1016- Operations Officer Central Highland C Grade June 2026

Job title: 1016-438/332/451 Operations Officer - Central Highland Grade: C Hours: 35 (full-time) Salary 34478 Vacancy type: 1016-438/451 Permanent and 1016-332 Temporary until 15 February 2027 Location: Perth Fort William; Dingwall Aviemore Inverness (Some Home and hybrid working will be considered) Closing date: Midnight 21 June 2026 Interview date: 30 June 2026

Job Purpose Summary

NatureScot is Scotlands Nature Agency protecting and restoring nature and inspiring everyone to value our natural world. You will contribute to NatureScots vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect restore and value nature in 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) acting as a case officer for agri-environment and climate change schemes and (c) advising land managers on the impacts of their management proposals on protected areas. Other areas of work will include monitoring of protected sites and proactive work to address climate change and biodiversity loss to deliver our corporate plan priorities.

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.

Areas of responsibility

• Advising consenting authorities on the implications of proposals for protected areas
• Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications
• Providing advice on protected areas management and wildlife management.
• Monitoring protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites
• Providing advice on land marine and freshwater management
• Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and with local stakeholders
• Responding to information requests from the general public.
• Undertaking appropriate training and development.

Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)

1. An interest in and a passion for nature;
2. Awareness of Scotlands system of protected areas including European sites
3. Knowledge and understanding of the key issues of the Central Highland Area of Scotland in relation to biodiversity and climate change;
4. Ability to plan be flexible prioritise workloads to work with others independently and in a dispersed team;
5. Good communication skills both written and verbal including IT;
6. Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others;
7. Understanding of land management and some experience of working with land managers;
8. Awareness of NatureScots role in supporting good development;
9. HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management;
10. Driving licence or other means of transport.

Prerequisites

• 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

Working for NatureScot

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. 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.

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 shouldread the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
• External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide link below
• you have previously applied for a vacancywith NatureScotyou must remove thesupporting statementfrom your profile beforeuploading anew version.

  Interviews

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

  NatureScot is an inclusive workplace. We will share interview questions for this vacancy prior to interviews as a way of supporting neurodiversity at NatureScot.

  For information regarding the post please contact:

  Rhona McInroy

  Corrina Mertens Operations Officer 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.