At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to advise on marine energy projects and help Scotland reach net zero by 2045.
- Company: NatureScot, a leader in environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and a civil service pension.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging diverse applications, with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in marine conservation while working on exciting renewable energy initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in marine ecology or conservation.
The predicted salary is between 31504 - 40000 £ per year.
Marine Sustainability Adviser - Sustainable Coasts and Seas - 1 FTE - temporary to 31 March 2029) 1020-373 Marine Sustainability Adviser - Sustainable Coasts and Seas - 1 FTE – maternity leave cover for one year with possibility of extension 1020-367.
Job Purpose Summary: These are full-time, temporary roles within NatureScot’s Marine Energy Programme in the Sustainable Coasts & Seas Activity. The successful candidates will be part of a growing team to co-ordinate and deliver casework advice for offshore wind developments associated with ScotWind and InTOG as well other marine energy casework, all of which will help to meet Scotland’s 2045 net zero targets. Input will cover all development phases from pre-application engagement and EIA Scoping to marine / s.36 licence applications as well as Habitat Regulations Appraisal and EPS licensing. The post holder will engage with industry, Marine Directorate, Crown Estate Scotland and Local Authorities to help deliver NatureScot’s policies and priorities including Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. The post holder will also input to the preparation of guidance and research needed to support ScotWind, InTOG and wider marine energy developments. Working closely with other NatureScot staff, the post holder will coordinate and develop casework advice both formal and informal, written and verbal and be confident in developing solutions and / or advising on implications for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature. The post-holder will be required to contribute to the wider work of the Activity and NatureScot, including the possibility of acting as a Duty Officer working as part of the team rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Provide constructive, solution-focused advice and support for NatureScot marine industries casework advice. This will include proposals arising from marine energy proposals, oil and gas, ports and harbours, seabed pipelines and cabling infrastructure.
- Co-ordinate and lead in the preparation of robust, timely and clearly articulated advice for offshore wind and marine renewable development proposals and casework from pre-application to post-consent. This will involve liaising with NatureScot marine specialist and Operations colleagues to secure appropriate advice.
- Manage correct storage of case information and advice through email, objective and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.
- Represent NatureScot at meetings with developers, consultees and Marine Directorate.
- Represent NatureScot at meetings of inter-agency, government, partnership projects and similar groups relevant to the development of marine energy in Scotland.
- Work with colleagues and partners to identify and prioritise guidance and research needs for relevant topic areas including guidance requirements for marine energy.
- Contribute to the wider work of the Sustainable Coasts and Seas team.
- Promote awareness of NatureScot and our marine energy work through social media, press releases and the NatureScot website.
- The possibility of acting as a Duty Officer for marine pollution incidents, participating in the cover provided by NatureScot through an agreed rota system. (This can require work outside of normal working hours – weekends and evenings).
Skills:
- A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate experience or work experience.
- A sound understanding of the marine ecology, habitats and species of Scotland and issues relating to their conservation and management.
- Clear understanding of conservation and planning legislation relevant to Scotland’s seas and marine species.
- Ability to provide informed, clear and solution focused advice.
- Knowledge and experience of casework advice for coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, and potential interactions of these with coastal and marine habitats and species.
- Good communication skills - clear written and verbal presentation, and ability to communicate clearly to a variety audiences.
- Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work constructively and supportively in a team environment.
- Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, developers or government.
- Ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work.
- Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information.
Prerequisites:
- 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.
Working for NatureScot: NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.
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 is an inclusive workplace. We will share three interview questions for this vacancy prior to interviews as a way of supporting neurodiversity at NatureScot.
For information regarding the vacancy, please contact: Kim McEwan, Marine Sustainability Manager. Email: kim.mcewan@nature.scot Tel: 01463 701671. In my absence you may contact Erica Knott, Head of Marine Energy. Email: erica.knott@nature.scot Tel: 01738 458673. For information regarding the application process please contact 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.
1020-367 Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available) - D Grade - July 2026 in Glasgow employer: NatureScot
NatureScot is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, a generous benefits package including a civil service pension scheme and ample holiday leave, employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully to Scotland's environmental goals while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. Join us in making a tangible impact on marine sustainability and biodiversity, all within a collaborative team dedicated to addressing the climate emergency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 1020-367 Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available) - D Grade - July 2026 in Glasgow
✨Make the Most of Local Events
Get out there and attend sustainability and environmental management events in your area. Local meet-ups, eco-fairs, or community clean-up days are not just great for networking but also for getting to know the players in the field—plus, you might just land a temporary gig with someone you meet!
✨Join Environmental Groups
Look for online and offline communities focused on sustainability. Joining groups like the Environmental Professionals Network or local environmental clubs can help you connect with others in the field. Often, these groups share temporary job opportunities that you won't find on typical job boards.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you're still studying or recently graduated, tap into your university’s career services. They often have leads on temporary roles, internships, or projects with local organisations looking for extra hands, especially during peak seasons.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Get active on social media by sharing your insights on sustainability topics. This could include short articles, infographics, or even participating in discussions on platforms like Twitter. Showing your commitment to the cause can make you a memorable candidate when applying for temp roles at places like NatureScot.
We think you need these skills to ace 1020-367 Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available) - D Grade - July 2026 in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for a temporary role in sustainability and environmental management, it's crucial to let your passion shine through. Share any personal projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to the field. We want to see that you not only have the skills but also a deep interest in making a positive impact.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any previous experience in sustainability, whether through internships, volunteer roles, or academic projects. Mention specific contributions or achievements that relate to environmental management — like waste reduction initiatives or conservation efforts. This will help us see the value you can bring to NatureScot.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:We can't stress enough the importance of tailoring your CV specifically for this temporary role. Focus on skills and experiences that align with sustainability, like data analysis techniques for environmental surveys or knowledge of regulatory compliance. This targeted approach will make it easier for us to see why you're a great fit.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, it's key that you clearly outline your availability in your application. Let us know your start date and how long you can commit, as this helps us plan effectively. Don’t forget to mention any flexibility you might have — that can set you apart from other candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at NatureScot
✨Show Off Your Eco-Knowledge
Dive deep into the realm of sustainability practices and environmental policies. Brush up on current trends and regulations relevant to the field, like the Circular Economy or net-zero targets, as these might come up in technical discussions with NatureScot.
✨Bring Your Adaptable Mindset
As this gig is temporary, employers at NatureScot will be keen on your ability to hit the ground running. Share instances from coursework or past experiences where you quickly adapted or contributed to projects, showcasing your eagerness to learn and tackle tasks with minimal hand-holding.
✨Highlight Relevant Tools
Get familiar with key tools and software commonly used in sustainability, such as GIS for environmental mapping or life cycle assessment software. Demonstrating your proficiency with these tools will boost your profile during the interview with NatureScot.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills in environmental management. Think of examples where you've successfully tackled an environmental concern, whether in studies or during internships, to illustrate your practical knowledge and organisational fit.
