At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess the significance of historic buildings and contribute to high-profile cases.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a leader in preserving our heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's historic environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of historic buildings and excellent research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34721 - 34721 £ per year.
Starting salary: £34,721
Contract type: Fixed Term
Grade: 3
Location: Longmore House (with hybrid working)
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 21 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at Longmore House on Week Commencing 5 October 2026
We are looking for an enthusiastic historic environment professional to join our Designations Service. As Designations Officer you will primarily undertake work to assess the significance of listed buildings for designation. Work will include research, fieldwork, consultation and reporting as well as contributing to high profile cases and appeals. Other work will involve assessing the significance of monuments, gardens, battlefields and historic marine assets for designation.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme - 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role:
- Primarily undertaking work to assess the significance of buildings for designation. Work will include research, fieldwork, consultation and reporting. Other work will involve assessing the significance of monuments, gardens, battlefields and historic marine assets for designation.
- Preparing designations records/reports and designations maps to an agreed format and standard.
- Researching and collating architectural, historical, landscapes and archaeological information.
- Working with maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Background research and administration for the preparation of appeals, briefings, site visits, communication with the public etc.
Teamwork:
You will work on multiple cases to set deadlines and as such, working as part of a team will be vital to delivering objectives to the required standard.
Leadership and organisation:
- Deputising for Senior Designations Officers as required.
- Supporting the work of the Heritage Directorate more widely, particularly through the provision of advice to owners of designated assets, planning authorities, developers and colleagues on the designation and the historic environment.
- Co-ordinating and providing general advice on the designation of the historic environment as necessary.
- Other appropriate duties that may be allocated when required by line manager.
Key requirements of the role:
- Strong working knowledge of Scotland's historic buildings and architectural history.
- Good working knowledge of Historic Environment legislation and policy, and its application within the planning system.
- Advanced research and writing skills with an ability to write concisely.
- Expertise in architecture, history, archaeology or related discipline.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with a range of external partners and stakeholders.
- Demonstrative ability to manage resources successfully, work effectively in a team and proven ability to work to set deadlines.
- Experience of working in the historic environment sector.
- SCQF Level 10 (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) qualification in a relevant subject matter or equivalent relevant experience.
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
Designations Officer employer: Historic Environment Scotland
At Historic Environment Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee well-being. Located at the iconic Stirling Castle, our team enjoys flexible working hours, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for further education, all while contributing to enriching local communities through memorable events. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that delivers outstanding experiences in a historic setting.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designations Officer
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
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We think you need these skills to ace Designations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Historic Environment Scotland!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Historic Environment Scotland. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Historic Environment Scotland.
