Description Job Description 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 two additional senior marine ornithologist. As Senior Marine Ornithologist, you will provide scientific advice within Scottish Government on marine birds, including on regulatory, planning, and policy workstreams related to marine renewable energy development. Contributing to both internal (the Scottish Marine Energy Research (ScotMER) Programme) and external (e.g. Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Partnership (ORJIP), Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) Programme) renewables research initiatives/ You will also help to build the scientific evidence base relied upon by decision makers through experimental design, data collection, analysis, and critically, through effective communication of findings to non-specialists. The role requires active engagement with researchers from academia, statutory bodies and non-government organisation. Whilst the role will predominantly be focussed on issues related to Marine Renewables, we operate a flexible resourcing policy within the Marine Directorate and as such the post holder maybe required to work on other areas of high priority work as required. Responsibilities Responsibilities In consultation with the Marine Ornithology Lead and other marine ornithologist in the team lead on the preparation of components 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, delivering research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses these and ensures that advice within Government is based on the best available evidence and practice. Represent Scottish Government at external meetings regarding these issues. Prepare high-quality and clear materials to ensure effective communications with a range of internal Scottish Government colleagues and teams, and external stakeholders. Seek opportunities to secure external income to support relevant marine ornithology work. The position may include people and delivery management with support to develop leadership and management skills. Qualifications Qualifications A PhD in a relevant subject or equivalent relevant work experience. Please indicate on your CV/Personal Statement that you hold the required qualifications. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Communicating Science and Engineering for Government - Leader Broad Thinking - Practitioner You can find out more about the skills required here. Experience: A comprehensive understanding of seabird ecology and/or population biology, and working knowledge of the legislation, research and assessment tools (e.g. collision risk modelling, displacement assessment, population liability analysis) relevant to marine bird impacts of Offshore Wind in Scottish and European waters. A proven track record in ecological research, including an ability to critique scientific methods and results, and ability to communicate complex scientific issue to a range of audiences. Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions – Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before midnight 21 April 2025, 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. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an Interview and Presentation. Assessments are scheduled May however this may be subject to change. 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. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.