Visitor Services

JOB PURPOSE
To contribute to keeping the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) upland path network at high standards of maintenance and design in order to protect natural heritage and enable people to have a great experience when they choose to visit the upland Properties for which we care.

Overall, this will be in pursuit of the National Trust for Scotland’s vision and strategic objectives:

Vision: Scotland’s heritage will be valued by everyone and protected now and for future generations.
Objectives:
• Protect: To protect and care for Scotland’s heritage.
• Experience: To provide opportunities for everyone to experience and value Scotland’s heritage.
• Promote: To promote the benefits of heritage.
• Support: To create an efficient sustainable business which supports our conservation needs.

For this job in particular, this means:
Working as part of the Path Team is a national role across the Trust’s upland properties including but not limited to Glencoe, Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Torridon, Kintail, Goatfell and Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve. To maintain the Trust’s upland path network through targeted restoration and maintenance tasks. Under the day-to-day direction of the path team leader and in liaison with others as necessary, the work will include clearing drains, re-surfacing works, repairs to damaged stonework and all aspects of upland path construction and maintenance works.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The key purpose of the job is to ensure that all upland paths are maintained to a high standard through maintenance, repair, and construction of upland paths to industry standards while being conscientious about conservation, the environment, visitors, and your surroundings.

The Path Worker will be responsible for and aware of their own health and safety and that of the team, volunteers, contractors, and visitors. They will assist in developing a culture of safe working, as well as contributing to the overall conservation and development of the Trust’s Properties and their enjoyment by visitors and supporters. The Path Worker will feed into publicity and fundraising campaigns and help promote the Footpath Fund whenever possible. They will also participate in and contribute to the smooth running of the team both on site and in accommodation when working away.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications
Essential – Full driving licence.

Desirable:
• SQA level 2 in environmental conservation or higher.
• Mountain leader certification.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Essential –
• Path Work across a range of types of upland and/or remote country landscapes.
• Interpersonal communication skills including a personable manner with the public.
• Working and living for periods in a small team

Desirable
• Previous experience working in an upland / countryside path team.
• Navigation and mountain awareness skills – mountain leader experience.
• Background in environmental conservation work, particularly in Scotland.
• Knowledge of GIS systems or digital mapping.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Footpath work involves a mixture of repair/maintenance/improvements at the Trust’s upland properties which are often in remote upland/mountain locations where vehicular access is not possible (or appropriate for conservation reasons). Occasionally, materials and equipment may be dropped-in by helicopter, but the team generally “walks in” (and out) with the tools/equipment it needs, often over several miles As part of the Trust’s approach to path repair/maintenance, the team sources materials locally, manually moving stone/gravel/turfs from areas adjacent to the path to be repaired/maintained, and into position to make the path feel as “natural” and “in keeping” with its natural surroundings as possible. The work is strenuous and takes place in all weathers (unless conditions make it unsafe to do so).

The 4-person team is based in Glencoe, (or at least the work’s truck is) but usually spends several consecutive days/nights per week at other properties, so as well as working together the team regularly lives together in basic shared accommodation. Occasionally the team will work with contractors and volunteer groups.

A typical working week might involve:
• Team departs from Glencoe at 8am Monday morning, (depending where you live will determine if you have to make your own way to site or meet at Glencoe) drive to property, walk tools in to site and begin work, gather stone, dig out path tray, cutting turf etc. (lunch and refreshments are all taken on site and are the responsibility of the individual to prepare).
• Team returns to accommodation at or near the property, often in self-catering accommodation, for 6pm where the team are “off duty”. Evening meals are the responsibility of the individuals to prepare / obtain. Allowance for expenses is given by NTS.
• Tuesday – 8 till 6 on site and return to nearby accommodation.
• Wednesday 8 till 6 on site and return to nearby accommodation.
• Thursday work on site until approximately 3pm, secure site then returns to vehicle and drive back to Glencoe for 6pm. Clean up and packing on the Wednesday night to free up the accommodation by 8am Thursday morning.

This is a typical pattern only, the work will vary, e.g.: there may be some weeks when training or attendance at central Trust meetings mean few or no days on the hill during the week.

