Operations Officer in Lochgilphead

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 local Operational team. Your role will focus on:

• Working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s Development Advice Service, advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature.
• Acting as a case officer for agri-environment and climate change schemes.
• Advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.
• Monitoring of protected sites, and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

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:

• Part of the operations team who provide advice to competent authorities on various statutory consultation, such as planning applications, renewables, marine licences or forestry proposals.
• Case officer for Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications.
• Respond to designated site casework including SSSI consent requests, provision of management advice and assisting with regular habitat monitoring and reporting.
• Assist senior staff with wildlife management casework and site visits (e.g. sea eagle management scheme).
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders.
• Responding to information requests from the general public.
• Undertaking appropriate training and development.

Skills:

• HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• A general understanding of NatureScot and what we do.
• Knowledge and/or experience of conservation, land management, species ecology, habitat types, land use and development pressures in Argyll and the Outer Hebrides.
• Evidence of effectively managing customer and stakeholder relations through use of influencing, listening, and clear written and verbal presentation skills.
• Able to work independently and within a dispersed team.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities and able to plan and prioritise workloads effectively, follow processes, and meet deadlines.
• Experience of using multiple databases, PC-based casework, monitoring and reporting systems and mapping software.
• Driving licence or other means of transport (due to the need to visit farms, crofts, estates) where public transport might not be available.
• Good level of fitness and able to walk to and in remote upland locations.

Prerequisites Required:

• Candidates 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.