Sign Painting Craft Fellow

Location: United Kingdom

Starting salary: £27,740

Contract type: Fixed term for 18 months

Grade: 1

Location: Thomas Paints, Longniddry, East Lothian EH32 0LT

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Interviews: To be held on Week Commencing 11 January 2027

You will work closely with Thomas Paints, supporting live projects while developing specialist skills in signwriting, decorative lettering, gold leaf gilding, and sign making and painting. Through hands-on, one-to-one training, you will learn both the artistic and technical aspects of the craft, from designing and painting signs to making, gilding and installing them for clients. Working in the workshop and on site, you will contribute to real commissions, public demonstrations and outreach activities while building the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed for a career in heritage signwriting.

This post is part of a wider programme of Craft Fellowships across Scotland. Craft Fellows have the opportunity to gain practical experience, learn from experts in their chosen field or craft, increase their knowledge of the wider conservation sector, expand their professional network and have access to a wide range of learning resources from The Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated Building Conservation Centre.

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) + 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

Key Responsibilities of this role

Carrying out work in a professional manner, whilst working on signwriting projects and whilst representing HES at events, conferences, and training workshops.

Health and Safety, not only for yourself, but also for anyone who might be affected by any of the work you are carrying out. It is important that you ensure that you and others are safe in all elements of your work.

Using, caring for and maintaining various tools and equipment. All training related to this will be provided.

Supporting and learning from Thomas Paints, whilst also taking responsibility for your own learning and personal development, and maintaining a regular record of your progress and reporting this to HES at agreed times.

Creating blog posts, articles and/or social media reels to share your learning and experience, showcase signwriting projects, and promote traditional craft skills and the HES Craft Fellowship Programme.

Being an active member of the HES Craft Fellowship Programme, and getting involved with training, continued professional development opportunities, and the Craft Fellow network.

Supporting with the delivery of training, education visits and outreach events both within the signwriting and painting field and through HES’s Engine Shed programme.

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

An interest in signwriting, sign painting, and design.

An interest in traditional building conservation and/or conserving historic structures.

Practical experience of using hand tools and power tools.

Ability to work independently and take direction to complete projects.

Ability to work at height and outdoors.

Ability to ask questions, undertake research and support own learning.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description.

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 [email protected] or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 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.