Job Description

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Job title: 1006-331/324/1018-320/321 Operations Officer (4 positions) | Grade: C | Vacancy type: 1 x position Full time, temporary until March 2026 / 2 x positions Full time, temporary until March 2024 and 1 Full time, temporary until December 2023 | Hours: 35 hours | Salary \xc2\xa329,063 | Location: Scotland, any South or West Central office location | Closing date: Midday, 27 July 2023 | Internal Interview Date: 3 August 2023 | External interview Date: 22 August 2023

Job Purpose Summary

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 in the National Operations South Team.

The focus will be on Delivering the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy by:
(a) Working in a team to deliver NatureScot\'s advice to other statutory regulators, advising on the implications of proposals for Scotland\'s nature,

(b) Providing advice to farmers and other land-managers, including acting as a case officer for Agri-Environment and Climate Schemes and

(c) Advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas.

Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected sites, and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss and influencing strategic plans.

We are looking for flexibility across the balance of the areas of work, depending on the skills and experience of the individual and of other team members. Training and mentoring will be provided on the technical aspects of the post.

Areas of Responsibility

Implementing NatureScot\'s policies and priorities as part of the Operational team through:

• Responding to casework consultations, including planning applications, renewable energy proposals, marine licenses, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) consents, Controlled Activities Regulations licenses and requests for advice both internally and externally as required.
• Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications to secure favorable management of protected areas.
• Providing advice to stakeholders and land managers on protected areas management (including European sites and SSSIs) and wildlife management including protected species casework.
• Contributing effectively to the monitoring of protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites, including Site Condition Monitoring and Site Checks.
• Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management including Invasive Non-Native Species and biodiversity.
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders developing positive relationships with local communities and agencies.
• Responding to information requests for natural heritage information from the general public.

Prerequisites Required

• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
• 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

Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)

• An interest in, and a passion for nature.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and climate change challenges facing Scotland.
• An understanding of land management.
• Awareness of NatureScot\'s role in supporting good development.
• Awareness of Scotland\'s system of protected areas, including European sites.
• Driving license or other means of transport.

NatureScot\'s Net Zero commitment

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.

Application Process

Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application.

Before applying for this post:

• Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
• External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide

All Applicants please note if you have already applied for a vacancy on Fusion please ensure you remove the supporting statement saved in your profile and upload your new supporting statement.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally

For information regarding the vacancy please contact

Matt Burnett, Operations Manager - South and Central Highland

Email: Tel:

For information regarding the application process please contact: recruitment@nature.scot

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.

Working with NatureScot - What we offer you

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