At a Glance
- Tasks: Support climate resilience projects and communicate climate impacts to diverse audiences.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a leader in sustainability and climate action.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate adaptation while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of climate change issues and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27744 - 27744 £ per year.
Starting salary: £27,740 pro rata per year
Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months
Grade: 1
Location: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person on Week Commencing 27 July 2026
You will work collaboratively to embed climate resilience across the organisation by supporting the delivery of the Climate Action Strategy and Climate Ready HES. You will gain skills in developing climate action projects, using climate risk data to inform decision-making on adaptation, and how to communicate climate change impacts to a wide range of audiences.
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:
- Support the reviewing of Climate Ready HES, using benchmarking tools to track the plan’s progress and identify key gaps to inform action planning.
- Support the strategic delivery of the Climate Change Risk Assessment 2 by contributing to reports and developing communications on key findings.
- Collaborate with teams across the organisation to support the integration of climate change risk data into adaptation planning for Properties in Care.
- Carry out research on a cost-benefit analysis of adaptation options for Properties in Care.
- Provide expert advice on climate change adaptation and mitigation to external stakeholders.
- Contribute to wider Climate Change team activities, including climate change policy, responsible tourism, circular economy, decarbonisation, and sustainability engagement.
- Promote the work of the Climate Change team at corporate induction days, seasonal meets and conferences.
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:
- Strong understanding of issues related to climate change, specifically climate impacts and adaptation, and sustainability principles.
- Awareness of how to assess climate change risk.
- Good written and verbal communication, including the ability to communicate complex topics in an accessible way to different audiences.
- Strong research and analytics skills, with the ability to gather and interpret quantitative and qualitative information and clearly summarise findings.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work proactively, with a willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge.
- Proficiency in using MS Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
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.
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ section followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Adaptation Trainee in Edinburgh employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a generous benefits package including a Civil Service Pension scheme, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further education, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to vital climate action initiatives in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adaptation Trainee in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive into local environmental projects and initiatives! Join community groups or volunteer for local clean-up events. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know about trainee positions like the one at Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Connect with Environmental Colleges
Tap into the resources at universities and colleges that focus on sustainability. They often have great connections and job boards specifically for students and trainees in environmental management—perfect for discovering opportunities at places like Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Use online platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup to find sustainability-focused events in your area. These events can introduce you to like-minded individuals and professionals who can provide insights or even refer you to trainee roles, including the one at Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Perfect Your Pitch For Networking
When networking, have a solid pitch ready. Explain your passion for sustainability and any relevant skills you possess, tailored for roles like the one at Historic Environment Scotland. A strong, enthusiastic introduction can grab attention and set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Adaptation Trainee in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your passion for sustainability:When you're writing your application for a trainee role in sustainability, let your passion shine! Share any relevant coursework or projects from your studies that focused on environmental management. Companies like Historic Environment Scotland want to see your commitment to the cause, so don’t hold back!
Highlight any practical experience:Although you're applying for a trainee position, mention any internships, volunteering, or projects you've been involved in related to sustainability. This could be anything from community clean-ups to eco-friendly initiatives at university. It helps to show that you’re proactive and have hands-on experience, which is super valuable in this field.
Tailor your CV to showcase relevant skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to sustainability and environmental management. Include knowledge of environmental regulations, research experience, and any specific software or tools you’ve used. This not only showcases your qualifications but also makes it easier for Historic Environment Scotland to see how you'd fit into their team.
Craft a compelling cover letter:Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the sustainability sector. Share specific examples of why you're excited about the work Historic Environment Scotland does, and how you believe a trainee position will help you develop. This is your chance to connect your values with theirs, so make it personal!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Get to Grips with the Basics of Sustainability
Familiarise yourself with the fundamental concepts of environmental management and sustainability. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the field, like climate policy impacts or local sustainability initiatives, since they may bring them up in the interview with Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Show Off Your Passion for the Environment
As a trainee, it's important to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainability. Share any relevant projects, voluntary work, or even university coursework that showcases your commitment to environmental issues—this can be a game changer for Historic Environment Scotland!
✨Brush Up on Relevant Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're familiar with popular tools and technologies used in environmental management, like GIS software or environmental impact assessment methodologies. You might be asked how you would apply these in real scenarios, so demonstrating your knowledge will score you major points.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. They might ask you how you would approach specific environmental challenges. Putting some thought into potential challenges related to sustainability and how you would tackle them will help you stand out as a keen problem-solver at Historic Environment Scotland.