Scale
National across l the Trust’s upland and remote Properties. There are 460km of path in the Trust’s upland network and the Path Worker will experience every meter at some stage in their career with the Trust.

People Management
 Not a line manager, but occasional supervision of volunteers/apprentices/work experience or other work parties.
 Works closely with other staff members.
 Regular interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.
 Occasional working with external contractors.
 Liaison with property staff and external organizations.
 You will be expected to assist and feature in NTS publicity and fund-raising initiatives.

Finance Management
• Not a budget-holder but will be expected to take responsibility for the careful and effective management of Trust tools, materials, equipment and resources. And fill in expense claims accurately.

Tools/Equipment/Systems
• Frequent user of driven vehicles such as team vehicle.
• Infrequent user of ‘powered’ tools such as power barrow.
• Frequent user of hand-tools such as spades, mattocks, pinch bars, winch, sledge and dyking hammers.
• Regular user of IT (CoreHR people’s system)

Example key performance indicators and targets
• Ability to keep up with the team once trained.
• All work carried out to industry standard and passed by competent path manager.
• Weekly targets set by team leader, for example: clear XX path drains, repair XX features and build XX meters of path.
• Yearly targets set by Path Manager, for example: maintain Glencoe paths XX to XX to a high standard by the end of the year, these will be discussed in detail during the probationary period.

The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated, proactive, customer-focused team members to come work with us at our award-winning visitor attraction. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a world-class visitor experience, in the heart of Edinburgh.

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 .

Part of Visitor Centres Ltd, the company also manages Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, Inveraray Jail and Landmark Press.

Benefits:
Pension: 2% contribution for first 6 months of employment, rising to 10% thereafter
Holidays: 29 days annual holiday pro rata
Discretionary annual company bonus
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a Living Wage employer and offers all staff contribution towards uniform, breakfast while on shift, refreshments throughout the day and seasonal team meals. Staff get a generous discount in the Gift Shop and free entry for friends and family to visit the attraction, as well as free entry to sister attractions Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Inveraray Jail. Access to ASVA passes for discounted entry to Scotland’s other top attractions.
Flexible working options and a variety of shift patterns are available.
Staff are given full training and offered personal development and training opportunities. Staff are also offered access to our employee assistance programme, providing access to information, advice, and answers to a range of workplace and personal issues.

Come and join us on the 10th March 2023 at the Talisker Visitor Centre where you’ll get the opportunity to find out what a career at Diageo could look like for you!

Opening our doors from 10am to 4.30pm, will grab a cuppa, show you around and talk you through opportunities at Talisker with Diageo.

From Brand Home Guides and Bar Tenders, to Management positions, whatever role you join us in, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most iconic Whisky brands.

Join our activities for the day including a quick tour, tasting and exploring of an amazing #LifeAtDiageo!

Register below and create a future worth celebrating!

Come and join us on the 8th March 2023 at the Dalwhinnie Visitor Centre where you’ll get the opportunity to find out what a career at Diageo could look like for you!

Opening our doors from 10am to 4.30pm, will grab a cuppa, show you around and talk you through opportunities at Dalwhinnie with Diageo.

From Brand Home Guides and Bar Tenders, to Management positions, whatever role you join us in, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most iconic Whisky brands.

Join our activities for the day including a quick tour, tasting and exploring of an amazing #LifeAtDiageo!

Register below and create a future worth celebrating!

Distillery Ambassador Opportunities!

We currently have opportunities for experienced, hardworking and reliable individuals to join the Glengoyne family within our visits team, in the role of Distillery Ambassador. As part of our visits team you will be responsible for providing our visitors with a world class experience through the delivery of immersive and engaging experiences.

We’re looking for someone who is charismatic, can use their own initiative, has a positive work attitude and a strong focus on providing an exceptional visitor experience. Our experience offering is varied and our visitors come from all over the world to learn about Glengoyne whisky, so the ability to adapt and build rapport with different groups is essential. Typical daily tasks include hosting tours of the distillery, guiding guests through in-person or online tastings, and assisting with the preparation and clearing down of experience spaces on-site.

