1013-343 Nature Reserve Officer North C Grade January 2026

Job title: 1013-343 Nature Reserve Officer - North Grade: C Vacancy type: Fixed Term Appointment until 30 September 2026 Hours: 35 Salary: 33312 Location: Isle of Noss NNR Closing date: Midnight 11 February 2026 Internal Interview date: 19 February 2026 External Interview date: 26 February 2026

Job Purpose Summary:

The post holder will be jointly responsible for the day to day management of the Isle of Noss NNR and delivery of the Reserve Plan working closely with fellow Seasonal Reserve Officer. This will include ensuring the delivery of the detailed annual seabird monitoring programme operating the inflatable ferry and welcoming visitors to the island. The post holder will be responsible for the practical day to day management of the islands residential buildings and related infrastructure.

Basic accommodation for the two Reserve Officers is provided on the island and the post holder will be expected to live there during the course of the season.

Areas of Responsibility - Role Specific Tasks:

Management for People

Meet all visitors to the island; give introductory talks to each party and be available throughout the duration of their stay to provide emergency cover and on-site interpretation to enhance visitor experience.

Carry out day to day running of the ferry service and ensure safe operation of the ferry.
Give monthly guided walks.
Assist with any educational groups or specialist visits to the island as required.

Monitoring and survey
Carry out the seabird monitoring programme as set out in the Isle of Noss monitoring handbook and ensure its delivery.
Complete monthly and annual reports for the NNR.
Undertake all other monitoring identified in the Isle of Noss Reserve Plan

Reserve Management
Carry out the day to day running and upkeep of the islands residential buildings and infrastructure.
Carry out and/or supervise the maintenance of all paths visitor facilities signage on the reserve.
Assist with the maintenance of boats engines equipment and tools in a satisfactory and safe way.

Handle boat fares and sales cash deliver weekly to office.

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

1. Boat handling experience especially inflatable powerboats.
2. Experience of seabird monitoring including census and productivity measurement.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of dealing with the general public and other stakeholders.
4. Physical fitness including manual handling and helping passengers safely to and from small boat in challenging conditions.
5. Experience of using electronic records and document management systems email Word and Excel.
6. Ability to live in isolated environments and work cooperatively in small teams.
7. Boat handling and first aid qualifications (towards RYA Commercial Endorsement).
8. Good knowledge of British natural history including species identification.
9. Aptitude towards practical tasks (e.g. machinery and equipment and infrastructure maintenance).
10. Good writing skills including report writing and social media.

Prerequisites Required

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
• 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 thecivil service pension scheme a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScotwebsite for further detailsincluding below:
• An environment with flexible working options
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) days of annual leave including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Years 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

Application Process

Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application.

Before applying for this post;

• Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
• External applicants should read theOnline Job Application Guide

If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile before uploading a new version.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

NatureScots 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:

Daniel Brazier

Email: @

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact:

recruitment@

Nature is vital to all of us so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.