At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors, give presentations, and promote the attraction while ensuring a memorable experience.
- Company: Join Edinburgh's oldest visitor attraction, known for its interactive exhibits and stunning rooftop views.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, free entry for friends and family, and generous breaks with refreshments.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, dynamic team that values individuality and offers personal development opportunities.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for engaging with people and local knowledge.
- Other info: Initial 3-month contract with potential for permanent position after probation.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a VisitScotland 5-Star rated visitor attraction consisting of Camera Obscura presentations, Rooftop Terrace, exhibitions, reception area and shop.
We are currently recruitingGuides for our busy visitor attraction.
We are proud to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a VisitScotland 5-Star rated visitor attraction consisting of a Rooftop Terrace, exhibitions, reception area and shop.
The job of a Guide at Camera Obscura is an interesting and varied one. You will be working in the exhibition spaces to ensure our visitors are getting the most out of their visit.
In addition to selling tickets to the public at reception you will be required to promote the attraction to passers-by in the street. You will need a sound knowledge of the local area to answer queries from visitors.
You will be required to give presentations in the Camera Obscura room.
In return you get a wide range of benefits, such as free entry into our attraction for friends and family, free tea and coffee, a very generous amount of breaks. We know that work life balance is important, we always try and be as flexible with shifts as possible.
You will be part of a dynamic, fun team where individuality is valued and we encourage all guides to work on their personal development by providing relevant training as well as giving opportunities to move up the career ladder.
You will also benefit from an extensive Employee Assistance Programme as well as an NHS approved wellness app for mental health.
The initial contract offered will be a temporary 3 months contract. Subject to passing the probation period, we are looking at offering a permanent contract
Please ensure your personal email is present on your CV.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions are proud to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living.
The Company
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.
Pay: From £12.60 per hour
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.
Please ensure your personal email is present on your CV.
- Contract length: 3 months with possibility for extension
- Job Types: Full-time
- Salary: £12.60 per hour
How to Apply
To apply for the position, please send your CV and cover letter to Irena@camera-obscura.co.uk.
When applying, please add your availability into the Cover Letter, please let us know how many days a week you\’re wishing to work, what days of the week you can work and if you have any holidays planned.
Subject to passing the probation period and staffing, we maylookat offering a permanent contract
Please ensure your personal email is present on your CV.
Our recruitment process:
Resume Review – we check over your resume to see whether you have the skills and experience required to be an excellent Guide.
Pre-screen – One of our senior Guides gives you a short phone call. To discuss availability and get to know you better (and you us).
Interview – We invite you to an interview, interviews usually take up to one hour.
Job offer – If you are successful after the interview you join the fantastic team at Camera Obscura.
Deadline for applications: 24/08/2025
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Guide employer: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Guide
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Camera Obscura and its exhibits. Knowing the ins and outs of the attraction will not only help you answer visitor queries but also allow you to engage more effectively during presentations.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your local knowledge! Being able to provide information about Edinburgh and its attractions will impress both visitors and your potential employers, showing that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills. Since you'll be giving talks in the Camera Obscura room, being confident and engaging while presenting will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for customer service. The role involves interacting with visitors and promoting the attraction, so demonstrating a passion for providing excellent service will make you a standout applicant.
We think you need these skills to ace Guide
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service or guiding roles. Emphasise any knowledge of the local area and your ability to engage with visitors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the attraction. Mention your availability clearly, including how many days you can work and any planned holidays.
Showcase Communication Skills: As a Guide, strong communication skills are essential. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to present information clearly and engagingly, perhaps by sharing examples from past experiences.
Highlight Flexibility: Since the role offers flexible working options, mention your willingness to adapt to different shift patterns. This shows that you are a team player and ready to meet the needs of the attraction.
How to prepare for a job interview at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh
✨Know Your Attraction
Familiarise yourself with the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Understand its history, key exhibits, and what makes it a must-visit for tourists. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and engage visitors effectively.
✨Showcase Your Presentation Skills
As a Guide, you'll be giving presentations. Practice speaking clearly and engagingly about the exhibits. Consider doing a mock presentation to a friend or family member to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Highlight any previous experience in customer service during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle various visitor queries and promote the attraction to passers-by, showcasing your enthusiasm and approachability.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
The role requires flexibility in working hours and shifts. Be ready to discuss your availability openly in the interview, and express your willingness to adapt to the needs of the team and the attraction.