1016-430 Operations Officer - Central Highland - D Grade - April 2026 in Perth

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 as part of the local Operational team. Your role will focus on:

• Working in a team to deliver NatureScot’s Development Advice Service, advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotland’s nature.
• Advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.
• AECS Case officer.

Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected areas, wildlife crime, licensing, and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss in local partnerships. 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. NatureScot will be relocating from our current Battleby office to Pullar house, Perth later this year.

Main areas of responsibility:

• Advising consenting authorities on the implications of development proposals affecting protected areas on land and the coast, with a focus on complex and EIA‑scale cases.
• Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management and other tasks such as protected areas monitoring.
• Agri‑Environment Climate Scheme applications case officer.
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders.

Skills:

• Ability to plan, be flexible, prioritise workloads, to work with others, independently and in a dispersed team.
• Experience of line managing or mentoring staff beneficial.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different audiences.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.
• Experience advising on Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites, and a good knowledge and understanding of the key issues in relation to biodiversity and climate change.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders representing the environment and land use sectors.
• Understanding and being able to communicate and progress the practical steps that are needed to protect, restore and value nature will also be an important aspect of the role.
• Good understanding of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development.
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• IT skills including experience of using GIS or spatial data 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.

Benefits:

• NatureScot offers a benefits package including the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
• An 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.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion:

NatureScot is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.