1011-404 Marine Monitoring Support Officer - C Grade - July 2026 in Inverness

Job Purpose Summary: As our Marine Monitoring Support Officer, you will play a valuable role in helping influence the future of Scotland’s seas by supporting the evidence-gathering required to protect, manage and restore marine habitats and species. The evidence produced by the work of the team in partnership with others directly informs our advice and policy approach and is a fundamental element of NatureScot’s wider work on marine nature conservation. The post would suit a highly motivated and knowledgeable marine ecologist with a good understanding of Scotland’s marine environment, policy and legislation relating to its sustainable use and management.

We are looking for someone to help with project management tasks and assist with survey preparations, data collection, management and analysis contracts. The successful candidate will support the current team of marine ecologists and other specialists working on the monitoring programme on protected seabed habitats, marine mammals and elasmobranchs. Liaison with a range of partner organisations, industry representatives and coastal communities will also be an important part of the role. This is a fixed term post available within NatureScot’s Marine Ecosystems Activity Team for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension. There will be opportunities to input into research and partnerships aimed at developing knowledge and co-operation in key areas within our remit. The role will require regular attendance at our Inverness headquarters in Great Glen House. As this is an entry level role, support and training opportunities will be provided to enable the successful candidate to gain experience in the range of tasks required within the post. This post represents an opportunity to gain a wide variety of experience across the breadth of our marine monitoring programme and the wider work of Scotland’s nature agency.

A detailed job plan will be developed once the candidate is appointed, but will likely include the following work areas:

• Contributing to the Marine Monitoring Programme to identify and deliver our monitoring priorities for seabed habitats, marine mammals and elasmobranchs.
• Help with planning and preparations associated with marine monitoring e.g. booking boats & accommodation, travel plans, survey plans, risk assessments etc.
• Support the data collation, processing and storage resulting from marine surveys, as well as production and analysis of trends, and reporting on results.
• Support the procurement and management of survey and analysis contracts, maintaining regular communication with contractors as required.
• Participate in marine biological surveys using a range of field and remote sampling techniques.
• Support monitoring undertaken by citizen scientists and industry through the provision of technical and specialist advice.
• Help manage and maintain our marine survey equipment, while ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.
• Attend and contribute to relevant internal and external meetings.
• Support the delivery of the marine monitoring team’s communications priorities, producing content for a range of audiences across a range of platforms.
• Production of Site Condition Monitoring (and other similar) assessments.
• Contribute actively to the wider Marine Ecosystems Team, supporting work on Marine Protected Areas, awareness raising, and training initiatives.
• Any other reasonable task assigned.

Skills:

• Marine Ecology Knowledge: A degree or equivalent in a relevant natural science such as zoology, biology, ecology or environmental science, with a good overview and understanding of the ecology and conservation issues affecting protected seabed habitats, marine mammals and elasmobranchs.
• Survey & Monitoring Techniques: A working knowledge of monitoring techniques relevant to those habitats and species. Formal qualifications and experience of scientific diving (CMAS 3* or equivalent), UAV survey and/or small boat handling (RYA powerboat level 2 or above) would be an advantage.
• Policy Background: A broad understanding of relevant policy and legislation including the UK Marine Strategy, the Habitats Regulations and the Marine (Scotland) Act.
• Communication Skills: An ability to recognise opportunities and develop skills to turn environmental data into clear, accessible, and engaging narratives adopting a range of methods - including for example digital platforms, storytelling, and data visualisation - to inspire and inform a range of internal and external audiences.
• Teamworking: An ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a wider team in a hybrid work environment to help deliver collective goals. Strong organisational skills with the ability to support complex projects proactively.
• Data Management & Analysis: An ability to analyse, manage and interpret environmental data.
• Travel: A valid UK driving licence (or equivalent) with the ability to travel to remote coastal locations.
• Geospatial Experience: Understanding and experience in the use of GIS (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) for habitat mapping, spatial analysis, and supporting conservation advice would be an advantage.

Prerequisites Required:

• Proof of right to work in UK.
• 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.

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

For information regarding the vacancy, please contact: The hiring manager for this post: Rona Sinclair (Mobile Species Monitoring Adviser, Marine Ecosystems). Email: Rona.Sinclair@nature.scot

For further information on the application process please contact: Email: 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.