Marine Ornithology Adviser
Location: Any NatureScot office, home and hybrid working considered
Salary: £40,161
Closing date: Sunday 21 December 2025
Job Purpose Summary
NatureScot is seeking an experienced ornithologist to support and drive seabird conservation across Scotland. This role will focus on facilitating seabird restoration, resilience and enhancement measures at colonies and in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) including contributing to NatureScot’s statutory advisory work, developing guidance, research and monitoring.
Scotland’s coastline and waters are of global importance to seabirds however, the most recent census (Seabird Count) shows that our seabirds are in trouble and urgent action is required to address these declines. In response, the Scottish Government has published the Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan. The plan takes a holistic, multi-faceted approach and identifies actions where they are most needed and can be most effective. To help deliver these priority actions through NatureScot’s core areas of work, we are recruiting a full-time, one-year position within our marine ornithology team.
NatureScot’s marine ornithology team lead on work to deliver seabird and inshore wintering waterfowl (divers, seaducks and grebes) conservation priorities and monitoring, providing expert advice, and supporting policy changes and research. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have strong seabird ecology knowledge, excellent project management and communication skills. They will work closely with internal teams and external partners, including the Scottish Government. The post-holder will also be expected to contribute to the wider work of the Activity Team, inputting to media, awareness raising and training initiatives as relevant.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Role key tasks:
- Provide marine ornithology expertise to NatureScot to inform development and implementation of seabird conservation measures at seabird colony and foraging Marine Protected Areas and wider seas protection for example, habitat restoration and enhancement, enhancing species legislative protection, managing disturbance and raising awareness.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of NatureScot guidance and advice including seabird licensing and development casework.
- Represent NatureScot on seabird research project steering groups and external working groups.
- Contribute to the delivery of MPA seabird monitoring including undertaking fieldwork, assessment and reporting.
- Promote awareness of NatureScot and our marine work through social media, press releases and the NatureScot website.
- Contribute to wider NatureScot team events and input into the preparation, monitoring and delivery of business plan targets.
Skills: (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)
- A degree or equivalent in a relevant natural science such as zoology, biology, ecology or environmental science plus relevant post-graduate experience.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the ecology of Scottish seabirds.
- Knowledge of Scottish marine conservation policy. Seabird conservation work experience is desirable but not essential.
- Good knowledge of marine bird monitoring techniques including land and boat-based survey, vantage-point survey, digital aerial survey and remote technology.
- Effective written and verbal communications, especially the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently.
- Sound project management skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work as part of a team and in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage action by others.
Prerequisites Required
- Candidates 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.
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)
- 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
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.
Closing date: Sunday 21 December 2025
Interview date: Friday 23 January 2025