Senior Environmental Advisor

Senior Environmental Advisor

Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Scottish Government

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead marine environmental assessments and ensure compliance with key legislation.
  • Company: Join the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate, driving Scotland’s Net Zero targets.
  • Benefits: Receive a £5,000 pay supplement and contribute to impactful projects.
  • Other info: Temporary role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling climate change and shaping Scotland's offshore future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment and strong regulatory knowledge required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Would you like to be at the heart of delivering Scotland’s Net Zero targets? This is an exciting opportunity to work in the high-profile Marine Directorate Licencing and Operations Team (MD-LOT) assessing proposals for Scotland’s offshore energy and supporting infrastructure developments. The offshore energy and ports and harbour applications processed by MD-LOT are highly technical in nature. They often relate to multi-million pound development and infrastructure projects, which make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s priorities growing the economy and tackling the climate emergency.

This post comes with a £5,000 MD LOT pay supplement, recognising the specialist expertise and impact the role brings. As a Senior Marine Environment Assessment Advisor, you’ll ensure that major marine decisions meet key environmental legislation and drive high‑quality, evidence‑based regulation. In this influential role, you’ll guide colleagues and applicants through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA), while also quality‑assuring assessments that shape Scotland’s offshore future.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for ensuring that applications involving EIA and HRA are processed in line with statutory requirements and reflect policy.
  • Work closely with licensing and consenting colleagues providing advice and support in all aspects of EIA and HRA.
  • Work closely with Scottish Government Legal Directorate to ensure that any changes to environmental legislation are reflected in decision making.
  • Manage continual improvement by producing relevant guidance, templates and training for staff.

Qualifications

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months.

How to Apply:

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process:

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc. Please be advised this vacancy is open only to Priority Movers.

Further Information:

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact rebecca.young@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Senior Environmental Advisor employer: Scottish Government

Join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of Scotland’s commitment to achieving Net Zero targets. As a Senior Environmental Advisor, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, offering a competitive £5,000 pay supplement for your expertise. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive work culture, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence significant marine projects while contributing to environmental sustainability in a vibrant location.

Scottish Government

Contact Details:

Scottish Government Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Environmental Advisor

Get Involved in Local Projects

Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!

Use Industry-Specific Platforms

Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.

Network at Environmental Events

Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!

Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications

Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Scottish Government through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Environmental Advisor

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA)
Knowledge of Environmental Legislation
Regulatory Compliance
Quality Assurance
Guidance Development
Training and Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!

Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Scottish Government. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.

Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!

Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Scottish Government. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government

Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools

In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.

Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions

For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.