Job Purpose Summary
NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature, and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. You will contribute to NatureScot’s vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect, restore and value nature in the National Operations South Team.
The focus will be on Delivering the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy by:
(a) Working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s advice to other statutory regulators, advising on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature,
(b) Providing advice to farmers and other land-managers, including acting as a case officer for Agri-Environment and Climate Schemes and
(c) Advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.
Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected sites, and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss and influencing strategic plans.
We are looking for flexibility across the balance of the areas of work, depending on the skills and experience of the individual and of other team members. Training and mentoring will be provided on the technical aspects of the post.
Areas of Responsibility
Implementing NatureScot’s policies and priorities as part of the Operational team through:
1. Responding to casework consultations, including planning applications, renewable energy proposals, marine licences, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) consents, Controlled Activities Regulations licences and requests for advice both internally and externally as required.
2. Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications to secure favourable management of protected areas.
3. Providing advice to stakeholders and land managers on protected areas management (including European sites and SSSIs) and wildlife management. including protected species casework.
4. Contributing effectively to the monitoring of protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites, including Site Condition Monitoring and Site Checks.
5. Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management including Invasive Non-Native Species and biodiversity.
6. Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders developing positive relationships with local communities and agencies.
7. Responding to information requests for natural heritage information from the general public.
Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)
8. An interest in, and a passion for nature
9. Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.
10. Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
11. HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
12. Knowledge of biodiversity and climate change challenges facing Scotland.
13. An understanding of land management.
14. Awareness of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development.
15. Awareness of Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites and NatureScot’s role in their protection and management.
16. Driving licence or other means of transport.