HLM Senior Stone Conservator in Edinburgh

Starting salary: £43,227 pro rata, per year

Contract type: Permanent

Grade: 4

Location: South Gyle Conservation Centre, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB

Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week

Interviews: To be held in person at Longmore House, Edinburgh week commencing 17 August 2026

The High Level Masonry (HLM) Senior Stone Conservator is responsible for leading a small team dedicated to responding to conservation needs identified by the HLM Project. In this role you will lead and deliver the Conservation Programme for high-level carved decorative stone across our estate.

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:

• You will undertake conservation assessments of the carved decorative stone features within our estate and collections which have been identified as at risk by the HLM project.
• You will produce reports detailing recommendations for suitable treatment and provide Method Statements to support Scheduled Monument Consent Applications when required.
• You will carry out appropriate conservation treatments on carved decorative stone and produce high-quality, illustrated conservation reports.
• You will ensure comprehensive records are kept throughout the conservation process.
• You will undertake research and material analysis independently or in collaboration with other departments.
• You will be able to work both independently from home and from South Gyle Conservation Centre, as well as regular site work.
• You will be required to work at any of our sites across Scotland regularly, which will include overnight stays in rural locations.
• You will need to transport equipment and conservation materials to site.
• You may be required to drive HES cars and vans, and will occasionally have to drive long distances.
• Some remote sites may require travel by plane, ferry or small boat.

Project planning, people and financial management:

• You will be working within an environment where stakeholders are balancing competing demands and you will need to negotiate and influence, ensuring project delivery whilst respecting other team pressures.
• You will be expected to deliver an agreed annual programme through effective project planning, and to forward plan projects for your area of work.
• You will work dynamically to respond to changing priorities.
• You will identify budget and other resource needs and manage expenditure following HES procedures.
• You will be involved in managing the team’s budget and will be expected to report regularly to your line manager and Head of Department.
• You will have line management duties and may be involved in recruitment processes.
• You will look for sustainable procurement options when possible and will help to embed good sustainable practices as part of our Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Health and Safety:

• You will be responsible for looking after specialist conservation equipment and reporting any faults.
• You will work closely with colleagues in Applied Conservation and Business Support to ensure the equipment is in working condition and undergoes regular maintenance and servicing.
• You will be responsible for preparing, implementing and keeping up-to-date Risk Assessments and Methods Statements for equipment and work activities.
• You will ensure that statutory health and safety regulations are adhered to, and that works are carried out within the ethical framework of the profession.
• You will have an awareness of COSHH, as treatments will involve using a range of chemicals.
• You will ensure your statutory compliance training certificates are up to date and will work with your Line Manager to arrange training when required.
• Occasionally, you will need to operate machinery (forklift, overhead cranes, abrasive wheels etc.). However, all necessary training will be provided prior to usage.
• You will regularly be required to work at height on scaffolded buildings and mobile elevating work platforms, as well as in remote site locations and in inclement weather conditions (reasonable adjustments can be put in place to facilitate this).

Internal & External advocacy, support and advice:

• You will represent and act as an ambassador for the team at internal meetings at HES, and external meetings as required.
• You will champion both the Department and HES internally and externally with stakeholders and other institutions and organisations within the sector and beyond.
• You will collaborate with colleagues to provide online web and social media content to promote our Properties in Care and Collections and engage audiences.
• You will be expected to provide specialist advice on Conservation best practice to key internal and external stakeholders.
• You will provide training to existing and new staff on best practice for carrying out stone repairs as needed.

Key requirements of the role:

• SCQF Level 9 qualification in Stone Conservation (or equivalent discipline), or demonstrable work experience in Stone Conservation.
• Extensive knowledge of the conservation of stone sculptural and architectural details coupled with strong conservation ethics in line with HES’ conservation principles.
• Demonstrable experience working in the conservation field, with specialist knowledge of the treatment of stone.
• An understanding of stone as a material (geological type and composition), stone decay and weathering patterns, and ability to produce condition assessments based on this knowledge.
• Demonstrable dexterity and tool skills, to be illustrated via a portfolio of projects at interview stage.
• Demonstrable experience in project and/or programme management.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook for managing emails, Word for writing high-quality reports, and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to provide support, advice, and advocacy in a cultural heritage setting.
• Self-motivated, able to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibility.
• Experience in managing a large portfolio of work and ability to work with stakeholders and as part of a team to prioritise project delivery and make decisions effectively and collaboratively.
• Full UK driving licence to support travel across the estate, including to remote sites where equipment transport is required, or if non-UK driving licence holder, willingness to convert within first 12 months of employment.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety regulations and evidence of appropriate working practices.

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 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’ followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.