At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful historical grounds and ensure they look their best for visitors.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, preserving Scotland's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal development await you!
- Why this job: Work outdoors, connect with history, and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and knowledge of health and safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Starting salary: £27,740
Contract type: Permanent
Grade: 01
Location: Dirleton Depot, Dirleton Castle, Dirleton, East Lothian, EH39 5ER
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 1820 annualised hours
Interviews: To be held in person at Dirleton on Week Commencing Week commencing 20th July 2026
Thank you for your interest in the post of Grounds Maintenance Operator with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) that will be based in the Dirleton Castle Depot. This is a permanent and pensionable position.
You will be joining a dedicated team where you will contribute to the grounds maintenance of historical monuments under the care of Historic Environment Scotland at Dirleton Castle and in the surrounding areas.
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:
The post involves general grass maintenance and gardening duties within the grounds maintenance team. You will be expected to work under the instruction of the Property Maintenance and Compliance Manager. You will ensure an excellent customer experience by maintaining HES properties and grounds to a high standard.
Due to the nature of this role, you will work mainly outside in variable weather conditions. You will be required to comply with and promote HES Health and Safety Policies. From time to time you will be required to attend training courses identified to assist the work, or to comply with health and safety legislation (this may require travel and overnight stays away from home). You will be required to complete IOSH Working Safely when starting in post.
Key duties of the Ground Maintenance Operator post include:
- Grass cutting and strimming at various sites using numerous types of machinery
- Garden maintenance
- Minor maintenance of plant and equipment
- Hedge maintenance
- Fencing repairs
- Minor drainage works
- Tree works
- Dry stone wall repairs
- Planting and weeding
- Litter removal
- Carry out maintenance works e.g. painting etc. throughout the area
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:
- Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
- How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.
Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential Criteria:
- Demonstrable experience of carrying out grounds maintenance in estates, local authority environment or historic landscape management
- Knowledge of the following: Health and Safety at Work Act, Risk Assessments, Method Statements
- Competent in the use of various grass cutting machinery e.g. strimmers, flail mowers, ride on mowers, cylinder mowers, hedge trimmers etc.
- Competent knowledge of estate management e.g. fencing, drainage, dry stone walling, use of pesticides etc.
- Knowledge of small plant and equipment maintenance
- Full UK Driving License or if non-UK driving license holder a willingness to convert within first 12 months of employment. Willingness to work towards a D1 + E Entitlement if not already obtained.
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.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at southrecruitment@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.
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ section followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Grounds Maintenance Operator - Dirleton Depot in Dumfries employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee development and well-being. With generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for further education, you will thrive in a role that allows you to contribute to the preservation of Scotland's rich heritage while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Dirleton Castle.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operator - Dirleton Depot in Dumfries
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Historic Environment Scotland; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operator - Dirleton Depot in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Historic Environment Scotland.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Maintenance Operator - Dirleton Depot.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Historic Environment Scotland is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Historic Environment Scotland a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Historic Environment Scotland might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
