Marine Planning Officer

Ref no: 480776
Closes: 11/08/2026
Location: UHI Shetland, Scalloway Campus, Port Arthur, Scalloway, Shetland Islands, ZE1 0PX
Salary: £38,379.64 – £41,245.47 per year plus distant islands allowance (pro rata)
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week

UHI Shetland is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Marine Planning Officer to join our Marine Spatial Planning Team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the implementation and future development of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan, working at the interface between science, policy and practice.

The successful candidate will work as part of the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership, a collaboration between UHI Shetland and Shetland Islands Council responsible for developing and implementing the statutory Regional Marine Plan under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.

This is a varied and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to work with government agencies, industry, communities and environmental organisations to help deliver sustainable marine management in one of Europe’s most dynamic marine regions.

As Marine Planning Officer, you will contribute to evidence-based marine planning through the collection, management and interpretation of environmental, socio-economic and spatial data to support the delivery, implementation and ongoing review of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan. You will support policy development, monitor plan performance, coordinate stakeholder engagement and assist the Marine Planning Partnership in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

The role combines technical, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working within an interdisciplinary team.

UHI Shetland

UHI Shetland is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), a regional university partnership based across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We provide modern, well-equipped learning facilities and deliver applied research, consultancy and knowledge exchange activity, alongside high-quality accredited and bespoke training.

UHI Shetland mirrors National terms and conditions, offering a generous 45 days per year Annual Leave allowance (pro rata), and a standard 35 hours per week for full time staff.

For residents of Shetland, Distant Islands Allowance is currently set at £2,997 which would be in addition to any salary payment (pro rata).

UHI Shetland is an equal opportunities employer operating a blind recruitment process and will not accept CVs as part of an application.

To Apply

Please download and complete the application form and return to recruitment.shetland@uhi.ac.uk – please ensure that you specify which role you wish to apply for in the application form.

Closing date: 11/08/2026