1013-320 Operations Officer - North - C Grade - June 2026 in Kirkwall

NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature, and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. In this role 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. Based in Orkney, this is an exciting opportunity to help protect and restore nature across the Orkney Islands and the wider North of Scotland.

Job Purpose Summary

Based in Orkney, you will focus on working with others to develop an effective biosecurity plan and delivery model as part of the legacy for the current stoat eradication underway across the Islands, working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s Development Advice Service, advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature, providing advice on schemes covering agri‑environment and climate, peatland action and nature restoration, and advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas and providing advice relating to wildlife management. Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected areas, and proactive work to address climate change.

Initially, approximately 50% of your time will be spent working with others, including local communities, in developing the biosecurity plan and taking forward agreed actions such as developing sustainable models for delivering biosecurity on the non‑connected high risk Orkney Isles. You may also be required to assist with coordinating incursion responses when INNS are identified on high risk Islands. We are looking for flexibility across the remaining 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. You will also have an opportunity to work with colleagues to help develop future NatureScot INNS policy and guidance for high risk Islands.

Areas of Responsibility

• Developing a Biosecurity Plan and delivery model for Orkney as part of our legacy commitment to the current stoat eradication (Orkney Native Wildlife Project) taking place across the Isles.
• Assisting in the co‑ordination of incursion responses on high risk Islands.
• Advising consenting authorities on the implications of proposals for protected areas.
• Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management.
• Monitoring protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites.
• Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management.
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders.
• Advising on applications to various schemes: Agri‑environment and Climate, Peatland Action and Nature Restoration Fund.
• Responding to information requests from the general public.
• Undertaking appropriate training and development.

Skills

• An interest in, and a passion for nature.
• Ability to plan, be flexible, prioritise workloads, work with others, independently and in a dispersed team.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including IT.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, foster good relations and encourage actions by others.
• Awareness of Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites.
• Knowledge and understanding of the key environmental issues relating to the Orkney Islands.
• Understanding of land management, and some experience of working with land managers.
• Awareness of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development (i.e. planning development consultations).
• Physically able to undertake fieldwork and remote site visits as and when required.
• Some travel and overnight stays on Islands may be required.
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.

Prerequisites

• 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.
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract.
• Driving license or other means of transport.

Benefits

• NatureScot offers benefits including a civil service pension scheme, generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi‑time, and employee discount scheme.
• Support for flexible working for all roles, including part‑time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share.
• 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.
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• Access to an employee assistance programme for wellbeing.
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to 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.

EEO Statement

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.