1011-407 Marine Benthic and Fisheries Adviser - D Grade - March 2026

Managing the interactions between inshore fishing activity and marine habitats and species is crucial to achieving a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as well as achieving the Government’s vision for healthy and biologically diverse seas. The Scottish Government is developing fisheries management measures where these are not already in place for MPAs within 12 nm. As part of the process, technical assessments must be undertaken to assess the implications of fishing activity in view of the conservation objectives of the various MPAs being considered. NatureScot is seeking an experienced marine benthic ecologist to support work on the management of MPAs.

The work of the post will largely be focussed on completing the required assessments, and post‑consultation review of these. It will also involve engaging with stakeholders in the run up to, during and after the public consultation. The successful candidate will work in the Marine Ecosystems Activity Team, as part of a group focussing on MPAs and Priority Marine Features (PMFs) but will also need to liaise closely with the Inshore MPA team within the Marine Directorate of Scottish Government.

The role will primarily focus on the assessments required under the Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRAs) and Nature Conservation MPA assessments for benthic habitats (and where required marine mammals), both ahead of the planned consultation and post‑consultation depending on the feedback received. This will include interpretation of fishing data and undertaking required analysis and mapping, consideration of the sensitivities of protected features and interpretation of NatureScot’s advice within the assessment process. The post will also support the delivery of the public consultation via in person and online meetings with other staff in NatureScot and Marine Directorate. The role will include engaging with the Scottish inshore fishing industry and various other stakeholders including environmental NGOs. The post‑holder may also need to contribute to the wider work of the Activity Team, particularly in relation to marine benthic ecology and fisheries.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Provide marine benthic ecology and fisheries expertise to NatureScot and Marine Directorate to inform development and implementation of fisheries management measures in MPAs for benthic habitats where required. This will largely be focussed on completing HRA and MPA assessments.
• Identifying, collating and synthesising relevant data (including fishing data, habitat and species data and relevant scientific literature) for use in the fisheries assessments.
• Liaising with Marine Directorate and NatureScot to ensure conservation advice and public consultation feedback is considered for finalising the assessments post‑consultation.
• Participation in stakeholder engagement events for the public consultation and other meetings as required to ensure stakeholders understand the assessments and underpinning scientific evidence base. Stakeholders will include local fishing industry representatives, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and environmental NGOs.
• Contribute actively to the wider Marine Ecosystems Team, supporting work on Marine Protected Areas, Priority Marine Features and fisheries.

Skills:

A degree in a relevant marine science subject, ideally complemented by postgraduate research or professional experience. Demonstrable understanding of Scottish marine ecology, specifically habitats which are protected in MPAs and are Priority Marine Features, and the activities and pressures that affect them. Knowledge of the commercial fishing industry in Scotland. Familiarity with relevant Scottish marine legislation, specifically knowledge and experience of undertaking Habitats Regulations Appraisals and Nature Conservation MPA Assessments. Proven ability to manage and interpret scientific data. A proficiency in the management and interpretation of fishing data of relevance to Scotland is desirable. Competence in the use of GIS (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) and ideally using R for habitat mapping and spatial analysis. Effective written and verbal communications, especially the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently. Sound project management skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work as part of a team and in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage action by others.

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. 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 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 Email: Sarah.Cunningham@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 backgrounds and people with a disability.