1020-312 Marine Sustainability Adviser - Aquaculture and Benthic - D Grade - May 2026

The post-holder will be part of our Sustainable Coasts and Seas Activity Team and will lead the provision of statutory casework advice to NatureScot staff on marine biodiversity impacts associated with finfish, shellfish and seaweed aquaculture and other marine industries and activities including, but not limited to, ports and harbours, other coastal infrastructure and research proposals.

The successful post holder will engage and collaborate with NatureScot case leads and other key marine specialists, as well as the aquaculture sector, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, relevant marine industries and academic institutes, Crown Estate Scotland, Local Authorities and relevant Directorates in Scottish Government. Advice will be required for phases of development activity in line with our statutory duties including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Appraisal.

The post holder will analyse and interpret environmental information and provide appropriate casework advice, be confident in advising on implications for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature, particularly in respect of recognising potential impacts from aquaculture on the marine environment and seeking solutions to reduce any adverse impacts.

The post holder will also contribute to the preparation of guidance and research requirements and will input to external research steering groups as well as leading on internal training on aquaculture and implications for biodiversity. The post holder will also be required to contribute to the wider work of both the Sustainable Coasts and Seas and Marine Ecosystem Activity Teams, including the potential to work as part of the duty officer team rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.

This work covered by this post is high profile and we are seeking an experienced and resilient individual with the confidence to engage with a range of partners and multi-task across complex casework demands, as well as contributing to strategic work and delivering high quality outputs.

The role includes support to Scottish Government colleagues in development of aquaculture policy and strategy, including approaches to improve and streamline aquaculture consenting processes. The post holder is required to have a comprehensive knowledge of benthic ecology with an understanding of fish ecology in Scottish/UK waters and a good understanding of Scotland's marine environment, including policy and legislation relating to its sustainable management.

Roles at this grade will typically work autonomously or as part of a team to provide specialist advice and technical expertise with some autonomous decision making. The range of tasks can vary and will therefore require a well-developed understanding of a complex body of knowledge in their chosen field or specialist area. Consequently, planning and organising of own workload is required to deliver the corporate priorities. There may be line management responsibilities in this role. The role is required to evaluate different approaches, problem solve, and provide a range of solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in the provision of robust, timely, solution-focused and clearly articulated advice for aquaculture and marine development proposals and casework in respect of benthic and wider biodiversity impacts.
• Represent NatureScot confidently at meetings with developers, consultees and Scottish Government Directorates.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key aquaculture stakeholders (e.g., SEPA, Marine Directorate) and representative organisations (e.g., Salmon Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, Coastal Communities Network) and represent NatureScot on relevant sectoral forums.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to identify, prioritise and help to deliver guidance and research in respect of aquaculture effects in the marine environment and represent NatureScot on relevant external project steering groups.
• Contribute to the wider team within NatureScot, building knowledge and capacity for engagement of a wider spectrum of colleagues with marine development casework.
• Apply, and contribute to the development of procedures, guidance and standards that help us deliver robust advice.
• Manage correct storage of case information and advice, email, filing systems and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.
• Represent NatureScot at conferences and events and promote awareness of our work through social media, press releases and the NatureScot website.

Skills required

• A degree in a relevant subject, relevant post-graduate experience or work experience or equivalent.
• A comprehensive understanding in Scottish/UK waters of benthic ecology with an understanding of fish ecology and issues relating to their conservation and management.
• Knowledge and experience of coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, particularly finfish aquaculture and the potential interactions of these activities with marine habitats and species.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide clear solution-focused advice, including experience in critical appraisal of technical reports and papers.
• Proven ability to influence and forge good working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work.
• Work collaboratively, demonstrate empathy and understanding of the views and positions of others, while also showing commitment to overall team performance.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information – including practical experience of data handling and applying statistical methods.

Prerequisites

• 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.

Benefits

• NatureScot offers a rewards and support package including the Civil Service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
• We support flexible working for all roles, including part‑time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share.
• All vacancies are considered suitable for flexible working unless there is a business reason not to.
• We encourage applicants to discuss potential flexible working arrangements with us.
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions).
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 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 twin nature and climate crisis.
• Death in service benefits.
• 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.
• We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.