Operations

KEY PURPOSE

To ensure that the garden and related policies of Crarae Garden are managed and maintained as a nationally recognized gardens of historical and horticultural importance, contributing to the property’s’ overall conservation and development, and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters.

The role of ‘Gardener’ as a key member of the Crarae Gardening Team will be heavily involved in the care and maintenance of the gardens and wider designed landscapes. This is a full time; permanent post and the successful applicant must be able to drive.

CONTEXT

Crarae is one of the finest examples of an exotic Himalyan style woodland garden. Set beside the banks of Loch Fyne, this unique 40 hectare garden is planted around the glen of the steep sided Crarae burn. The garden was started by Grace, Lady Campbell in 1912 and includes a National Collection of southern beech as well as excellent examples of rhododendron, maples, mountain ash and eucalyptus.

Under the direction of the Head Gardener, with supervision from the First Gardener, and as part of the property team, you will assist with the conservation, maintenance and development of the garden and designed landscape to ensure that Crarae Garden is presented to the highest standards to its visitors and guests.

As such, we are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate horticulturist to work with our enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers and to assist with the continued development of a wide range of horticultural aspects of the garden as well as increasing the overall importance of Crarae Garden as a visitor attraction.

JOB PURPOSE

To combine responsibilities on nature conservation, visitor services, learning and community engagement to help deliver the objectives of the property and wider National Trust for Scotland.

Protect the natural & cultural landscape of the Mar Lodge Estate, and to communicate and promote the work of the Trust in this regard and in general through maintenance of the key features and infrastructure of the property, visitor engagement, education and interpretation. Working with the local community, and communities of interest, is an important element of this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Combine responsibilities across the following areas of work with direct implementation and by overseeing on a daily basis the work of others such as contractors and volunteers:

Visitor Services
• Engage with the public, resident and visitors, to ensure positive interactions with the Trust and the property, promoting the key elements of the estate and encouraging membership recruitment.
• Work with local businesses and other partners to develop our offering to visitors and to develop and deliver an Events & Activities Programme aimed at increasing engagement with the heritage of the estate and positive visitor experiences.
• Assist with the maintenance and development of the visitor infrastructure and facilities on the estate, including the car parks at Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich, and wider interpretation, leaflets, signage, etc.

Learning
• Work with partners, for example: local schools, colleges, community groups, etc., to develop learning opportunities consistent with the objectives of the Trust at the property.
• Work with educational institutions to support and undertake research that will assist in the planning and management of the property.

Community Engagement
• Communicate with local stakeholders, neighbouring landowners, local businesses, local/regional agencies, and others to increase understanding and awareness of their and our aims and develop collaborative working relationships/partnerships to help deliver our priorities.

Marketing & Communications
• Play a central role in the marketing of the Trust and the property using a combination of methods, media and platforms including leaflets, face-to-face communication, social media, website, etc. to promote our work and encourage engagement and participation by residents and visitors.

JOB PURPOSE

As part of the Estate team you will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Estate in accordance with the Mar Lodge Estate management plan. To deliver all aspects of ground, building and vehicle maintenance at Mar Lodge Estate to a high standard. In addition, actively participate in management of the estate woodlands, tracks and footpaths. To be the public face of the National Trust for Scotland whilst working on the ground.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Undertaking a range of forestry and woodland operations ensuring risk assessments are carried out in accordance with the safe systems of work. Work will include thinning, felling and extraction, co-ordinating the safe operations of outside forestry contactors and overseeing the works.

• Undertake ground maintenance to maintain the policies and garden areas to include grass cutting, fencing, spraying, track and footpath maintenance.

• Undertake building maintenance to maintain Mar Lodge and 3 holiday cottages/basecamp in excellent condition to include plumbing, joinery, painting and decorating. Also carry out maintenance work to office/workshop areas.

• Biomass plant upkeep and maintenance including:- ensuring the smooth running of the heating system, year round monitoring of the woodchip levels, woodchip management, daily monitoring of the boiler and efficiency.

• The maintenance and use of vehicles and machinery equipment. You will be responsible for vehicle/machinery use and maintenance inc: off-road vehicles, ride on mowers, compact and agricultural tractors, tractor mounted forwarding units, telehandler, ride on and sit in ATV’s, skid steers ATV’s. You will also play a lead role in the maintenance, repair, servicing, record keeping and pre mot checks of all the above vehicles to ensure the safe operation of vehicles and plant which contributes to the smooth running of the estate.

• Attending to any administrative needs of the job (e.g. tree safety inspections, health and safety documents, HAV forms) in a timely and efficient manner.

KEY PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Head Gardener, and as part of the property team, assist with the conservation, maintenance and development of the garden and estate to ensure that House of Dun, Montrose and other properties across the Angus Cluster are presented to the highest standards to its visitors and guests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:
1. Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden (e.g. managing trees and shrubs, fruit and vegetable cultivation, care and production, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care) to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors;
2. Ability to maintain defined garden areas with minimum supervision demonstrating craft skills & operation of machinery;
3. Contributing to the management, conservation and development of the garden by plant propagation, cultivation, where applicable.
4. Fostering positive relationships with local communities and organisations, promote the work of the Trust, and actively seek opportunities to increase Trust membership;
5. On occasion, contributing to the review and development of property action plans and operational workplans for the garden in collaboration with gardens staff;
6. On occasion, supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities;
7. Demonstrating self motivation, organizing, planning, and prioritizing and good time management;
8. Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Head Gardener, Gardener.
9. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.

