Job Purpose Summary
NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature, and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. You will contribute to NatureScot’s vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect, restore and value nature in the local Operational team.
Your role will focus on (a) working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s Development Advice Service, advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature, (b) acting as a case officer for agri-environment and climate change schemes and (c) advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas. Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected sites, and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
We are looking for flexibility across the balance of the areas of work, depending on the skills and experience of the individual and of other team members. Training and mentoring will be provided on the technical aspects of the post.
Areas of responsibility
1. Advising consenting authorities on the implications of proposals for protected areas
2. Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications
3. Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management.
4. Monitoring protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites
5. Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management
6. Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders
7. Responding to information requests from the general public.
8. Undertaking appropriate training and development.
Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)
9. An interest in, and a passion for nature;
10. Ability to plan, be flexible, prioritise workloads, to work with others, independently and in a dispersed team;
11. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including IT;
12. Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others;
13. Awareness of Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites,
14. Knowledge and understanding of the key issues of the Central Highland Area of Scotland in relation to biodiversity and climate change;
15. Understanding of land management, and some experience of working with land managers;
16. Awareness of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development;
17. HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management;
18. Driving licence or other means of transport.