At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to help conserve and maintain historic monuments in Shetland.
- Company: Historic Environment Scotland, dedicated to preserving Scotland's heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working outdoors and learning valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction, health & safety knowledge, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 27740 - 27740 £ per year.
Starting salary: 27,740
Contract type: Fixed Term
Grade: 1
Location: Shetland Depot, Fort Charlotte, Lerwick, Shetland
Working Hours: 5 out of 7, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at Shetland Depot, Fort Charlotte, Lerwick, Shetland on Week Commencing 11th May 2026
Thank you for your interest in the post of Labourer with Historic Environment Scotland, based at the Fort Charlotte Monument Conservation Unit (MCU) Depot, Lerwick, Shetland. This is a fixed-term contract for maternity cover until 11 April 2027.
The successful applicant will, as part of the Monument Conservation Unit, have responsibility for the ongoing implementation of conservation, routine maintenance and presentation tasks of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) monuments within the Shetland District Area.
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:
- Mixing of both lime and cement mortars and transportation to and from working area.
- Operation of Various Plant and Equipment including Maintenance.
- Providing semi-skilled assistance to enable trades to carry out their duties.
- Maintain individual responsibilities for Health & Safety awareness and the health and Safety of members of the public and fellow employees.
- Keeping the work site clean and tidy at all times.
- Key grounds maintenance works and repairs, including turf repairs. This work could at times be carried out at height.
- All operations will be carried out in a considerate and courteous manner.
- Delivery of an effective and appropriate service to all service users, fairly and without discrimination.
- Transporting staff, plant, equipment and materials from depot to various sites within Shetland.
- Training - Undertake work related training such as Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) and Pesticide Use.
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.
Essential Criteria:
- Good understanding of Health & Safety at Work (responsibilities and practices)
- Full UK Driving Licence and willing to work towards a D1 + E Entitlement if not already obtained.
- Good general understanding and practical experience of the Building Industry/Construction sites
- Experience in the use of small plant and equipment such as cement mixers.
- Experience of grounds maintenance works and the use of grass strimmers
- Experience of working with different types of mortar and mix proportions
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’ section followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Labourer employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for further education, employees at the Fort Charlotte Depot in Lerwick enjoy a fulfilling work environment dedicated to the conservation of Scotland's rich heritage. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique beauty of Shetland.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Labourer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Historic Environment Scotland. Understand their values and recent projects. This will help you connect your skills to what they care about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences relate to the role of Labourer, especially around health and safety and grounds maintenance.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a Labourer position, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are serious about the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Labourer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand what Historic Environment Scotland is all about. Check out our values and mission to make sure your application reflects our ethos.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Address why you're interested in the Labourer role specifically and how your past experiences align with the essential and desirable criteria. Use real-life examples to back up your claims.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. You’ve got 800 words to showcase your skills, so make every word count! Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you’re happy with your application, head over to our website to submit it. It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Labourer role. Familiarise yourself with tasks like mixing mortars, operating plant equipment, and grounds maintenance. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your genuine interest and readiness for the job.
✨Health & Safety First
Since this role involves a lot of physical work, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of Health & Safety practices. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you prioritised safety on site, as this will be a major focus during the interview.
✨Show Your Experience
When discussing your background, highlight specific experiences that align with the essential criteria. Whether it’s using cement mixers or working with different types of mortar, real-life examples will make your application stand out.
✨Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the projects you'll be involved in, or the training opportunities available. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within the company.
