Job Description

Energy Retrofit and Adaptation Specialist

Reports to: Head of Climate Change

Contract: Full time for a fixed term to 31st March 2026 (permanent contract afterwards subject to funding being secured)

Salary: 35,020

Annual leave: 25 days plus 10 public holidays

Location: Edinburgh EH8 8DD, hybrid working

Other:

- 35 hours, Monday to Friday

- Flexible, hybrid working with min 2 days per week office-based

- 8% employer pension contribution

Closing date: 12noon on Monday 14th July 2025

Interviews:

w/c 21st July 2025 (expected to be on Tuesday 22nd and/or Wednesday 23rd July 2025 - may be subject to change)

How to apply

If you would like to apply to this role, please submit:

A CV outlining your employment history, academic and professional qualifications

A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role, how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification and confirming you have the right to work in the UK (no more than two A4 pages)

The EWH Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form (optional) - available on EWH's website (https://ewh.org.uk/energy-retrofit-and-adaptation-specialist/).

Applications can be sent by email to comms@ewht.org.uk with the subject line "ENERGY RETROFIT AND ADAPTATION SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT 2025".

Closing date for applications:

12noon on Monday 14th July 2025

Interviews: w/c 21st July 2025 (expected to be on Tuesday 22nd and/or Wednesday 23rd July 2025 - may be subject to change)

If you have any question, please contact Yann Grandgirard - yann@ewht.org.uk or 0131 220 7738.

Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in the conservation of the city's rich heritage through developing sensitive and practical solutions to support the transition of historic buildings in the WHS towards net-zero and to adapt them to climate change.

We are looking for an

Energy Retrofit and Adaptation Specialist

to deliver innovative energy retrofit and adaptation pilot projects which preserve the historic and architectural significance of these buildings. The role involves conducting targeted research, producing and disseminating guidance on reducing carbon emissions of historic buildings and improving their resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Job summary

Edinburgh World Heritage's Energy Retrofit and Adaptation Specialist is responsible for pilot projects including conservation repairs, energy improvements to the building fabric, low carbon heating systems, and adaptation interventions (e.g. improving the detailing of traditional rainwater goods). These projects range from small scale energy improvement/adaptation interventions on single building elements, via our popular Climate Emergency Grant, to large scale whole house retrofit of traditional buildings, including feasibility studies.

Targeted research aims to collate learnings and practical solutions from existing literature or cases studies, or through EWH's own pilot projects, and would form part of our published guidance. EWH collaborates with various research partners and is currently involved in the 4-year research European project FuturHist on historic building retrofit.

Proactively engaging with local communities and local stakeholders to inform and deliver projects or disseminate best practice will also be a critical part of the role.

This position offers a rare opportunity to develop practical skills in historic building retrofit and adaptation in a stimulating working environment and prominent historic city. Support will be provided to the postholder to develop their expertise.

Main responsibilities:

Management of energy retrofit and adaptation pilot projects

Plan, secure and manage energy retrofit and adaptation projects from inception to closedown

Set up and manage project tools to monitor progress against programme, quality, project budget and objectives

Coordinate construction professionals (including design teams), building owners, local community groups, project partners and local stakeholders

Provide technical inputs throughout the delivery of projects to maximise outcomes, performance, and quality

Oversee cost and resource planning

Define and oversee framework for community consultations and engagement

Manage light-touch tender process when commissioning services or works, or assist project partners where relevant

Manage risks and issues and internal/external reporting including project evaluation

Manage technical monitoring (Temperature and Relative Humidity sensors) when required

Work with colleagues from EWH's Conservation Funding Programme and World Heritage Projects to develop joint projects as part of EWH's new priority areas in the WHS

Draft case studies on project completion

Defining best practice and sharing knowledge

Carry out targeted research and collate learning and solutions from existing technical literature or cases studies on energy retrofit and adaptation that could be implemented in the WHS

With Head of Climate Change, establish replicable energy retrofit strategies and identify gaps in knowledge

With Head of Climate Change, produce guidance on best practice and share learnings with local communities, construction professionals and local/national stakeholders via public events or written guidance

Coordination with EWH's communication team to promote the work delivered as part of the Climate Emergency programme

Manage inquiries from residents or local stakeholders

Support the delivery of the Climate Emergency Programme

With Head of Climate Change, develop a pipeline of energy retrofit and adaptation projects

Research and maintain a strong understanding of best practice, policy change and trend in relation to energy retrofit, net-zero targets and climate change adaptation of traditional buildings

Carry out climate change adaptation projects focusing on public realm and green spaces in the WHS

Where required, deputise for the Head of Climate Change

Individual and Organisational Development

Contribute to a range of team activities, including contributing to team meetings, workshops and skills sharing

Identify and engage in training and opportunities to develop your own skills, experience, and knowledge

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential:

Degree, or equivalent experience in architecture, building conservation, engineering, building surveying, or relevant discipline
Desirable:

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline

Experience

Essential:

Experience working on construction projects involving energy efficiency retrofit and/or historic building conservation Experience working with a range of stakeholders
Desirable:

Demonstrable experience in construction projects involving energy efficiency retrofit as a designer, engineer, building surveyor or project manager Demonstrable experience of working on projects involving historic buildings - ideally domestic Demonstrable experience of planning and managing small scale projects or programmes

Skills & Knowledge

Essential:

Understanding of general construction techniques, maintenance, and construction sector Understanding of energy efficiency key concepts (U values, operational/embodied carbon), approaches (fabric first & whole house approaches), and materials Ability to research, analyse and summarise technical guidance/data Ability to take a lead project role, achieving delivery of work with minimal supervision Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and manage own workload effectively Attention to detail and accuracy Good written and verbal communication skills Diplomatic in managing the competing demands of stakeholders, community groups and owners Team player
Desirable:

Understanding of traditional building (pre-1919) construction techniques and historic built environment in general Understanding of building conservation principles Knowledge of energy efficiency investigation, monitoring and modelling tools (thermal imaging, dynamic simulation modelling, etc.) Knowledge of energy efficiency retrofit standards/policies Committed to delivering high quality outputs Flexible, innovative, with an energetic attitude and a desire for continuous improvement

Other

Essential:

Passionate about our work and committed to our vision, mission, and values Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion Eligibility to work in the UK
Desirable:

Keen interest in historic buildings

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly, equitably and respectfully.

Research shows that underrepresented groups apply only if they fully meet the criteria in a job description. We are committed to levelling the playing field, and we encourage anyone from any background to apply even if they don't tick every box.

We believe flexibility is important, and we're happy to chat to you about flexible and remote working.

Please note:

The staff team work a minimum of 2 days per week in the office (currently Monday and Thursday).

If you need any flexibility or adjustments in our interview process - to help set you up for success - then please let us know too.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

Pay: 35,020.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Application deadline: 14/07/2025
Reference ID: 20252ERAS-June 25