Building Surveyor Trainee

Building Surveyor Trainee

Overview

Starting salary: £27,740

Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months

Grade: 1

Location: Longmore House, Edinburgh

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Start date: October 2026

Interview dates: Week commencing 27 July or 3 August 2026

This role is based at Longmore House, Edinburgh, but will require travel to other HES sites.

About the Role

This is a 12-month fixed-term training and development position for someone with a strong interest in a career in building surveying, conservation, and asset management.

You will work with the Operations Directorate's estates teams and surveyors to support the survey and conservation work carried out on our buildings. The Operations Directorate is responsible for managing and conserving our Properties in Care (PIC).

You can expect a structured, work-based learning experience designed to enhance your career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out condition surveys
• Undertake site audits
• Produce survey reports
• Assist the District Surveyor and Conservation Technologist with the preparation of drawings, specifications and technical information
• Prepare schedule monument consents, listed building consents and other statutory building consent

Essential Criteria

• SCQF Level 7 qualification in Building Surveying, Architecture or Architectural Technology
• Working towards Assessment of Professional Competency (APC) in Building Surveying
• A strong desire to pursue a career in heritage conservation with a keen interest in building conservation and/or surveying
• Ability and willingness to occasionally travel and work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions
• Computer literacy
• Good eye for detail and can maintain focus over extended periods
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously

Application Requirements

Your application must include a cover letter (up to 800 words) that 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, using examples of where you have used these skills in the past

Please provide real life examples for each criterion. Examples can come from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.

You must read the CV and Cover Letter Guidance before completing your application, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Benefits

• 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

Diversity and Accessibility

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.

If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Right to Work

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process. You must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.