East Lothian Works logo and a picture of a female staff member, in a busy office talking on the phone and smiling.

Job vacancies 31 October 2025

Every week we compile a list of publicly-advertised jobs available in East Lothian - to help jobseekers find local positions.  We are not involved in the hiring process and are not responsible for the role or the recruiting company.

As the largest employer in the county, East Lothian Council has positions available at all levels and with part time, term time only and flexible roles find out more and browse jobs.

Find out more about East Lothian Works and our services

Pet Department Assistant, Dunbar

  • company: Dunbar Garden Centre
  • hours: part-time
  • salary: Up to £12.76 per hour

The Role

We are seeking versatile part-time, Pet Department Assistant to carry out a variety of general duties primarily in our pet department.

Your duties will include

  • Animal care
  • Record keeping duties
  • Assisting customers
  • Processing deliveries and display of products
  • Replenishing stock and pricing using a variety of methods including labels, shelf tickets and signs
  • Till operation
  • General housekeeping

The Candidate

You will be a team player who will be comfortable working with a variety of animals including fish, amphibians, birds, rodents, reptiles and invertebrates. Possessing good communication skills you will help us to retain and grow our loyal customer base by providing first class customer service which sets us apart.

You will have a positive attitude and drive with a natural affinity with team orientation.

Dunbar is a busy garden centre so you must be able to work at pace during peak times and maintain high standards. You will be professional, reliable and a good timekeeper. The role can be physically demanding at times due to the nature of our business and you therefore must be able to deal with the rigours of this type of retail environment including lifting/moving heavy items.

You will be familiar with technology including email and handheld devices, experience of working with an Epos system is preferred but not essential as full training will be given.

We particularly invite you to apply if you have a relevant qualification in animal care.

This is a role for 24/28 hours per week including weekend work.

 Find out more and apply

Funeral Arranger, Prestonpans

  • company: Co-op
  • hours: full-time 
  • salary: £13.01 per hour

Join our friendly team and help families say the perfect goodbye to loved ones.

You don’t need previous experience in the funeral industry to apply as we provide full training and ongoing support so you’ll have all the tools you need for your new role. You’ll also benefit from a competitive salary, an excellent pension scheme, and discounts on a range of Co-op products and services.

Find the kind of job satisfaction you didn’t think was possible. Apply today.

What you’ll do

  • build and maintain positive relationships with clients and the community
  • support our clients both in person and over the phone, arranging family visits and answering client questions
  • make sure that the funeral home —both inside and out—is always clean, safe, and welcoming, maintaining a professional and comforting environment for our clients, as well as reporting and recording any maintenance issue (there will be times when you’ll be the only person in branch)
  • work with different digital systems and devices (computers, tablets, smartphone applications) to accurately manage client documentation, funeral arrangements and invoicing
  • make sure that all regulated work, like selling and informing clients about our funeral plans, is referred to the Funeral Plan Arrangers
  • support with manual handling of coffins and the deceased
  • update client management applications, entering accurate and timely information to ensure records are kept up to date at all times

This role would suit people who have

  • good communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate with clients and colleagues both in writing and verbally
  • the ability to confidently work with numbers and doing basic calculations such as cash handling, working out discounts, simple data entry and invoicing
  • a keen eye for detail and accuracy, making sure regulatory policies and processes are always adhered to
  • good IT skills, with the ability to use a range of technology devices and systems (e.g computers, tablets, smartphones, printers) and the ability to learn and effectively use new applications and systems
  • a passion for delivering great service and building relationships
  • high levels of empathy, discretion and care
  • the ability to carry out the physical elements of the role, such as moving coffins in preparation for family viewings (appropriate training and equipment to ensure safe working practices will be provided)

Warehouse Assistant, Tranent

  • company: East Lothian Foodbank
  • hours: part-time (16 hours per week)
  • salary: £22,930 per year (pro rated)
  • closing date: 14 November 2024 (may close earlier)

About the Role

We are currently seeking a warehouse assistant, based within our foodbank in Tranent.

The East Lothian Foodbank Warehouse Assistant will support the Food and Logistics Manager to ensure the smooth running of our warehouse facility and help to drive efficiencies in the running of the food bank.

You will be managing food donations, data entry, stock management, coordinating storage procedures and supporting volunteers.

In this role you will be engaging with a range of committed and friendly volunteers. It is important to us that you have a positive, can-do attitude and be prepared to go the extra mile to ensure we can provide the best possible service to all we work with.

As an emergency food service, you may be dealing with people who are often in distress so the ability to deal with people sensitively and with compassion is required. The core values of East Lothian Foodbank must always be observed and promoted to ensure we offer the best possible support.

Key Responsibilities

  • overseeing the general upkeep of the warehouse
  • follow stock rotation procedures to minimise waste
  • processing donations, ensuring incoming stock is checked, weighed and recorded
  • co-ordinating collections across the local area e.g. from supermarkets, schools and churches
  • maintain accurate records of food movement in and out of our warehouse ensuring volunteers are following Health and Safety guidance, and other policies and procedures related to the running of the food bank
  • reporting regularly to the Food & Logistics Manager and highlighting any areas of concern
  • overseeing the annual stock take as directed by the Food & Logistics Manager, as well as any more regular stock takes
  • coordinating volunteer sessions

Other

  • undertake any other duties that may be reasonably expected to fulfil the role
  • there may on occasion be events in the evening or at a weekend and where possible, we would love for you to be able to support

About You

Essential

  • strong team player
  • happy with regular light lifting and some heavy lifting
  • organised and self-motivated

Desirable

  • previous warehouse experience
  • confident collecting and analysing data
  • confident IT user
  • understanding of GDPR and compliance re data handling of client records and other 
  • understanding of the causes and factors contributing to food insecurity and food poverty, and the need for crisis and more than food responses
  • full driving licence

Please submit your CV of no more than 2 sides of A4 and a cover letter telling us why you are interested in this role and why you are a suitable candidate.

