Policy Advisor Environmental

Job Purpose Summary

Specialist adviser on diadromous and other native freshwater fish, sitting within the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Activity of NatureScot. Providing solutions focused advice to colleagues in Sustainable Coast and Seas Activity on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables development casework as well as other NatureScot colleagues and partners on species‑appropriate conservation management. Help lead NatureScot’s work relating to specific obligations under the Habitats Directive as well as reviewing and advising on Environmental Impact Assessment Reports supporting development cases. Provision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. The post holder may also be required to supervise Masters and PhD‑level projects and assist in the delivery of other new or emerging conservation initiatives for diadromous fish as capacity allows.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Alongside the Group Leader, be a national point of contact for all enquiries relating to diadromous fish advice within NatureScot from internal and external sources.
• Provision of expert advice on planning and development casework, with a strong emphasis on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables.
• Support in the provision of advice in relation to the interactions between diadromous fish with beavers, and piscivorous predators may also be required.
• Commissioning and managing high quality research on diadromous fish to underpin NatureScot’s work.
• Coordinating and contributing to the work of Government, relevant agencies and expert groups within Scotland and the UK to develop conservation policy and guidance on diadromous fish.
• Assisting in the coordination and delivery of actions contained within the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy.
• Developing effective working relationships with key stakeholders within this area of expertise (including Scottish Government, SG Marine Directorate, SEPA, Fisheries Management Scotland, Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre, individual District Salmon Fishery Boards and Fishery Trusts and others).
• Input to the development of briefing materials for senior managers and Scottish Government in relation to contentious or novel issues relating to diadromous fish.
• Provision of specialist expert advice on condition assessment and site management for diadromous fish in Scotland’s protected site network and the wider environment.
• Provision of specialist advice on freshwater fish in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Species on the Edge, Red Listing and species prioritisation (Species at Risk).
• Contribute to the wider team within NatureScot, building knowledge and capacity for engagement of a wider spectrum of colleagues with relevant casework.
• Applying, and contributing to the development of procedures, guidance and standards that help us deliver robust advice.
• Manage correct storage of case information and advice through InformedDECISION casework platform, email, filing systems and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.

Skills

• A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post‑graduate experience or work experience.
• A clear understanding of relevant conservation and licensing legislation.
• A sound understanding of diadromous fish species and all stages of their ecology, particularly Atlantic Salmon.
• A solid understanding of survey and monitoring techniques used to monitor and assess the status of diadromous fish, and their supporting habitats.
• Knowledge and experience of terrestrial, coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, including hydro schemes, onshore wind, aquaculture, marine energy, ports/harbours and the potential interactions with diadromous fish species.
• A comprehensive understanding of the pressures affecting diadromous fish migration, including predation.
• Highly developed numeracy and data analysis skills, preferably with competence in the use of R.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information to provide informed, clear and solution‑focused advice.
• Good interpersonal skills including excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and excellent team working skills.
• Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, developers or government.
• Knowledge of NatureScot’s priorities and processes and an awareness of the political environment in which NatureScot operates.
• Ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work.

Pre‑requisites

• Right to work in the UK.
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland Application.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.
• 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 – what we offer you

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. Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:

• 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.
• 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.

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.