Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland
Location: 50 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9LD
What this job is about
The Building Conservation Surveyor is the senior buildings and conservation professional in each Region. The Building Conservation Team delivers direct support to the regional management and operations teams, under the management and supervision of the Lead Conservation Surveyor and the Head of Building Conservation.
Each Region is supported by a Building Conservation Surveyor and a Maintenance Surveyor, who support Trust property and conservation operations by delivering conservation maintenance activities to ensure that our buildings are fit for purpose, safe, welcoming, compliant with legislation, and aligned with the Trust’s charitable purposes. The team operates through a consultancy model, with Building and Maintenance Surveyors aligned to specific properties to develop expertise in their history, significance, care, and operation. They collaborate with operations teams, respond to condition reports, and oversee consultancy services and contractors for necessary works. Responsibilities include undertaking condition surveys, diagnosing defects, specifying and scheduling works, and developing remediation options, all while ensuring compliance with legislation, health & safety, and conservation standards.
As the senior surveying specialist, the role emphasizes leading conservation efforts, ensuring compliance with policy, statutory, and legislative frameworks (e.g., CDM, planning, health & safety, building control, environment, conservation practice).
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
You will work under the operational management of the Lead Conservation Surveyor, reporting to the Head of Building Conservation, and supported by the Buildings Support Manager and the Head of Building Conservation Policy. Your close collaboration will be with the Regional Maintenance Surveyor to identify defects and deliver solutions.
You will be responsible for:
1. Understanding and updating knowledge of the significance, condition, and operational needs of your buildings, along with Trust policies and statutory requirements.
2. Undertaking surveys, identifying defects, and recommending works to conserve and maintain buildings sustainably.
3. Leading research and property planning related to built assets.
4. Producing options appraisals, work plans, schedules, specifications, and tender documents.
5. Managing procurement processes with the Procurement Team.
6. Developing and monitoring project budgets.
7. Managing conservation, maintenance, and improvement projects, including statutory applications and discharge of conditions.
8. Supporting grant applications and managing grant-funded works.
9. Providing compliance support to the Health & Safety Team, including CDM, contractor management, fire safety, environmental management, and DDA.
10. Maintaining property information and documentation of all building activities.
How you should achieve this
You should:
* Align your work with organisational values, strategy, and Buildings Care Strategy.
* Collaborate across the Building Conservation Team and with other departments.
* Maintain knowledge of Trust systems and processes.
* Apply industry standards, regulation, and internal policies in conservation and management activities.
* Stay informed of statutory requirements.
* Be solutions-oriented, fostering collaboration to achieve project goals and high conservation standards.
* Work flexibly, including site visits and occasional overnight stays.
* Keep detailed records and produce management information as needed.
* Communicate effectively through reports, presentations, and activities for diverse audiences, using Office 365 tools proficiently.
* Support colleagues by sharing knowledge and experience.
Team and Collaboration
You will be part of the Central Building Conservation Team, working under the Lead Conservation Surveyor and supported by the Head of Building Conservation, the Buildings Support Manager, and other regional surveyors. You will collaborate with various specialists, including:
* Operations Teams
* Regional Management
* Estates Team
* Collections Management and Curatorial Teams
* Health & Safety Team
* Finance Team
* Procurement Team
* Legal and Insurance Team
You will also lead hybrid teams of internal specialists and external consultants and contractors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr