated at the top of the Royal Mile. The attraction is a 5-star VisitScotland-rated visitor experience consisting of a historic Victorian Camera Obscura, 5 floors of interactive exhibits, rooftop terrace, reception area and Gift Shop. The attraction is a ‘must-visit’ for families and adults from all over the world and due to its popularity has the longest opening hours of any attraction in Edinburgh.

Camera Obscura is an award-winning attraction and has recently won the Scottish Thistle Award for Hospitality and Tourism Employer of the Year as well as the Trailblazer Award from Living Wage Scotland. The attraction holds a Gold Green Tourism Award and a regional Thistle Award for Climate Action. Part of Visitor Centres Ltd, the company also manages Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, Inveraray Jail and Landmark Press.

This role involves maintaining high standards of presentation and safety internally and externally for our many visitors. We are open to candidates with various levels of experience, from juniors who will receive full training, to experienced technicians ready to hit the ground running, to specialist electricians who may take on electrical maintenance in addition to general tasks.

Summary
– Ensure visitor safety through health and safety checks and necessary remedial work.
– Maintain all exhibits, lights, and effects in full working order.
– Participate in prototyping and building new exhibits.
– Tasks will be allocated based on your skill set.

Job Requirements
– Experience: 2 years relevant experience (preferred).
– Language: Fluent English (required).
– Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (preferred).
– Work Authorisation: United Kingdom (required).
– Basic skills or the ability to learn in electrics, joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, and IT.
– Good communication, numeracy, organizational skills, and initiative.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Flexibility to work outside normal opening hours when necessary.

Main Duties
– Building Maintenance: Routine maintenance, repair work, and occasional cleaning.
– Exhibitions: Development, maintenance, enhancement, and repair of exhibits.
– General: Maintain a clean and tidy work environment and assist in other site operations as required.
– Emergencies/Security: Familiarity with fire and emergency procedures and ability to lock and secure the building after hours as a key-holder.
– Other Duties: Event/meeting preparation, offsite research, driving, ordering, and liaison with external contractors.

It’s knowing you’re protecting the community that surrounds you.

It’s feeling trusted to deliver to the very highest standards. And it’s the pride in protecting an environment of unique historic importance. This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional.

As The King’s official residence in Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse welcomes thousands of visitors from around the World, as well as hosting a calendar of Royal events. Joining our team of Security Officers, you’ll help to maintain a safe and secure environment throughout The Palace and grounds. This will include:

– As a visible and welcoming presence, you’ll support access control for employees, guests, contractors and the visiting public.
– Working in the control room, you’ll monitor security and fire equipment and issue keys.
– You will administer the access control system used at the various gates.
– Responsible for perimeter and building security, you’ll conduct patrols and respond to incidents.
– Helping to maintain a safe environment, you’ll monitor automatic fire detection systems, and test/check fire safety equipment, as well as acting as first-response in the event of a fire or security alert.

The role will involve working outside during routine patrols of the estate, and occasionally at height or in confined spaces. You’ll normally work two twelve-hour day shifts between 0700-1900, and two twelve-hour night shifts between 1900-0700, followed by four days off.

Essential Criteria

– Previous experience working in a similar role in the military, police or security sectors is required, but it’s your team-focused approach that will make the real difference.
– You’ll be confident in the event of a security or fire related incident, able to apply your knowledge and judgement to respond effectively and make decisions.
– Interpersonal skills are important too, because you’ll be working closely with a wide range of people, including employees and visitors.
– Above all, you’ll have initiative and the ability to learn new systems, essential qualities that will enable you to deliver to the highest standards every day.

Benefits
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best. That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities.

Our excellent non-contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.

Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.

The role

To undertake designated activities, related to your trade, for the maintenance and refurbishment of all buildings, facilities and infrastructure owned by the RZSS; to ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors and in accordance with agreed service standards and in a cost-effective manner, in support of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) mission and vision.

Some of the things you’ll do:

Take the day-to-day lead to ensure all assigned repairs and projects are delivered effectively, safely, on time and to budget and recommend cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment.

To attend design team meetings with designers and other customers to give expert advice on infrastructure and facilities.

To provide advice in relation to design and build projects that have limited specifications/drawings and require the input of skilled joiner.

To supervise sub-contractors and ensure that they complete works to a suitable standard.

Undertake all forms of Joinery work (e.g. fencing, decking, upcycling, picture framing, windows and kitchen installations and roofing) and be able to take the lead on large Joinery projects including measuring up for materials and planning the works with minimal supervision.

Undertake minor repairs, e.g. locks, handles and fitting doors.

Ensure all plant, equipment, timber walkways and standoffs are inspected, maintained and documentation kept meeting relevant legislation and best practice standards at all times.

What we’re looking for:

Relevant City and Guilds certification or S/NVQ Level 3.
Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of basic building related Health and Safety legislation.
Understanding of basic principles of structural design, relevant to your trade, and ability to work to design drawings.
Working knowledge of the risk assessment processes.
Trained and competent in all aspects of joinery/carpentry including woodworking machinery.
Able to both work as part of a team, or on your own.
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

What you’ll get in return:

Starting salary between £27,487 – £28,714 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £30,637 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 – Tuesday 21 January 2025

Your role of Steward at Historic Environment Scotland will be a part year permanent position. The likely start date for this role is 17 March 2025 and will include training in Edinburgh and on site. The role will be 0 hours over the winter period from October to March and then your hours will resume in April until September for the summer season.

Are you looking for a flexible seasonal job that is both fun and unique? You’ll get a remarkable view into Scotland’s rich history and gain valuable experience in the tourism industry and help bring Scotland’s dramatic history to life for our visitors from across the world. Explore the fascinating stories from Scotland’s past and share your passion with international and local visitors who come to Iona Abbey during the season.

Our stewarding role delivers the highest standards of visitor experience at Iona Abbey and Nunnery, working across all areas, including in the shop, admissions area and outside, with delivery of guided tours a core part of the role.

Central West is a district covering 43 sites across Argyll, Arran and Lochaber. Iona Abbey is one of its three staffed sites, and the busiest. We receive around 60,000 visitors per year and no two days are the same. We host weddings, performances and additional services at our island site. Founded by Columba in 563AD, we have an amazing collection of carved stones, standing crosses and beautiful grounds.

Benefits of working with HES

A generous holiday allowance of 25 days holidays + 11.5 public holidays per year (pro-rata for employees)

A Civil Service pension which means you will receive an employer contribution of 27% of your annual salary

Free entry to Historic Environment Scotland sites (with up to three guests) and all English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Discounts on 100’s of online retailers

Interest free loans for bicycles and annual travel passes

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.

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.

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.