Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support marine ornithology research and provide scientific advice on seabirds and marine renewables.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's Marine Renewables and Ecology Team, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse workforce with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Use your passion for seabirds to influence sustainable marine energy decisions.
- Qualifications: BSc in relevant field or equivalent experience; knowledge of seabird ecology is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and evidence-based decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Do you want to use your scientific and research expertise to play an important role in decisions made on the sustainable delivery of marine renewables and the marine environment?
The Marine Renewables and Ecology Team (MRE) in the Marine Directorate provides specialist scientific advice to stakeholders, regulators and policy makers. The MRE team currently has around 25 staff who provide advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine renewable energy on key receptors including birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish.
A key environmental receptor group in relation to marine renewable energy are seabirds, and we are looking to build our team of scientists by recruiting an additional marine ornithologist.
Responsibilities
- Support the Senior Marine Ornithologists in the preparation of scientific advice and guidance on seabirds within Scottish Government. This will principally be in relation to marine renewables but may also relate to other marine construction activities, marine conservation, ecosystem resilience and other policy areas.
- Identify ornithology knowledge gaps that are key constraints to the delivery of Scottish Government objectives and support research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses these to ensure that advice within Government is based on the best available evidence and practice.
- Prepare high-quality and clear materials to ensure effective communications with a range of internal Scottish Government colleagues and teams, and external stakeholders.
- Help to identify and pursue opportunities to secure external income to support relevant marine ornithology work.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a relevant BSc (Hons), or equivalent relevant work experience.
Experience
- A good understanding of seabird ecology and/or population biology, and familiarity with legislation, research and assessment tools (e.g. collision risk modelling, displacement assessment, population viability analysis) relevant to marine bird impacts of Offshore Wind in Scottish and European waters.
- Experience of ecological research including an ability to critique scientific methods and results.
Behaviours
- Making effective decisions – Level 3
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 24 November 2025 however this may be subject to change.
In the event of a high number of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all criteria.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Marine Ornithologist employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marine Ornithologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the marine ornithology field through LinkedIn or local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your seabird knowledge and relevant legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your expertise clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for marine conservation! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about seabirds and the marine environment. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Marine Ornithologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Marine Ornithologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in seabird ecology and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to marine renewables. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the job description. Be specific and provide examples from your experience that showcase your expertise in ornithology.
Be Honest and Authentic: While AI tools can help, remember to keep your application genuine. All statements should come from your own experiences. We value authenticity, so don’t try to present someone else’s ideas as your own – it could cost you the opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Seabirds
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seabird ecology and population biology. Be prepared to discuss specific species, their behaviours, and how they interact with marine renewable energy projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and assessment tools like collision risk modelling and displacement assessment. Being able to reference these during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to contribute to the team’s objectives.
✨Prepare Clear Communication Examples
Since effective communication is key, think of examples where you've successfully conveyed complex scientific information to non-experts. This could be through reports, presentations, or even informal discussions. Highlighting these experiences will show your ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.
✨Show Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with ecological research and how you critique scientific methods and results. Prepare to talk about any specific projects you've worked on, especially those related to marine ornithology, and how they align with the Scottish Government's objectives.