1006-324/1006-407 Operations Officer - South - C Grade - March 2026

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 or the National Operations Central Highland Team. The focus will be on delivering the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy by:

• Working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s advice to other statutory regulators, advising on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature.
• Providing advice to farmers and other land‑managers, including acting as a case officer for Agri‑Environment and Climate Schemes.
• Advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.

Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected sites, 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:
• 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.
• Assessing and processing Agri‑Environment Climate Scheme applications to secure favourable management of protected areas.
• Providing advice to stakeholders and land managers on protected areas management (including European sites and SSSIs) and wildlife management, including protected species casework.
• Contributing effectively to the monitoring of protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites, including Site Condition Monitoring and Site Checks.
• Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management including Invasive Non‑Native Species and biodiversity.
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders developing positive relationships with local communities and agencies.
• Responding to information requests for natural heritage information from the general public.

Skills

• An interest in, and a passion for nature.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and climate change challenges facing Scotland.
• An understanding of land management.
• Awareness of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development.
• Awareness of Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites and NatureScot’s role in their protection and management.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.

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.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer you

• NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
• Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:
• Environment with flexible working options.
• 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 twinned 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.

Application Process

Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application. Before applying for this post:

• Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide eRDMS A3155575.
• External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide.

If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.

For information regarding the vacancy please contact: Matt Burnett, Operations Manager -South Matt.Burnett@nature.scot

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact: recruitment@nature.scot

Nature is vital to all of us, so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is, the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.