Seasonal Steward/Groundskeeper

Starting salary: £25,770 pro rata (proportionate to hours worked and length of contract)
Contract type: Fixed Term contract from April to September 2026
Grade: 1
Location: Dryburgh Abbey, Dryburgh, St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0RQ 
Working Hours: 21 hours per week, 3 days from 7, weekend working expected, hours between 9:00 to 17:30
Interviews: To be held in person on week commencing 26 January 2026

Your role of Seasonal Steward/Groundskeeper will be a fixed term position up until 30 September 2026. The likely start date for this role is in April 2026.

Are you looking for a seasonal job that is both fun and unique? You'll have a fantastic opportunity to help shape our biodiversity strategy through your existing knowledge of landscape management, bringing practical skills and your initiative to enhance ecological benefits.

You will be part of the team looking after Dryburgh Abbey and join the existing staff in welcoming and interacting with visitors.

Due to its rural setting Dryburgh Abbey has arguably the most important biodiversity role among the HES sites in the region.  In combination with the monument itself and its important historical aspects, the arboretum and wildflower areas create a unique visitor experience. 

For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description 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

•    Practical and technical skills in landscape management such as use of machinery and hand-tools, coupled with a strong sense of initiative and an ability to work independently, prioritising tasks as necessary

•    An understanding of the balance between the site's needs and its sensitive ecosystems

•    Be ready to work outside in all kinds of weather and spend time outside helping visitors.

•    Provide visitors with a world-class, warm welcome when they arrive at the site, highlighting the various attributes of the site.

•    Make sure every visitor has an excellent experience by being helpful, friendly, efficient and kind. 

•    Sell tickets and shop items, handle payments, and ensure the correct financial procedures are followed accurately. 

•    Stay up to date with safety procedures like fire plans, evacuation routes, incident response guidelines and where to find First Aid supplies. 

•    Follow health and safety guidelines to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit. 

•    Work together with the monument team to achieve overall commercial performance targets.

•    Help keep the site immaculate, and the shop and toilets sparkling.

•    Ensure the security of the site, buildings and contents including acting as a key holder.

•    Encourage visitors to explore other Historic Environment Scotland sites.

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. 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 Criteria:

• Practical and technical skills in landscape management such as use of machinery and hand-tools
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (suitable clothing will be provided)
• A keen interest in and knowledge of biodiversity and the promotion of its value
• Experience delivering high standards of service and a passion for working in the heritage tourism industry  
• Proven ability to deal professionally and pleasantly with varied customer needs and queries
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues
• Basic IT skills and ability to use online functions
• Willingness to work weekends and bank holidays, very occasionally working unsocial hours to provide support for activities such as events

Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description _Seasonal Steward_Groundskeeper Dryburgh Abbey

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' section followed by 'Apply Now' button to begin your application.