National Applied Conservation Manager at Historic Environment Scotland

Working Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent  
Salary: Starting at £52,150
Location: Edinburgh
Closing date: 25/03/2026

About the Role

The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership across conservation activity for nationally significant Collections and Properties in Care, overseeing conservators specialising in stone, paintings and metals to ensure work across the estate is well planned, well managed and delivered to high conservation standards.

The role includes responsibility for overseeing the management of conservation facilities, ensuring health and safety and statutory compliance, and contributing to long‑term strategic planning for conservation services. The post holder will support colleagues and stakeholders across Scotland, promote best practice, and represent Historic Environment Scotland within the wider heritage sector. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced conservation professional to lead impactful work that strengthens the care of Scotland’s historic environment.

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

Essential:

• You will have extensive demonstrable experience within a conservation discipline, underpinned by a strong professional ethic and a thorough understanding of current conservation principles, standards and best practice.
• Demonstrable project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver multiple concurrent projects while balancing business‑as‑usual activity with high‑profile projects.
• Budget and resource management experience, including procurement in line with organisational procedures.
• People management experience, including leading teams, performance management and supporting professional development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear specialist advice and to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to negotiate and influence in environments with competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and confident handling reports, trackers and management information.
• Proven problem-solving ability with a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Physically able to carry out aspects of the role, including manual handling and working at height (reasonable adjustments considered).
• Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements with evidence of relevant training.
• Full driving licence to support travel across the estate, including to remote sites where equipment transport is required.
• Degree in a conservation-related discipline (or equivalent experience demonstrating the above capabilities).

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the Historic Environment Scotland application form, which can be downloaded from the Historic Environment Scotland website.