Job Title: 1001-424 Operations Officer – West | Grade: C | Hours: 35 | Vacancy Type: Permanent | Salary £34,478 | Location: Argyll and Outer Hebrides | Closing Date: Midnight 21 June 2026 | Internal Interview Date: 30 June 2026 | External Interview Date: 21 July 2026
Job Purpose Summary
NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. This role contributes 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.
Key responsibilities include delivering the Development Advice Service, acting as a case officer for agri‑environment and climate change schemes, and advising land managers on impacts of their management proposals on protected areas. Additional duties involve monitoring protected sites and proactively addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Areas of responsibility
* Provide advice to competent authorities on statutory consultation such as planning applications, renewables, marine licences or forestry proposals.
* Serve as case officer for Agri‑Environment Climate Scheme applications.
* Respond to designated site casework, including SSSI consent requests, provision of management advice and assisting with regular habitat monitoring and reporting.
* Assist senior staff with wildlife management casework and site visits (e.g., sea eagle management scheme).
* Represent NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders.
* Respond to information requests from the general public.
* Undertake appropriate training and development.
Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting statement)
1. HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
2. General understanding of NatureScot and its work.
3. Knowledge and/or experience of conservation, land management, species ecology, habitat types, land use and development pressures in Argyll and the Outer Hebrides.
4. Evidence of effectively managing customer and stakeholder relations through influencing, listening, and clear written and verbal communication.
5. Ability to work independently and within a dispersed team.
6. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, with the capacity to plan and prioritise workloads, follow processes and meet deadlines.
7. Experience using multiple databases, PC‑based casework, monitoring and reporting systems, and mapping software.
8. Driving licence or other suitable transport, as the role requires visiting farms, crofts and estates.
9. Good level of fitness and ability to walk in remote upland locations.
Prerequisites Required
* Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the contract.
* Must undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
* Gaelic language is desirable in support of our Gaelic Language Plan.
Benefits
* Civil Service pension scheme, generous holiday allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
* Flexible working supported for all roles, including part‑time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share.
* 28.97% employer contribution to the Civil Service Pension (7.35% employee contributions).
* 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays.
* Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
* Well‑being support with access to an employee assistance programme.
* Opportunity to contribute proactively to the nature and climate crisis.
* Death in service benefits.
* Cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes.
* Employee discount scheme.
* Learning and development tailored to your role.
* Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
Contact Information
Colin MacFarlane, Operations Manager – West
Tel: 0131 316 2688
Email: Colin.MacFarlane@nature.scot
Recruitment inquiries: recruitment@nature.scot
We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability.
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