1014-387 Landscape Adviser D Grade October 2025

NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Landscape is a key element of our statutory remit which helps to connect nature, people, and place. The importance of nature-positive landscapes in the creation of great places to live, work, and visit is well recognised for its contribution to Scotland's health and economic prosperity. We also know that significant landscape change will be needed to halt biodiversity loss and tackle the climate emergency, and this will require the application of landscape skills and perspectives.

This post provides exciting opportunities to input to plans, policies, and guidance that will help Scotland's landscapes change. The elements of the role will include:

• Developing our national approach to landscape character data and assessment.
• The development of thinking on National Parks and other protected landscapes.
• Inputting to the new priorities and strategic actions in our new Corporate Plan to 2030.

You will be part of the People and Places Activity team which leads NatureScot's exciting range of work to inspire more people and communities to experience, enjoy, connect, and benefit from nature. This includes a range of work on the provision of policy advice and project work on:

• Nature engagement
• Landscape and greenspace
• Paths
• Green infrastructure and place-making
• Nature reserves, parks, and other places managed for people and nature
• Recreation access rights, visitor management, and tourism

The Activity also develops and co-ordinates NatureScot's approach to human rights, a healthy environment, just transition, and nature-based solutions. We are also the national lead for NatureScot's National Nature Reserves and Nature Reserves.

This is a permanent full-time role with NatureScot. We encourage applications from those seeking part-time employment or flexible working arrangements.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and regular updating and promotion of landscape guidance and other resources.
• Develop thinking on protected landscapes including keeping our approach to National Parks, NSAs, and local landscape designation up to date.
• Input to priorities and strategic actions in the new corporate plan.
• Deliver aspects of NatureScot's national landscape monitoring programme.
• Contribute to policy development on planning and land-use policy frameworks.
• Develop and implement reporting on European Landscape Convention activity in Scotland.
• Occasionally provide landscape advice to NatureScot colleagues on strategic planning issues.

Skills and Competencies:

• A relevant accredited degree in landscape architecture, landscape planning, or a closely-related discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Landscape Institute or the RTPI or willingness to work towards a relevant accreditation.
• Knowledge and/or understanding of Strategic Environmental Assessment, Landscape Character Assessment, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, and the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
• Ability to provide informed, clear, and solution-focused landscape advice.
• Effective communication and engagement skills.
• A team player with empathy and understanding of the views and positions of others.
• Creativity and versatility in approach to work.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• The ability to undertake fieldwork that may entail long days.
• The ability to use MS Office software.

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.

Working for NatureScot - what we offer you:

• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Days of annual leave including 5 fixed public holidays.
• 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 nature and climate crisis.
• Death in service benefits.
• 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.

If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot, you must remove the supporting statement from your profile before uploading a new version.

NatureScot's Net Zero commitment:

Whether working at home or in an office, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan through positive carbon travel choices.

For information regarding the vacancy, please contact Laura Campbell, Landscape and Greenspace Manager.

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