What we offer
Applying for a job with us could open the door to a unique work environment. It could also give you job satisfaction and excellent development opportunities, plus a competitive salary, 25 days’ paid holiday a year and a great package of employee benefits.
We employ almost 1,100 people at historic sites across Scotland, 77 of which are staffed year-round. We add to this total during each summer season, employing an extra 150 stewards and shop assistants on fixed-term contracts.
We also have offices in Edinburgh, Fort George and Stirling, which is home to our conservation centre, The Engine Shed. Our employment opportunities extend far beyond tourism, with roles available across the historic environment and the heritage sector.
Pay and pension
How much you will earn depends on the grade of the post. New entrants start on the minimum for that band.
Salaries effective from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027:
Grade | Minimum | Maximum |
Grade 1 | £27,740 | £28,213 |
Grade 2 | £29,622 | £32,831 |
Grade 3 | £34,721 | £41,442 |
Grade 4 | £43,227 | £50,053 |
Grade 5 | £52,150 | £59,687 |
Grade 6 | £62,428 | £73,196 |
Grade 7 | £75,602 | £86,561 |
Grade 8 | £90,889 | £104,836 |
Relocation
We may reimburse relocation costs if you must move because your job changes. Costs must be agreed with us in advance. You may have to repay all or part of the sum we give you if you resign within 2 years. New entrants must usually relocate at their own expense.
Pension
We offer a range of valuable pension arrangements, including Civil Service and stakeholder pension schemes. So you can choose the pension that suits you best.
Working hours and leave
We feel that a healthy work-life balance is essential. To help our staff, flexible working is possible in many of our posts. We can also often offer part-time working, job sharing and career break opportunities.
Other positions require set working hours, and we operate a number of different working patterns according to business need. Full-time working is 35 hours per week, with employees generally working seven hours per day. Staff working at Historic Scotland sites normally work an average hours per year, allowing for a longer summer and a shorter winter season of work.
Our annual leave allowance is 25 days, rising to 30 days after 3 years service (pro-rata for part-time employees). In addition, all staff receive 11.5 days public and privilege holidays (4.5 days will be floating days). This is pro-rata for part-time employees.
Benefits and support
As a valued staff member at Historic Environment Scotland, you will receive free entry to all Historic Scotland sites (with up to three guests) plus free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties. You'll also get 20% off purchases in our shops.
Other benefits include:
Interest free loans for bicycles and travel passes for your commute, and on a variety of tech and white goods
Retail and gym discounts
Fundraising and volunteering opportunities
Alongside 24/7 employee assistance, we offer wide range of resources to support your health and wellbeing such as:
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders, menopause/perimenopause support and maternity coaching
A free subscription to the Headspace app
Free access to virtual medical care and discounted dental and medical insurance
Enhanced maternity leave
Occupational health referrals
Support for carers, including 5 days paid carers leave
You're welcome to be a part of a diverse range of events, networks, forums and working groups that encourage peer support and connections across HES.
Colleague development
We understand that our people are our most important asset. We're committed to providing them with the support and opportunities to grow.
When joining HES, we'll ensure that you are given the time and space to understand the organisation and learning opportunities that can help you flourish. Every colleague gains access to hundreds of resources including courses, articles, videos, and podcasts on important topics. All are designed to support both professional and personal growth.
Colleague-based forums and networks, mentoring, work experience and an emerging leaders programme are also available. We offer support for relevant professional subscriptions, as well as study leave for work related courses and pre-approved further education.