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Join to apply for the Ornithology Adviser role at NatureScot
Job title: 1002-309/1002-418 Ornithology Adviser (2 Positions) | Grade: D | Vacancy type: Full time, Permanent | Hours: 35 hours | Salary £38,616 rising to £42,906 – pay award pending effect from 01 April 2025 | Location: Any NatureScot office, home and hybrid working considered | Closing date: Midnight 22 June 2025 | Interview date: Internal interviews: 30 June 2025 | External interviews: 15 July 2025
Job Purpose Summary:
NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. We are committed to working with others to tackle both the climate emergency and biodiversity loss to ensure a nature-rich future for all. To help Scottish Government and other stakeholders deliver the required step change needed in nature restoration, we are looking for applications from motivated people with a strong ornithology background to join our terrestrial ornithology team. The successful candidate will join our existing terrestrial ornithology adviser team, providing technical advice on topics such as development and licencing casework; development of policy and guidance underpinning proactive conservation of bird species, including management of species conflicts; and species recovery and or surveillance/monitoring. The post holder will work in partnership with other NatureScot colleagues, Scottish Government, key ornithological eNGOs and wider stakeholders on ornithological research, conservation and species management to develop knowledge and relationships in these areas.
The post holder may be required to travel to areas that are not covered by public transport. Flexible working patterns may be available for the suitable candidate.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Primary:
* To provide clear and proportionate ornithological advice to NatureScot staff. Much of this work currently relates to the impact of terrestrial wind farm developments on birds, particularly where these affect designated sites. It will also include forestry, non-renewable development and species licencing casework requests. Delivering advice internally to Operational Teams will be the main reactive workload for the post, and the postholder will likely be the lead terrestrial ornithology contact for an Operational Team.
* To provide ornithology advice and support for species recovery, wildlife management, land use and the maintenance and enhancement of the protected areas network. The postholder will be lead ornithology advisor for specific topics and species groups.
* To contribute to the development of policy approaches to underpin advice on best practice. This will be done primarily through the management of survey and research contracts, dissemination of data and information, and contributing to the suite of guidance maintained by the Bird Team.
* To provide advice and support to Scottish Government departments, the voluntary sector, land managers and, when necessary, law enforcers.
* To contribute to the effective running of the Bird Team, particularly through team working on cross-cutting issues.
* To contribute to NatureScot systems and initiatives, such as corporate record keeping and health and safety programmes.
* To identify and take part in training that maintains and enhances both personal skills and a sound knowledge base in avian ecology and conservation.
Skills (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)
* Educated to at least degree level in a subject which includes ecology or conservation and/or a strong ornithological background equivalent, with the ability to demonstrate scientific credibility in these areas and the advice given.
* Ability to communicate complex scientific and conservation management issues clearly and simply.
* Understanding of the impacts of global issues with Scottish bird populations – in particular climate change and biodiversity loss.
* Understanding of the statutory framework for avian conservation in the UK and internationally.
* Understanding of the renewables industry and related ornithological issues.
* Understanding of analytical methods in ornithology, including the principles of population modelling, collision risk modelling or similar.
* Ability to work effectively both as a member of a close-working but dispersed team, and independently.
* Flexibility to adapt to new and changing priorities, policy and procedures.
Prerequisites Required
Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan
Working for NatureScot – what we offer you
NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:
* An environment with flexible working options
* A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/benefits-of-the-pension-scheme/
* 41.5 days of annual leave, with 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
* Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
* A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
* Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
* Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
* Access to an employee discounts scheme
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.
Application Process
Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application.
Before applying for this post;
Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide
If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.
Interviews
External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.
For information regarding the vacancy please contact
Nature is vital to us all, so it's important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland. The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Not Applicable
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Full-time
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Administrative
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