 Email cover letter and CV

Early Years Practitioner/Support Worker, Musselburgh

  • company: First Step Community Project
  • hours: part-time (25 hours per week term time)
  • salary: £12.60 per hour (Support Worker)/£14.09 per hour (Early Years Practitioner)

First Step is a community based, locally managed project in Musselburgh. Our aim is to provide opportunities for families with young children to make positive choices and to encourage parents and children to develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem. We provide a range of services for families with children under 8, including early learning & childcare, a family support service and a varied programme of groups and classes.

A rare opportunity has arisen for an Early Years Practitioner or Support Worker to join our Early Years Team within First Step Community Project. This post will be to work alongside our existing Early Years Team on a term time basis. The post is 25 hours per week worked across Monday to Thursday but additional hours may be available. This is a temporary post until October 2026 with a view to securing funding thereafter.

Working within an established Early Years Team the post holder will support in delivering the best possible early learning and childcare for our children between 18 months to school aged. The successful candidate will need to support the vision, mission and values of First Step Community Project.

We will welcome applications from candidates with a Practitioner or Support Worker level qualification. Experience working within an early learning and childcare setting is advantageous as is a good knowledge of Early Years frameworks, legislation and guidance. We are looking for a flexible individual who is confident supporting an existing team within a community-based setting. The post is subject to membership of the PVG scheme, SSSC Registration and satisfactory references.

If you would like to join our team at First Step, an application pack can be obtained by contacting Jennifer Mitchell, Early Years Manager by email.

Email to find out more and apply

Bar and Wait Staff, Longniddry

  • company: Longniddry Inn
  • hours: full-time and part-time
  • salary: from £12.21 per hour

Job Summary

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Bar and Wait staff to join our vibrant team for the festive season. The ideal candidates will possess a passion for hospitality and a commitment to providing exceptional guest services. You will be responsible for delivering a memorable dining or bar experience by ensuring that guests receive high-quality food, drinks and personalised service.

Responsibilities

  • greet and seat guests in a friendly and professional manner
  • take accurate orders and relay them to the kitchen staff efficiently
  • serve food and beverages promptly, ensuring that all items meet quality standards
  • upsell menu items to enhance the dining or bar experience and increase sales
  • maintain cleanliness and organisation of the dining area and bar
  • adhere to food safety regulations and ensure compliance with health standards
  • handle guest inquiries, complaints, or requests with professionalism and courtesy
  • collaborate effectively with the rest of the team to ensure smooth service operations

Requirements

  • Previous experience in a hospitality or restaurant setting is essential
  • Bar knowledge (cocktail, cellar management) highly advantageous
  • Knowledge of food safety practices is advantageous
  • Strong time management skills to handle multiple tables/customers efficiently during busy periods
  • Excellent communication skills with a focus on guest services and hospitality
  • Ability to work well in a team environment while also being self-motivated

Join us in creating a fun and festive experience for our guests!

Find out more and apply

All Terrain Forklift Driver, Dunbar

  • company: Midlothian Forestry Ltd
  • hours: full-time (45 hours)
  • salary: £16.00 per hour

Role overview

We are currently seeking an experienced All Terrain Forklift Driver to join our tyre chipping plant team. The successful applicant will be responsible for safe and efficient operation of an all-terrain forklift, assisting with movement of materials and supporting daily production operations.

Main duties

  • operate an all-terrain forklift to load, unload and transport materials around the site
  • support the production team with feeding and clearing machinery
  • maintain a clean, safe and organised work area
  • carry out daily equipment checks and report any defects
  • work as part of a team to ensure smooth running of operations

Requirements

  • valid NPORS or CPCS All Terrain Forklift qualification (essential)
  • previous experience in a plant, recycling, or yard environment preferred
  • good awareness of site safety procedures
  • reliable, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a team

Benefits

  • £16 per hour, paid weekly
  • full-time, long-term position
  • overtime available at enhanced rates
  • immediate start available

Shift Patterns – Monday to Friday

  • 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

 Find out more and apply

Childcare Modern Apprentice, North Berwick

  • company: Carousel Training
  • hours: full-time
  • salary: £15,704 per year

About the opportunity

Are you ready to start a rewarding and exciting career shaping and inspiring young children’s futures? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

This opportunity is funded by Skills Development Scotland through the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.

No academic entry requirements are required – every applicant is assessed at the interview stage.

What you’ll gain

  • experience working in a fun and rewarding career making a real difference in children’s lives
  • practical workplace experience for 12-15 months, while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification
  • the opportunity to progress to a career as a qualified Early Years Practitioner
  • realising the important role you play in a child’s learning and development journey

Hours and pay

  • full-time: 35–40 hours per week (Monday–Friday in nursery, or varied hours in Out of School Care settings)
  • rate of pay: £7.55 per hour (National Minimum Wage for Modern Apprentices)

What We’re Looking For

  • enthusiastic and confident individuals who want to work in a Nursery or Out of School Care setting
  • good communication skills and a genuine desire to support the development of young children
  • the ability to engage and interact enthusiastically with children

No previous experience is required — just passion, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

 Find out more and apply