General Overview
We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated, proactive, customer-focused team members to come work with us at our award-winning visitor attraction. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a world-class visitor experience, in the heart of Edinburgh. If you are looking for a fun job, with a friendly team and fantastic employee rewards, apply today.
The Position
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions are proud to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a VisitScotland 5-Star rated visitor attraction consisting of a rooftop Terrace, exhibitions, reception area and shop.
We are currently recruiting for full-time Guides.
The job of a Guide at Camera Obscura is an interesting and varied one. You will be working in the exhibition spaces to ensure our visitors are getting the most out of their visit.
In addition to selling tickets to the public at reception you will be required to promote the attraction to passers-by in the street.
You will be required to give presentations in the Camera Obscura room.
You will need a sound knowledge of the local area to answer queries from visitors.
In return you get a wide range of benefits, such as free entry into our attraction for friends and family, free tea and coffee, a very generous amount of breaks. We know that work life balance is important, we always try and be as flexible with shifts as possible.
You will be part of a dynamic, fun team where individuality is valued and we encourage all guides to work on their personal development by providing relevant training as well as giving opportunities to move up the career ladder.
You will also benefit from an extensive Employee Assistance Programme as well as an NHS approved wellness app for mental health.
The initial contract offered will be a temporary 3 months contract. Subject to passing the probation period, we are looking at offering a permanent contract
Please ensure your personal email is present on your CV.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions are proud to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living.
The Company
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, situated at the top of the Royal Mile. The attraction is a 5-star VisitScotland-rated visitor experience consisting of a historic Victorian Camera Obscura, 5 floors of interactive exhibits, rooftop terrace, reception area and Gift Shop. The attraction is a ‘must-visit' for families and adults from all over the world and due to its popularity has the longest opening hours of any attraction in Edinburgh.
Camera Obscura is an award-winning attraction and has recently won the Scottish Thistle Award for Hospitality and Tourism Employer of the Year as well as the Trailblazer Award from Living Wage Scotland. The attraction holds a Gold Green Tourism Award and a regional Thistle Award for Climate Action.
Part of Visitor Centres Ltd, the company also manages Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, Inveraray Jail and Landmark Press.
You can find out more about us at www.camera-obscura.co.uk
Benefits
Pay: From £12.60 per hour
Pension: 2% contribution for first 6 months of employment, rising to 10% thereafter
Holidays: 29 days annual holiday pro rata
Discretionary annual company bonus
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a Living Wage employer and offers all staff contribution towards uniform, breakfast while on shift, refreshments throughout the day and seasonal team meals. Staff get a generous discount in the Gift Shop and free entry for friends and family to visit the attraction, as well as free entry to sister attractions Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Inveraray Jail. Access to ASVA passes for discounted entry to Scotland’s other top attractions.
Flexible working options and a variety of shift patterns are available.
Staff are given full training and offered personal development and training opportunities. Staff are also offered access to our employee assistance programme, providing access to information, advice, and answers to a range of workplace and personal issues.
Our recruitment process:
Resume Review - we check over your resume to see whether you have the skills and experience required to be an excellent Guide.
Cover letter - we want to see your motivation for applying.
Pre-screen - One of our senior Guides gives you a short phone call. To discuss availability and get to know you better (and you us).
Group Interview - We invite you to a group interview, where we ask you to deliver a short presentation, and give you roleplay scenarios.
Interview - We invite you to an interview, interviews usually take up to one hour.
Job offer - If you are successful after the interview you join the fantastic team at Camera Obscura.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: From £12.60 per hour
Expected hours: 32 – 38 per week
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Why did you apply for this role?
Language:
- English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 24/08/2025
Expected start date: 08/09/2025