Job Description

Job Title: 1016- 438 Operations Officer - Central Highland | Grade: C | Vacancy Type: Permanent | Salary 33,312 | Location: Fort William; Dingwall, Aviemore, Inverness or Portree preferred (Some Home and hybrid working will be considered) | Hours: 35 | Closing Date: midnight 17 December | Internal Interview date: 20 January 2026 | External Interview Date: 3 February 2026

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 local Operational team.


Your role will focus on (a) working in a team to deliver NatureScot's Development Advice Service, advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotland's nature, (b) acting as a case officer for agri-environment and climate change 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.


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

Advising consenting authorities on the implications of proposals for protected areas Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management. Monitoring protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders Responding to information requests from the general public. Undertaking appropriate training and development.

Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)

An interest in, and a passion for nature; Ability to plan, be flexible, prioritise workloads, to work with others, independently and in a dispersed team; Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including IT; Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others; Awareness of Scotland's system of protected areas, including European sites, Knowledge and understanding of the key issues of the Central Highland Area of Scotland in relation to biodiversity and climate change; Understanding of land management, and some experience of working with land managers; Awareness of NatureScot's role in supporting good development; HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management; Driving licence or other means of transport.

Prerequisites Required:

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

Working for NatureScot - what we offer you

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 including below:


An environment with flexible working options. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/benefits-of-the-pension-scheme/ 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and 2nd January. Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave. A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme. Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis. Death in service benefits. Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes. Access to an employee discounts scheme. Learning and development tailored to your role. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Application Process

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

Before applying for this post:


Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575). If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.*
External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide.
If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.

Interviews

These will be arranged as a Microsoft Teams call. External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

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.

For information regarding the post please contact:

Corrina Mertens, Operations Officer - Central Highland


Tel: 01463 701644 Email: corrina.mertens@nature.scot

For information regarding the recruitment 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.