The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle is located on the outskirts of Fyvie village, Set within extensive grounds, this imposing 800-year-old fortress, with Raeburn portraits on the walls and wildfowl in the loch is one of the most impressive Castles in the country and is a fabulous place to soak up the atmosphere of old Scotland.

An exciting opportunity to be a part of the on-going development of the Garden of Scottish Fruits. Covering 2 acres, the garden contains one of the most complete collections of Scottish fruit in the country. Apples and Pears are in the early stages of being trained in a variety of restricted forms. The garden also contains a huge range of soft fruits.

Outside the walled garden, a meandering path leads through the ‘American Garden’, a 100m mixed border of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials before bringing you into the impressive 18th century designed landscape outside the Castle containing many mature hardwood trees.

This regionally significant Castle and its outstanding garden and landscape attract around 50,000 visitors a year; a competent and enthusiastic gardener is required to complete and compliment the staff structure. An eye for detail as well as flair for creating a beautiful visitor environment is essential.

JOB PURPOSE

The Seasonal Ranger will be the face of the National Trust for Scotland on Staffa during the busy summer months and will play a critical role in forging a strong and close working relationship with Day Boat Operators. The Seasonal Ranger will welcome visitors and help ensure their time on Staffa is highly enjoyable and memorable, while helping to protect and enhance the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Visitor Services
• Welcoming and engaging visitors, enhancing their experience by providing information about Staffa, its geology, natural and cultural heritage, including strong messages around safety and respect for wildlife.
• Encourage people to further contribute to caring for Staffa through donating or taking up membership of NTS.
• Collect cash donations made on the island and securely transfer them to the NTS Mull and Iona Ranger for receipting and banking.
• Assist with practical countryside management including litter picks, beach cleans maintenance and safety checks of visitor infrastructure.
• Lead and assist with events such as guided walks and talks as appropriate.

Nature conservation
• Contribute to biological monitoring programmes including seabird surveys.
• Manage and collate biological information in a consistent manner compatible with Trust and national datasets.

Community engagement
• Build strong working relationships with Day Boat Operators, their crew members, and other local stakeholders to support consistent messaging to visitors.

Marketing & Communications
• Enthusiastically promote awareness and understanding of the role that NTS plays in protecting and caring for Staffa and wider work across Scotland.
• Regularly update and contribute positive stories to NTS social media and other communication outlets relevant to Staffa.

JOB PURPOSE

A varied role undertaking planned and reactive maintenance tasks at NTS Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, Glenfinnan Monument and our surrounding grounds. Working with our Maintenance Manager, you will ensure our buildings, services and estate infrastructure meet high standards of presentation, repair and safety. You’ll play an important part in the smooth running of the visitor operation, which funds our charity’s work here, as well as helping deliver our environmental and conservation objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Dependent on existing skills and/or training provided, including but not limited to…

• Day-to-day building maintenance:

o Painting (external and internal)
o Lighting (bulb replacement and basic repairs)
o Plumbing
o Joinery
o Historic building care
o Cleaning tasks as required

• Compliance inspections and record keeping:

o Portable appliance testing
o Solar panel and heating system upkeep and meter readings, etc.
o Septic tank monitoring
o Fire system checks, emergency lighting and extinguisher etc.

• Landscape presentation and grounds maintenance:

o Mowing or strimming grass areas and repairing verges
o Care for planting borders and hedges
o Upkeep of signage, benches, fencing and car park infrastructure
o Path condition checks and repairs
o Tools and equipment maintenance
o Wildlife surveys and conservation activities

JOB PURPOSE

A varied role undertaking planned and reactive maintenance tasks at NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre and across the National Nature Reserve, including a unique reconstruction of a 300-year-old turf and creel house. Working with our Maintenance Manager, you will ensure our buildings, services and estate infrastructure meet high standards of presentation, repair and safety. You’ll play an important part in the smooth running of the visitor operation, which funds our charity’s work here, as well as helping deliver our environmental and conservation objectives in the Glen.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Dependent on skills and/or training, including but not limited to…

• Day-to-day building maintenance:

o Painting (external and internal)
o Lighting (bulb replacement and basic repairs)
o Plumbing
o Joinery
o Traditional building crafts like thatch, turf and wattle work
o Cleaning tasks as required

• Compliance inspections and record keeping:

o Portable appliance testing
o Biomass boiler upkeep, meter readings and woodchip ordering, etc.
o Private water supply monitoring
o Fire system checks, emergency lighting and extinguisher etc.

• Landscaping and grounds maintenance:

o Mowing or strimming grass areas and repairing verges
o Repair and repainting of signage
o Fence, wall, bridge and building repairs
o Paths, car park and drive repairs
o Plant maintenance required across the garden and estate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Trainee Printer role exists to provide succession planning for the role of Printer and assist the Robert Smail’s team in carrying out the day-to-day work to keep Smail’s as an operational jobbing Letterpress Printers today and for the future. The role includes the practical application, demonstration, and communication of these traditional skills to a visiting public whilst supporting the preservation of the craft of letterpress printing in the wider context of the conservation principles of the National Trust for Scotland.

CONTEXT – Robert Smail’s Printing Works
Robert Smail’s is a Victorian Letterpress Printers, a living property and as such provides a compelling insight into one aspect of Scotland’s cultural, social, and industrial heritage. It continues to add to the legacy left by three generations of the Smail family and contributes significantly to the town of Innerleithen, through the continuing functions of the business. It is one of only four industrial heritage sites held within the NTS and as such is an important part of the Trust’s portfolio, showing the organizations commitment to conserving a diverse and varied sample of Scotland’s heritage.