The lighthouse service in the 1780s the duties were focussed on maintaining the light, which in those days burnt oil

Lighthouse keepers usually joined the service as an ‘expectant keeper.’ 

The keeper’s name would be added to a list which was ranked by seniority, as the keeper gained experience his name would climb the list, until, when he reached the top, he became an assistant keeper.

Once he became an assistant he would be attached to a lighthouse for a period of between five and eight years. 

There were benefits which came along with the post, including rentfree accommodation and free fuel. 

On becoming an assistant keeper a man would be placed at the bottom of a second list, and he progressed upwards with increased experience.

Finally he would attain the post of principal lightkeeper...

In the very early years of the lighthouse service in the 1780s the duties were focussed on maintaining the light, which in those days burnt oil. 

The main burners had to be kept trimmed, cotton wicks filling the holes neither too straight to prevent the oil coming up or to slack so that the flame drooped down. 

Every morning the keepers had to trim the wicks further to remove the black sooty stubs left after the burning of the previous night. 

This was a process which it took time to learn, ensuring that the wick was long enough to provide a bright light but not so long that black sooty smoke obscured the light and tarnished the reflector.

In cold and frosty conditions the keepers also had to ensure that the oil remained viscous enough to be drawn up into the lamp. 

Another essential role was to clean the windows and reflectors to remove the sooty deposits and ensure that the light could be seen clearly out to sea. 

After removing the soot deposits the reflectors were rubbed with a soft linen rag and Spanish white made from powdered chalk, they were to be polished until “perfectly bright.” 

Once the maintenance was completed the keeper had to attend to the lighting of the lamp. 

The lamps were lit half an hour after sunset, and were kept burning until half an hour before sunrise. 

While the lamps were burning they had to be checked regularly, usually once every two hours. 

And while he was checking the lights the keeper had to be wary not to stand in front of them, obscuring their light from the ships out at sea.

In stormy weather the keeper had to attend to the light all night, and he was required to remain in the lamp-room. 

If the storm broke any panes in the lamp-room windows they had to be filled very quickly with a supply of blank panes which were kept for this purpose...

http://www.scotlandmag.com/magazine/issue41/12008900.html