Starting salary: £27519
Contract type: Fixed Term
Grade: 2
Location: John Sinclair House (with hybrid working)
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at John Sinclair House on Week Commencing 16 February 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of dedicated professionals who document, care for, and provide access to one of Scotland's National Collections. With physical archives dating from the 17th century through to the most recent digital archives, and extensive library collections, it is a remarkable collection focused on the entirety of the historic environment
For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description here for this post. Please note that if you don't have Office 365 installed on your device, this can be opened using your browser.
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 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
* Catalogue archive material to appropriate and agreed standards.
* Undertake research into HES archive and library material to inform user enquiries, cataloguing, the preparation of collection summaries, provenance and rights clarification.
* Assist with rehousing, preventative conservation, and minor conservation treatments.
* Contribute to discussions regarding appraisal and disposal of material.
* Contribute to the promotion of the HES archive, library and online services through talks, blogs, newsletters and online resources, as well as the organisation and delivery of guided tours and events.
* Assist with the delivery of archive enquiry services.
* Assist with building and managing stakeholder relationships (internal and external) to ensure regular deposits of archive.
* Assist with research, special initiatives, lectures and exhibitions and other activities within the Archives forward plan.
* Provide advice and support on archiving to colleagues across HES.
* Occasional travel to sites across the UK to assist with outreach activities and archive acquisitions.
* Other duties delegated by the Head or Deputy Head of Archives
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. 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. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential:
* A demonstrable commitment to archive work as a career with experience of working in an archive setting.
* Excellent attention to detail and proven ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and motivation when performing routine and repetitive tasks.
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* Experience in delivering quality customer service in a friendly and professional manner.
* The ability to be a good team worker and to work with minimal supervision.
* A flexible approach and willingness to learn new skills, practices, procedures and to build a knowledge of the HES archives and library.
* A high standard of computer literacy and IT skills including using Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
* A minimum of 3 Highers (or equivalent), including English and Maths or demonstrable relevant experience
Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description here
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 or call our Head Office at 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.