Do you have a background in ecology or a related discipline and want to work in one of the most stunning parts of the UK, home to many of the country’s most important and iconic natural habitats and species? Are you looking for an opportunity where you can make a real and lasting contribution to tackling the nature crisis? Are you looking for competitive pay (£40,021 - £43,388 pa (following recent pay award)) and excellent working conditions, including flexible working across a 35-hour week, minimum 28 days annual leave (plus 7 days paid public holiday), a generous pension scheme, full support for CPD and training and employee discounts? If so, this opportunity may be for you! About the role: Highland Council are looking for a Nature Conservation Officer to join our busy, friendly Ecology Team. In this role you will work closely with both Council services and local communities throughout Highland to deliver a wide range of urban and rural nature-positive projects and identify and implement new opportunities to promote and enhance biodiversity. The role includes extensive travel across the Highlands. About the Highlands: Covering around one-third of mainland Scotland, the Highland Council is the UK’s largest, yet least populated, local authority area. The Highlands boasts an outstanding, world-class and varied natural environment with some of the UK’s most dramatic, scenic and iconic natural landscapes including the Cairngorms National Park, The Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and The Great Glen, John O’Groats and the recently inscribed UNESCO Flow Country World Heritage Site. The Highlands have a huge range of opportunities for recreation throughout the year which offer the benefits and enjoyment of truly wild landscape experiences and make the area an outstanding place to live and work. Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, is a historic and vibrant city with all the modern services and facilities you would expect including excellent road and rail links and an easily accessible modern international airport. About you: You will hold a relevant degree level qualification in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, or have equivalent experience. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with a wide range of people, partners and stakeholders, including fellow officers and Council managers, elected Members, colleagues in both local and national organisations and the public. You will be supported by the wider ecology team but will be self-motivated, able to use your own initiative and happy to lead on a varied workload. You will be comfortable undertaking site visits and attending meetings across a large geographical area. If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Andrew Puls, Environment Team Leader ( andrew.puls@highland.gov.uk ) or Karen Couper, Senior Ecology Officer (karen.couper@highland.gov.uk)