Marine Ecology Adviser
Full‑time role within NatureScot’s Sustainable Coasts & Seas Activity based in our marine energy programme. The post holder will provide specialist advice in marine mammal ecology to our marine energy team and other staff on impacts from marine and coastal industries/activities, including marine energy, cables, ports & harbours and aquaculture. They will engage with case leads and industry stakeholders such as Crown Estate Scotland, Local Authorities, Port Authorities and relevant Directorates in Scottish Government. Advice will cover all phases of development activity, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and European Protected Species (EPS) licensing for both development and research. The post will provide a specialist role in delivering high priority work associated with offshore wind projects and other marine industries projects in Scottish waters, lead or provide input on research, policy and guidance in respect of marine mammals, support UK and Scottish Government projects, and oversee work on marine renewables research and monitoring through initiatives such as ScotMER and ORJIP.
The position also includes responsibility for guiding developers through all stages of development from pre‑application to decommissioning, representing NatureScot on Scottish and UK groups, reviewing marine spatial planning policies, and contributing to wider marine conservation measures. The role may involve acting as a Duty Officer on a rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.
Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities
* Provide constructive, solution‑focused advice for marine industries casework, including proposals arising from marine energy, ports and harbours, pipelines and cabling infrastructure, fisheries, oil and gas, and aquaculture developments.
* Use statistical packages and modelling, including R and spatial modelling for marine mammals, advising on population modelling tools (iPCoD, DePONs, CRM, PBR) in EIA, MPA and HRA processes.
* Understand underwater noise propagation, modelling and monitoring across all marine industries.
* Represent NatureScot on research project steering groups and external working groups on marine mammal ecology and tool development.
* Contribute to advice on marine ecosystems, biodiversity net gain opportunities and compensation measures for Habitats Regulation Appraisal and MPA derogation processes.
* Act as a Duty Officer for marine pollution incidents, participating in NatureScot’s rota system (outside normal hours may be required).
* Contribute to wider communication of NatureScot’s marine mammal work through social media, press releases and the website.
Skills
* A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post‑graduate experience or work experience.
* A sound understanding of marine ecology, habitats and species of Scotland.
* Clear understanding of nature conservation and planning legislation including Marine Scotland (2010) Act, EIA, EPS and HRA relevant to Scotland’s seas and marine species.
* Knowledge of coastal and marine industries in Scotland, such as offshore wind and ports/harbours, and their interactions with marine mammals.
* Understanding of monitoring techniques for mobile marine species.
* Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information to provide clear, solution‑focused advice.
* Good interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communication, and strong team‑working ability.
* Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders such as agencies, organisations, developers or government.
* Knowledge of NatureScot’s priorities and processes and awareness of the political environment.
* Ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing reactive work.
Prerequisites
* Proof of right to work in the UK.
* Ability to undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
* Desirable skill: Gaelic language to support NatureScot’s Gaelic Language Plan.
Working for NatureScot
NatureScot offers a benefits package including the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and an employee discount scheme.
NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment
Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.
Closing date: 3 December 2025.
Interview date: 8 January 2026.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
Staffing and Recruiting
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