1001-330 Operations Officer - West - D Grade - April 2025

This post will help NatureScot deliver its policies and priorities (including Scotland's response to the climate emergency and biodiversity loss) in Argyll. The post holder will tackle a diverse portfolio of key tasks relating to both coastal/marine and land/freshwater management. 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. Working as part of the National Operations team the post holder will help deliver NatureScot's priorities relating to nature recovery, climate change and the creation of nature rich places. This will include working with land managers and engaging with Local Authorities, Key Agencies and other partners, to develop shared responses to the climate and nature emergencies. The key tasks of this post will require a high level of partnership working and capacity building, and exploring where NatureScot can best contribute to the Green Recovery, including through climate change and biodiversity initiatives. Responsible for implementing NatureScot's policies and priorities in Mid and South Argyll as part of the Argyll and Outer Hebrides team through:

• Leading on and providing responses to casework consultations, especially renewable energy proposals, electricity overhead line proposals, aquaculture and telecoms in Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh.
• Providing renewable energy casework capacity to other areas of Argyll and Outer Hebrides Team when required.
• Leading on protected areas casework, especially in Cowal, Bute, Helensburgh and West Loch Lomond.
• Supporting deer management initiatives, especially in Cowal, Bute & Loch Lomond.
• Act as an Agri-environment and Climate Scheme (AECS) case officer, including undertaking SRDP promotion, AECS case assessments and inspections.
• Contributing to the programme of Ecosystem Management Insights (EcoMI) and working closely with land managers in South Argyll
• Assisting with work in other NatureScot Areas and Units as required.
• Line management responsibilities for C grade Operations staff and mentoring of other members of the operational team.
Role requirements (please refer to these in your Supporting Statement), 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.


• You should have a relevant higher education degree or equivalent qualification with transferable skills. Alternatively, you should be able to demonstrate qualification by relevant practical experience.
• Familiarity with the main habitats, species and landscapes which contribute to Scotland's key natural heritage assets, especially on the west coast, and understand how they can be affected by climate change, development and land management activities.
• Understanding of the measures needed for positive management of land and sea for the benefit of nature, climate and people. Including a working understanding of areas protected for their natural heritage value. Experience with west coast habitats and species would be very helpful.
• Knowledge and experience of different types of nature based solutions and their benefits, with an ability to creatively vision and positively communicate how locally bespoke nature based solutions could be developed and delivered through partnership and place based working.
• Understanding of the broader political, economic and social context in which NatureScot operates, including a clear understanding of the approaches that might be used to engage with partners from different sectors and backgrounds.
• Creative and versatile approach to work, with a proven ability to adapt to changing situations, and embrace new areas of work.
• Good verbal communication and engagement skills, with a proven ability to take NatureScot's aims and ambitions into external arenas, influencing partners and progressing projects towards the outcomes we seek.
• Clear written skills with an ability to succinctly communicate the messages that are of greatest importance for NatureScot.
• A team player with empathy and understanding of the views and positions of others, while also demonstrating commitment to overall team performance and the organisational outcomes we seek.
• Experience of IT systems including email, Word, Excel and GIS, and open approach to learning new systems.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.
Prerequisites Required
• 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
  
  Nature is vital to us all, so it's important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland. The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.
  
  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.