Job Purpose Summary
Specialist adviser on reptiles and amphibians, sitting within the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Activity of NatureScot. Advising colleagues and partners on their appropriate conservation management and leading NatureScot’s work relating to specifically obligations under the Habitats Directive for European Protected Species (natterjack toad and great crested newt). Provision vision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Red Listing and species conservation translocations. The post holder will also be required to supervise Masters and PhD- level projects and assist in the delivery of other new or emerging conservation initiatives as capacity allows.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
1. Be the main national point of contact for all enquiries relating to amphibian and reptile advice within NatureScot from internal and external sources.
2. Provision of expert advice on planning and development casework.
3. Commissioning and managing high quality research on amphibians and reptiles to underpin NatureScot’s work.
4. Coordinating and contributing to expert groups within Scotland and the UK to develop conservation policy and guidance on amphibians and reptiles, as well as coordinating the delivery of actions contained within the amphibian and reptile strategy.
5. Developing effective working relationships with key stakeholders within this area of expertise (including ARC, ARG, FrogLife and others).
6. Be the main point of contact for Amphibian and Reptiles of Britain and Ireland Taxon Expert Group, (ARBITEG), UK Great Crested Newt Expert Group, Inter-agency Herpetofauna Liaison Group.
7. Provision of specialist expert advice on condition assessment of amphibians and reptiles on Scotland’s protected site network.
8. Provision of specialist expert advice relating to the monitoring and reporting on amphibians and reptiles of conservation concern.
9. Provision of advice on designated site management for amphibians and reptiles.
10. Provision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Species on the Edge, Red Listing and species prioritisation (Species at Risk), conservation translocations and habitat (particularly wetland) and ecosystem restoration.
11. Provide additional advisory support to new and emerging work programmes depending on capacity.