Climate & Environment Officer

The National Trust for Scotland is an independent charity set up in 1931 for the preservation and conservation of natural and human heritage significant to Scotland and the world. The Trust has gone on to become Scotland's largest membership organisation and a leader in conserving and promoting the nation's treasured places and collections so they can be enjoyed by present and future generations. The Trust’s new 10 Year Strategy: Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone has recently been launched with a strong focus on caring for Scotland’s special places and the environment through best practice in conservation.  

Environment & Sustainability 

The protection of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, its flora and fauna, and its landscapes and buildings is a core purpose of the National Trust for Scotland, driving activities across the organisation, and informing its identity as a charity, as well as the identity of Scotland and its people. All of these elements are fundamentally threatened by the impacts of climate change. As such, action in response to climate change is a central concern for the National Trust for Scotland. The Trust also has to do its part in reducing its environmental footprint, using less resources, and becoming more sustainable in all of its operations.  

This has been recognised for a number of years by the Trust and work has been taken forward including development of a Climate Change Action Plan, an adaptation assessment, renewable energy initiatives, climate risk modelling and energy reduction strategies. The Trust is now at an important point in its ambitions, with a new strategy in place, a stretching carbon reduction target, and a commitment to greater sustainability.  

The Trust is now well placed to bring a renewed, dedicated focus to the challenges associated with climate change and environmental performance. This new post will act as a focal point for better environmental management, including data collection and analysis, ensuring compliance requirements are met, and achieving better carbon management.  

JOB PURPOSE  

This job exists to support the Environment and Climate Change Manager, helping coordinate the National Trust for Scotland’s climate change and environmental management activities, and the delivery and mainstreaming of the Trust’s environmental objectives.  

They will liaise with staff across the organisation to improve compliance with all relevant legislation and support in rolling out a new Climate and Environment Policy and new Climate and Environment Action Plan.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Data collection, analysis and reporting to inform the Trust’s environmental management 

Provide advice to property staff on request and through production of briefings and contributions to project development 

Support the development of climate change and environment related policy, standards and guidance.  

Support the delivery of new staff climate change awareness training  

Support the development of a new Green Champions Network  

Procure specialist advice and research into heritage related climate change adaptation. 

The post holder will support the development of systems for the ongoing collection of information to achieve systematic reporting for environmental indicators.  

Help develop and report on performance measures, track progress with compliance, and the implementation of targets within plans and strategies – in particular the new Climate and Environment Action Plan  

Supporting the running of the Trust’s internal Climate and Environment Group 

Contribute to the wider work of the department and the Trust as required