Marine Sustainability Advisor

Location: NatureScot offices, home or hybrid

Salary: £41,567

Temporary x1 until 31 March 2029 and x1 12 months maternity cover with possibility of extension

1. Marine Sustainability Adviser – Sustainable Coasts and Seas – 1 FTE – temporary to 31 March 2029) 1020-375
2. Marine Sustainability Adviser – Sustainable Coasts and Seas – 1 FTE – maternity leave cover for one year with possibility of extension 1020-367

Closing date: 26 July 2026

Job Purpose Summary

These are full-time, temporary roles within NatureScot’s Marine Energy Programme in the Sustainable Coasts & Seas Activity. The successful candidates will be part of a growing team to co-ordinate and deliver casework advice for offshore wind developments associated with ScotWind and InTOG as well other marine energy casework, all of which will help to meet Scotland’s 2045 net zero targets.  Input will cover all development phases from pre-application engagement and EIA Scoping to marine / s.36 licence applications as well as Habitat Regulations Appraisal and EPS licensing. The post holder will engage with industry, Marine Directorate, Crown Estate Scotland and Local Authorities to help deliver NatureScot’s policies and priorities including Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. The post holder will also input to the preparation of guidance and research needed to support ScotWind, InTOG and wider marine energy developments.

Working closely with other NatureScot staff, the post holder will coordinate and develop casework advice both formal and informal, written and verbal and be confident in developing solutions and / or advising on implications for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature.

The post-holder will be required to contribute to the wider work of the Activity and NatureScot, including the possibility of acting as a Duty Officer working as part of the team rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Provide constructive, solution-focused advice and support for NatureScot marine industries casework advice.  This will include proposals arising from marine energy proposals, oil and gas, ports and harbours, seabed pipelines and cabling infrastructure.
2. Co-ordinate and lead in the preparation of robust, timely and clearly articulated advice for offshore wind and marine renewable development proposals and casework from pre-application to post-consent.  This will involve liaising with NatureScot marine specialist and Operations colleagues to secure appropriate advice.
3. Manage correct storage of case information and advice through email, objective and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.
4. Represent NatureScot at meetings with developers, consultees and Marine Directorate.
5. Represent NatureScot at meetings of inter-agency, government, partnership projects and similar groups relevant to the development of marine energy in Scotland.
6. Work with colleagues and partners to identify and prioritise guidance and research needs for relevant topic areas including guidance requirements for marine energy.
7. Contribute to the wider work of the Sustainable Coasts and Seas team.
8. Promote awareness of NatureScot and our marine energy work through social media, press releases and the NatureScot website.
9. The possibility of acting as a Duty Officer for marine pollution incidents, participating in the cover provided by NatureScot through an agreed rota system. (This can require work outside of normal working hours – weekends and evenings).

Skills: (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

1. A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate experience or work experience
2. A sound understanding of the marine ecology, habitats and species of Scotland and issues relating to their conservation and management.
3. Clear understanding of conservation and planning legislation relevant to Scotland’s seas and marine species
4. Ability to provide informed, clear and solution focused advice.
5. Knowledge and experience of casework advice for coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, and potential interactions of these with coastal and marine habitats and species.
6. Good communication skills – clear written and verbal presentation, and ability to communicate clearly to a variety audiences.
7. Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work constructively and supportively in a team environment.
8. Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, developers or government
9. Good interpersonal skills including excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and excellent team working skills
10. Ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing a high volume of reactive work
11. Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information.
12. Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, developers or government

Prerequisites

• Proof of right to work 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.

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:
• We support flexible working for all roles, including part-time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share. All vacancies are considered suitable for flexible working unless there is a business reason not to. We encourage applicants to discuss potential flexible working arrangements with us
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/memberhub/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

Working for NatureScot

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.

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 vacancy, please contact:

• Kim McEwan, Marine Sustainability Manager on kim.mcewan@nature.scot or 01463 701671
• In my absence you may contact Erica Knott, Head of Marine Energy on erica.knott@nature.scot or 01738 458673

Closing date: 26 July 2026

Interview date: 13 August 2026

APPLY HERE