The visitor centre typically operates between 10.00 – 18.00, seven days per week however, this is dependent on the needs of the business and hours may vary in line with consumer demand. We are looking for individuals who can be flexible, and currently have both full and part-time vacancies.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held during March at Glengoyne. We are ideally looking for successful applicants to join us in April 2023.

Glengoyne is located North of Glasgow on the A81 at Dumgoyne, and it is anticipated that applicants should be within commuting distance of the distillery and ideally with their own transport given the remote location. In addition, given the industry and product we service, to be considered for a role applicants must be aged 18 or over. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate that they currently have the required documents to live and work in the UK.

Please note, this is an open application window therefore we may close the advert at any point depending on the candidate applications received, so our recommendation is that you apply early to ensure you do not miss out!

JOB PURPOSE

The Seabird Ranger will undertake a programme of monitoring key seabird species in order to ascertain breeding success and obtain an accurate estimate of population size. Through monitoring, a greater understanding of the status of the colonies and the threats and issues affecting them will be achieved. This information will help in the protection of the seabirds and increase our understanding of their populations and environment. Submitted results will be collated into national datasets to inform a wider understanding of species numbers and health. The seabird monitoring programme will be guided by the NTS Senior Seabird Officer.
It is anticipated that the Seabird Ranger will work closely with one or more volunteers and be responsible for their day to day management
The Seabird Ranger will also be the face of the National Trust for Scotland on Mingulay during the busy summer months and will play a key role in welcoming visitors to help ensure their time on Mingulay is highly enjoyable and memorable, while helping to protect and enhance the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Nature conservation
 To monitor key seabird colonies include population, breeding success and feeding studies
 To collate cetacean and other marine sightings
 To collect, manage and collate biological information in a consistent manner compatible with Trust and national datasets
 To produce and disseminate results of monitoring, including monthly and end of season reports
 To contribute to other biological monitoring programmes as appropriate
 To carry out biosecurity checks following set protocols
 To support NTS’s response to avian influenza

Visitor Services
• Welcoming and engaging visitors, enhancing their experience by providing information about Mingulay, its natural and cultural heritage, including strong messages around safety and respect for wildlife.
• Encourage people to further contribute to caring for Mingulay through donating or taking up membership of NTS.
• To assist with visitor management and interpretation, including participating in the guided walk programme and contributing articles for the website and newsletters
• Assist with practical countryside management including litter picks, beach cleans, maintenance and safety checks.
• Lead and assist with events such as guided walks and talks as appropriate.

Community engagement
• Build strong working relationships with Day Boat Operators, their crew members, and other local stakeholders to support consistent messaging to visitors.

Marketing & Communications
• Enthusiastically promote awareness and understanding of the role that NTS plays in protecting and caring for Mingulay and wider work across Scotland.
• Regularly update and contribute positive stories to NTS social media and other communication outlets relevant to Mingulay

Other responsibilities
• Ensure that all activities undertaken are compliant with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures including the Safe System of Work, Visitor Safety in the Countryside, and environmental policy and practices, mindful of impacts on people and environment.
• Contribute knowledge and experience to projects and management decisions within the NTS Plan for Nature.
• Provide occasional support to Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray Ranger Service with projects and activities across the islands.
• Responsibility for volunteer work programme including health and safety

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential
• A proven track record in seabird population and productivity monitoring
• A considerable degree of self-sufficiency and resilience needed to live and work in isolated conditions for extended periods.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively with a wide range of people in person and through other written or visual forms.
• Ability to implement work in a lone working and challenging environment, and within a small team.
• Excellent organisational, time-management skills with the ability to prioritise and be flexible according to weather and changing demands.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office and social media.
• Willingness to initiate conversational relationships with visitors and community partners, be approachable and welcoming.

Desirable
• Knowledge of and interest in the cultural and natural history of the Hebrides.
• Working knowledge of ecological survey and monitoring techniques.
• Practical land management and maintenance of small-scale rural estates infrastructure.
• Ability to think and act quickly when confronted with emergencies.
• Up to date First Aid certificate.
• Experience of managing personal safety and the safety of others in a remote and challenging environment.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale
• The post holder will be the main NTS presence and point of contact on Mingulay and will work within a small team comprising the Ranger for Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray and a number of volunteers.

