1016-430 Operations Officer Central Highland D Grade April 2026

Job title: 1016-430 Operations Officer - Central Highland Grade: D Hours: 35 Vacancy type: Permanent Salary 41567 Location: Battleby Home & hybrid working considered Closing date: Midnight on 22 April 2026 Internal Interviews: 30 April 2026; External Interviews: 18 May 2026.

Job Purpose Summary

NatureScot is Scotlands Nature Agency protecting and restoring nature and inspiring everyone to value our natural this role you will contribute to NatureScots vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect restore and value nature as part of the local Operational team.

Your role will focus on (a) working in a team to deliver NatureScots Development Advice Service advising consulting authorities on the implications of proposals for Scotlands nature (b) advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas (C) AECS Case officer. Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected areas wildlife crime licensing and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss in local partnerships.

We are looking for flexibility across the balance of the areas of work depending on the skills and experience of the individual and of other team members. Training and mentoring will be provided on the technical aspects of the post.

NatureScot will be relocating from our current Battleby office to Pullar house Perth later this year.

Main areas of responsibility

Advising consenting authorities on the implications of development proposals affecting protected areas on land and the coast with a focus on complex and EIA-scale cases.

Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management and other tasks such as protected areas monitoring.

Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications case officer

Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders

Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)

Ability to plan be flexible prioritise workloads to work with others independently and in a dispersed team. Experience of line managing or mentoring staff beneficial.

Good communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different audiences.

Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.

Experience advising on Scotlands system of protected areas including European sites and a good knowledge and understanding of the key issues in relation to biodiversity and climate change.

Experience of working with a range of stakeholders representing the environment and land use sectors. Understanding and 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.

Good understanding of NatureScots role in supporting good development.

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.

IT skills including experience of using GIS or spatial data management.

Driving licence or other means of transport.

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:

Karen Mitchell Operations Manager - Central Highland

Email:

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact:

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.