At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors, provide information, and ensure a warm welcome at our galleries.
- Company: Join the National Galleries of Scotland, a vibrant and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting exhibition programme and make a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27362 - 27362 € per year.
Location: Edinburgh
Salary: £27,362 per annum pro rata (£14.98 per hour) plus generous benefits package. Part‑time or full‑time, fixed‑term.
About the Role
We are delighted to be hiring both part‑time and full‑time Visitor Assistants to join our welcoming and dedicated team to support our exciting 2026 exhibition programme. We’re looking for confident, friendly and proactive individuals who thrive in public‑facing environments and genuinely enjoy engaging with people.
You will have proven experience in visitor attractions, retail, hospitality, or other customer‑focused roles where delivering excellent service and clear communication are central to your work. This is a highly visible front‑of‑house role where no two days are the same. Working at key entry points across our galleries and on the Switchboard, you will act as the first point of contact for visitors. You’ll respond to questions, actively approach and engage with visitors, providing a warm welcome and helping them make the most of their visit from the moment they arrive.
You will communicate confidently and professionally with visitors in person, over the phone and via email, answering queries, resolving issues and providing accurate information across all contact points. Strong IT skills are essential, as you will use digital systems to access information, log enquiries and support day‑to‑day operations.
You will regularly deal with a wide range of situations, from routine visitor enquiries to more complex or unexpected challenges. This may include supporting visitors with accessibility needs, responding to complaints or concerns, and handling operational issues calmly and professionally. The ability to think on your feet, remain composed under pressure and adapt your approach is essential.
As a Visitor Assistant, you will also support income generation activity by promoting our Friends scheme, encouraging donations and actively selling tickets and other products, while always delivering an excellent visitor experience.
Work Schedule & Contract Dates
Working from a choice of 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, or 5 days per week on a variable pattern over 7 days, we have roles available over the following dates:
- 25 July 2026 to 31 January 2027
- 01 August 2026 to 01 November 2026
Applicants must be available to start no later than 01 August 2026 and able to commit to the full duration of the contract period. These roles are not suitable for those seeking short‑term summer employment.
Application Deadline
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At the National Galleries of Scotland we’re committed to embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the way we work. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging and freedom to be themselves at work or at play with us. Take a look at our Equality, Inclusion and Diversity priorities and commitments for more information.
Visitor Assistant employer: National Galleries of Scotland
At the National Galleries of Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our Visitor Assistants play a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for our visitors, with opportunities for personal growth and development within a supportive team environment. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, we provide a generous benefits package and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
National Galleries of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around the galleries and get familiar with the exhibitions. This will not only help you feel more confident but also give you some great talking points when engaging with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about engaging with visitors, try role-playing common visitor scenarios with friends or family. This will help you think on your feet and respond to questions like a pro.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for customer service! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and commitment to delivering excellent service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the National Galleries of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your friendly and confident personality shine through. We want to see how you engage with people, so don’t be afraid to show us your enthusiasm for the role!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in visitor attractions, retail, or hospitality. We’re looking for examples of how you’ve delivered excellent service and communicated effectively in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the job requirements. Remember, we’re looking for strong communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application there.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Galleries of Scotland
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Visitor Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your previous experience in customer service or visitor attractions aligns with the responsibilities outlined. This will help you articulate your fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Visitor Assistant, engaging with people is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with visitors or customers in the past. Think about times when you went above and beyond to provide excellent service, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach and friendly nature.
✨Practice Handling Difficult Situations
You might face unexpected challenges during your role, so be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios. Think of examples where you resolved complaints or assisted someone with accessibility needs. This shows that you can remain composed under pressure and adapt your approach as needed.
✨Brush Up on Your IT Skills
Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with digital systems. If you have used any specific software or tools in previous jobs, mention them. This will reassure the interviewers that you're comfortable with the technology you'll be using.
