1018-320 Operations Officer - West Central - D grade - April 2024

This is a fixed term role until the end of March 2025 working as part of the National Operations West Central team. The post holder will help deliver NatureScot's priorities relating to nature restoration, climate change and the creation of nature rich places. Helping to deliver NatureScot's Corporate Plan objectives of protecting, restoring and valuing nature, the post will be involved with a diverse range of tasks including the provision of our advice to Local Authorities, developers, land managers and others., 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. You will aim to minimise travel in accordance with NatureScot's low carbon operating procedures. However, you will, in some circumstances, be expected to work with colleagues and stakeholders from across Scotland, which will involve some travel and may involve overnight stays., 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.

The post holder will be expected to be able to think strategically and creatively, demonstrating an ability to develop positive relationships and work in partnership with others. Being able to communicate and progress the practical steps that are needed to protect, restore and value nature will also be an important aspect of the role. Working flexibly within the West Central Operations Area the post will operate within Glasgow and Clyde Valley, the Ayrshires and beyond. The role will focus on providing advice in relation to Town and Country planning, renewable energy proposals, marine licences and other regulatory casework, alongside related plans, strategies and action plans relating to biodiversity, climate change and nature recovery. The post holder will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and major initiatives within the West Central Operations area, including priority work to develop nature networks and enhance our protected areas.

The post holder should be able to show a good understanding of the main terrestrial and marine habitats, species and landscapes in lowland Scotland and be able to communicate how they can be affected by climate change, development and land management activities. The post holder should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills and an ability to work as part of a team engaging with different stakeholders on valuing and enjoying nature. The post holder should have a relevant higher education degree or equivalent qualification with transferable skills. Alternatively you should be able to demonstrate suitability for the post through relevant practical experience.

Person Specification (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

• Knowledge and experience of different types of habitats and species across the lowland Scotland including their protection, enhancement and management.


• An understanding of the Planning System and NatureScot's statutory role in planning casework and other statutory regulatory regimes


• An understanding of nature-based solutions and their benefits, with an ability to communicate how locally-bespoke nature based solutions could be identified, developed and delivered through strategy, partnership and place-based working


• Creativity and versatility in approach to work, with a proven ability to embrace new ideas and progress independently with new areas of work.


• Good verbal communication, influencing and engagement skills, demonstrating an ability to take forward NatureScot's aims and ambitions into external arenas.


• Clear written skills and a proven ability to co-ordinate contributions from a range of interests into coherent advice to customers


• A demonstrable ability to prioritise work in the face of competing workloads and demands.


• A team player that demonstrates empathy and understanding of the views and positions of others, while also showing commitment to overall team performance and the organisational objectives of NatureScot.


Prerequisites Required

• Right to work in the 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