People Management
• No line management responsibility but will be required to supervise volunteers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Day Boat Operators, visitors, NTS staff (local team and other technical/specialist advisory colleagues), contractors,
• Will have regular interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Finance Management
• Assist in making the best use of resources and ensuring best value.
• Contribute to the income of the Trust through recruiting new members and encouraging donations.
• This role is not a budget-holder.

Travel and Wellbeing
• Travel to Mingulay will be from Barra and will be provided by local boat operators.
• It is expected that the Seabird Ranger will stay on Mingulay for the duration of the contract, with only occasional trips to Barra. This may involve being the only person on the island for extended periods.
• Food and post etc can be delivered by the regular day boat operators and/ or Ranger
• NTS will provide appropriate outerwear and footwear appropriate for the environment.
• The ranger will be supplied with a Spot Locator and mobile VHF to enhance safety that will be enabled at all times when delivering the above Service.
• An appropriate check-in/ buddy system is in operation
• There is limited internet access

Place in organisational structure:

Western Isle Manager (based in Inverness)

Ranger (Mingulay, Pabbay & Berneray)

Fixed Term Seabird Ranger

The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

JOB PURPOSE
This is an exciting and varied role at Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre.

You’ll help us welcome visitors from across the globe and ensure they have an enjoyable, memorable experience here, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Through warm, engaging, informative interactions, you’ll help share stories about this amazing place and build support and understanding for the National Trust for Scotland.

Based in either our busy shop or one of two catering outlets, you’ll help generate the income that enables our charity to care for this world-renowned historic site, by serving customers and promoting the benefits of NTS membership. Your role is vital to ensure this popular destination operates smoothly and safely.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Provide a consistently high standard of visitor care
• Welcome visitors at all our key touch points, from arriving in our car park and making purchases in our café and shop, to climbing up the Monument and enjoying our exhibition.
• Provide a responsive, friendly and efficient service, tailored to the needs of both individual visitors and tour groups.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the place you work, enabling you to share stories with visitors, offer ideas to help them enjoy their visit and answer common questions.
• Follow guidelines to ensure retail or catering displays remain enticing throughout the day and help with stock replenishment to ensure product availability.
• Work flexibly and in harmony with your colleagues across departments, supporting each other to make best use of team resources, especially at busy times.
• Feed back visitor comments and your own ideas to develop and improve our offer, service and operations.
• Help gather photos / videos for social media to promote our activities and encourage visits.
• Assist with the set-up, stewarding and break-down of functions and events.

Generate the income that enables us to look after special places
• Be aware of the team’s targets for generating income and aim to achieve and exceed them.
• Actively upsell our café, shop and membership offer and services with excellent product knowledge, tailored to customer preferences.
• Be responsible for accurate and secure till operation and sales processing, supporting the reconciliation of end-of-day takings.

Maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation and safety
• Help with behind-the-scenes tasks to prepare for opening at the start of the day and close-down at the end.
• Take pride in building and landscape presentation, maintaining high standards throughout by helping to clean public and staff areas.
• Report all instances of damage, wear and tear or maintenance needs promptly.
• Ensure you are clearly identifiable and appropriately dressed by wearing uniform, name badges, and PPE as required.
• Share responsibility for the health and welfare of property staff, volunteers and visitors by adhering to NTS Health, Safety and Environment policies and guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications

• No formal educational qualification required. Relevant training provided.

Desirable Skills, Experience & Knowledge
• Experience in a customer-facing role
• Enthusiasm for the aims and objectives of the National Trust for Scotland
• Excellent “front of house” persona – warm, welcoming, helpful, patient and understanding
• Excellent communication skills, a passion for sharing stories and offering memorable experiences
• Persuasive selling skills, tailoring conversations to customer needs and product knowledge
• Ability to work within a team or independently to a high and safe standard
• Comfortable with being flexible and adapting working patterns to meet property needs
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise
• Attention to detail and pride in presentation standards

The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.