1001-424 Operations Officer - West - C Grade - June 2026 in Lochgilphead

NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. This role contributes 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering the Development Advice Service.
• Acting as a case officer for agri‑environment and climate change schemes.
• Advising land managers on impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.
• Monitoring protected sites and proactively addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Areas of responsibility:

• Provide advice to competent authorities on statutory consultation such as planning applications, renewables, marine licences or forestry proposals.
• Serve as 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).
• Represent NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders.
• Respond to information requests from the general public.
• Undertake appropriate training and development.

Skills:

• HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• General understanding of NatureScot and its work.
• 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 influencing, listening, and clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and within a dispersed team.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, with the capacity to plan and prioritise workloads, follow processes and meet deadlines.
• Experience using multiple databases, PC‑based casework, monitoring and reporting systems, and mapping software.
• Driving licence or other suitable transport, as the role requires visiting farms, crofts and estates.
• Good level of fitness and ability to walk 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 contract.
• Must undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Gaelic language is desirable in support of our Gaelic Language Plan.

Benefits:

• Civil Service pension scheme, generous holiday allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
• Flexible working supported for all roles, including part‑time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share.
• 28.97% employer contribution to the Civil Service Pension (7.35% employee contributions).
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays.
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• Well‑being support with access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to contribute proactively to the nature and climate crisis.
• Death in service benefits.
• Cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes.
• Employee discount scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Contact Information:

Colin MacFarlane, Operations Manager – West
Tel: 0131 316 2688
Email: Colin.MacFarlane@nature.scot
Recruitment inquiries: recruitment@nature.scot

We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability.