Job Description
Role: Archaeologist
Reports to: Western Isles Manger
Location: St Kilda, Western Isles
January 2016
Business Function: Properties &
Visitor Services
Pay Band/Starting Salary: Band E:
£26,438
Type of Contract: Fixed term (18
months) / full-time
Terms and conditions
The post is subject to the standard terms and conditions provided with the application pack
and the following special terms also apply:
- The post is based in Inverness but requires regular travel to and from St Kilda that
will be by helicopter and/or boat (periods on St Kilda will be up to 10 weeks in
duration)
- Actual pattern of hours worked will be to suit the operational needs of the property
and may involve some weekend and unsocial hours working.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To ensure the conservation of the cultural heritage of St Kilda in line with the Management
Plan and NTS/Historic Scotland Management Agreement; meeting health, safety, policy and
standard requirements. The role also involves research and planning that help keep the Trust
at the forefront of conservation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Key Purposes of the Job will be met by:
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Ensuring that conservation activity is consistent with the Conservation Principles,
where appropriate with consistency of approach across activities and projects; also
that archaeological and building works are carried out to agreed method and
standard;
Maintaining NTS Sites and Monument Records for St Kilda, along with providing
advice on the need for Scheduled Monument Consent;
Translation of the Management Plan objectives and NTS/Historic Scotland
Management Agreement objectives into an annual work-plan, also organise and
ensure completion of the annual monitoring programme;
Undertaking agreed programme of survey and research;
Enthusiastically encouraging involvement of, and supervision volunteers;
Ensuring that all activities undertaken are compliant with the Trust’s Health and
Safety policies and procedures, including the Safe System of Work (SSOW) and
environmental policy and practices;
Establishing and maintaining good relationships with local communities; promote
the Trust and actively seek opportunities to increase Trust membership;
Participating in the day to day running of the island including but not limited to;
visitor management, basic maintenance and stock-taking.
The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to
be carried out.
SCOPE OF ROLE
People Management
 No line management responsibility but will regularly supervise volunteers;
 Work closely with on-site Trust staff to co-ordinate work plans and ensure the
smooth running of the property;
 Work closely with specialist Trust staff (e.g. in conservation, health & safety, human
resources) located at central and local support bases to ensure Trust policies and
standards are implemented;
 Develop and maintain sound relationships with key representatives of key
bodies/organisations who have interests in the islands (e.g. community councils,
local businesses, conservation organisations), along with representatives of Historic
Environment Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Western Isles Council;
 Interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.
Financial Management
 Not a budget holder but may be asked to contribute to budget discussions;
 Assist in making the best use of resources and ensuring best value;
 Contribute to the income of the Trust through increasing membership and through
development of income generating opportunities.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The above outlines the key skills the job holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition,
either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:
Essential
 Degree (or equivalent-level knowledge) in archaeology and/or related subject, and
appropriate field experience;
 Practical archaeology fieldwork skills,
 Building recording and practical building skills considered as an advantage
 Willing to work and live on a remote island as a part of a small community;
 A sound knowledge of issues affecting the conservation and management of Scotland’s
cultural heritage;
 Knowledge of, and interest in the archaeology and history of the Western Highlands and
Islands of Scotland;
 Demonstrable high levels of interpersonal and communication skills and confidence in
dealing with a wide range of staff, visitors and other stakeholders;
 Competent user of Microsoft Office products, including GIS;
 Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively in an environment of changing
priorities.
Desirable
 Practical experience of supervising volunteers.
The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience &
Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the
right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to
undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or
his/her general abilities.
Applications
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to Human Resources
Department (Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins
Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF, by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post (i.e.
10.00am) on Monday, 25 January 2016. Interviews are likely to be held at the National Trust
Head Office, Edinburgh on Monday, 8 February 2016.
Information Sheet – St Kilda
The St Kilda archipelago lies 41 miles west of the Western Isles and consists of 4 small islands and
numerous seas stacs, extending to approximately 850 ha. Archaeological evidence suggests that St
Kilda has been occupied, perhaps continuously, for over 2000 years. The last native St Kildans left in
1930. In 1957 the islands were bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland and the whole
archipelago was designated a National Nature Reserve. In the same year a military tracking station
was established on the main island.
Today the islands are the UKs only mixed World Heritage Site, inscribed for both cultural and
natural features, including the marine environment. St Kilda is also a Site of Special Scientific
Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The majority of the built
heritage is protected as Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The National Trust for Scotland manages the islands in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage,
Historic Scotland, the MOD, QinetiQ and Western Isles Council. The Trust employ 3 staff on
island in the summer months and there are also a number of volunteers. QinetiQ staff operate the
missile tracking station, teams of scientific researchers also stay on island; there are no permanent
inhabitants.
St Kilda has a dramatic landscape with some of the highest seacliffs and stacs in Europe and is an
area of outstanding natural beauty. These cliffs are the nesting area for the largest seabird colony in
the north-east Atlantic, including major colonies of gannets, puffins, fulmar, guillemot, Leach’s and
storm petrel. St Kilda is also home to the endemic St Kilda mouse and St Kilda wren as well as the
only wild population of Soay sheep. The archaeological and built heritage is no less impressive, the
main street of St Kilda is an iconic image of abandoned communities but the landscape is also noted
for the density and preservation of the upstanding and archaeological remains. Volunteer work
parties and specialist contractors carry out repair and maintenance on the built heritage. The Trust
seeks to promote responsible access, as well as raising awareness to enable visitors to enjoy and fully
appreciate the value of the islands. Visitor numbers are steadily increasing to St Kilda with regular
visits by day boat trips and cruise ships.
Possible additional information:
Accommodation
Staff accommodation is provided in the newly refurbished manse. Each member of staff is allocated a
single room in this three-bedroomed house. The manse provides a separate office space, shop and
public toilets.
Each room has a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, TV and phone point
Shared facilities include a kitchen, toilet/shower room, rest room and laundry
Community
The National Trust for Scotland lease part of St Kilda to the MOD who operate a radar tracking
station on the island. Around 15 people work on the radar sation on a month on month off basis. In
addition to these staff there are a number of long running research projects who also have staff on
island.
Trust website and Contact Information
For more information on St Kilda please look at our website www.kilda.org.uk
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland including how to join please look at
www.nts.org.uk