Job Purpose Summary
NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency. We work with partners from across Scotland’s public, private and environment sectors to address the climate and nature emergencies. We work to protect and restore nature, and to inspire others to value our natural world. You will contribute to NatureScot’s vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland as part of our National Operations team in North.
These are two permanent roles working as part of the National Operations (North) team. The post holders will help deliver NatureScot’s priorities relating to nature recovery, climate change and the creation of nature rich places. This will include working with land managers, local authorities, other agencies and partners, to develop shared responses to the climate and nature emergencies.
The posts cover a diverse range of tasks including provision of advice in relation to land management, protected areas and development proposals. The roles include:
1. Acting as the lead contact for a number of protected areas, largely in Moray and north Aberdeenshire
2. Providing advice on management of these and other protected areas. Encouraging applications for funding to support the positive management of these sites
3. Carrying out monitoring of protected areas. Ensuring our monitoring database incorporates monitoring carried out by contractors
4. Providing advice on applications to the Nature Restoration Fund and the Scottish Rural Development Programme’s Agri-Environment Climate Scheme
5. Responding to casework, including planning, forestry, marine and other consultations
6. Contributing to NatureScot’s input to Moray’s Local Development Plan and other strategic plans as required
7. Providing advice and support to Moray Council on its Nature Networks programme
8. Triaging and allocation of casework
Role requirements (Please refer to these in your supporting statement)
9. If based elsewhere, the successful candidates must be willing to regularly travel to Moray, as required
10. An understanding of peatland restoration
11. Knowledge of the main habitats, species and landscapes in north-east Scotland. An understanding of how these can be affected by climate change, development and land management activities
12. An understanding of the measures needed for positive management of land for the benefit of nature, climate and people
13. An understanding of protected areas and a knowledge of NatureScot’s role in regulatory regimes including planning, forestry and the water environment.
14. Ability to critically assess information, identify issues and come up with solutions
15. High standard of written and verbal communication skills; the ability to write clearly and concisely, particularly when conveying complex information
16. An ability to effectively engage with others, including partners and stakeholders from a range of sectors and backgrounds
17. Ability to work well as part of a dispersed team
18. A resilient, creative and flexible approach to work, with an ability to adapt to changing situations, and embrace new areas of work
19. Ability to undertake field work
20. A relevant higher education degree or equivalent qualification with transferable skills or demonstrate qualification by relevant practical experience
21. Driving licence or other means of transport