NatureScot is Scotland's Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature, and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. You will contribute to NatureScot's vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect, restore and value nature as part of our National Operations team in North. Working as part of the National Operations team the post holder will help deliver NatureScot's priorities relating to nature recovery, climate change and the creation of nature rich places. This will include working with land managers, Local Authority, other Agencies and partners, to develop shared responses to the climate and nature emergencies. The post covers a diverse range of tasks including advising on and delivery of agri-environment and climate schemes, Protected Areas and Marine and Terrestrial Planning Proposals, and advising on applications to Peatland Action and Nature Restoration Fund applications. There may also be opportunity to assist with seasonal management and maintenance of NNRs as and when required., Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.
You should have a relevant higher education degree or equivalent qualification with transferable skills. Alternatively, you should be able to demonstrate qualification by relevant practical experience. You should be familiar with the main habitats, species and landscapes that contribute to north Scotland's key nature assets, particularly those found in and around the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland and understand how they can be affected by climate change, development and land and marine management activities. You should be able to contribute to a positive vision for a 'nature rich' and 'climate resilient' Scotland, in response to pressures, needs and opportunities. You should be able to communicate issues and effectively engage with others, including partners from different sectors and professional backgrounds. Skills (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement identifying which specific skills areas you are bringing to the role)
* Understanding of the measures needed for positive management of land for the benefit of nature, climate and people, including knowledge of agri-environment and climate support scheme in Scotland and our ambitious targets for Peatland restoration.
* Knowledge of NatureScot's role in the regulatory regimes including development planning and approach to land and marine management, particularly with regards to the Shetland and Orkney.
* Good knowledge and understanding of Protected Areas in Scotland, particularly in and around Shetland and Orkney, including NatureScot's role in their creation, monitoring and management.
* Creative and flexible approach to work, with a proven ability to adapt to changing situations, and embrace new areas of work.
* Good verbal communication and engagement skills, with a proven ability to take NatureScot's aims and ambitions into external arenas with often difficult messages, influencing partners and progressing projects towards the outcomes we seek.
* Clear written skills with an ability to succinctly communicate the messages that are of greatest importance for NatureScot.
* A team player with empathy and understanding of the views and positions of others, while also demonstrating commitment to overall team performance and the organisational outcomes we seek.
* A relevant higher education degree or equivalent qualification with transferable skills or demonstrate qualification by relevant practical experience.
* Experience of IT systems including email, Word, Excel and GIS, and open approach to learning new systems.
* Driving licence or other means of transport.
Prerequisites
* Proof of right to work in UK, and be living 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.
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.