Starting salary: £27,740
Contract type: 12 month fixed term
Grade: 1
Location: Longmore House, Edinburgh
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held week Commencing 27 July and 3 August 2026
Thank you for your interest in the post of Architectural Assistant Trainee with Historic Environment Scotland that will be based in Longmore House, Edinburgh. This is 12-month fixed term position, which is part of the wider Conservation Trainee Programme. The Architectural Assistant Trainee will develop a broad skillset spanning architectural design, conservation practice and professional workplace competencies.
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
This Architectural Assistant Trainee role is to support the National Investment Projects Team (our team of architects and architectural technologists) through practical experience, academic training and engagement with other trainee roles within HES.
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:
1. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
2. 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:
- Strong interest in architectural design within the historic environment
Ability to demonstrate strong design skills through good communication and presentation techniques
- Competent in the use of office-based software: Microsoft Office Suite
Experience in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and visualisation software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite
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 [email protected] 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.
