Marine Ornithology Adviser x5

1011-369/1011-401/1020-359/1020-360/1020-361 Marine Ornithology Adviser Grade: D
Hours: 35 (full-time) Vacancy type: 1011-401/1020-359/1020-360/1020-361 temporary until
31.03.2025 with possibility of extension 1011-369 temporary until 09.06.2025 with possibility
of extension Location: All NatureScot offices/ homeworking considered Closing Date Midday 21
August Internal Interview: 3 September 2024 External Interview: 5/6 September 2024

Job Purpose Summary:

NatureScot are looking for several marine ornithology advisers to work in either NatureScot’s
marine teams – Marine Ecosystems or Sustainable Coasts and Seas.

These posts will provide technical support and advice on marine bird interactions with various
industries including offshore wind proposals with leases awarded through ScotWind, demonstrator
sites, the decarbonisation of oil and gas platforms through INTOG, and associated cable
infrastructure. There is also a growing need to provide advice in relation ports and harbours
and wet storage. Advice is also required for non-marine energy developments such as
aquaculture, seaweed harvesting and fisheries. 

Marine Ornithologists also lead on work to identify and prioritise specific site-based and
wider seas conservation measures (including relating to Marine Protected Areas and Priority
Marine Features) focusing on those that provide the greatest benefits to seabirds in terms of
biodiversity gain, enhancing climate change resilience /adaptation and responding to impacts of
avian influenza (HPAI), and commissioning research to provide evidence to inform policy
changes.

Any successful post holder is expected to be a highly motivated and knowledgeable ornithologist
with a good understanding of Scotland’s marine environment, policy and legislation relating to
its sustainable use and management. They should have experience of working with a wide range of
stakeholders and be able to demonstrate strong project management and team working skills.
They will work closely with NatureScot marine and terrestrial ornithologists, other
specialists, caseworkers and external organisations to deliver our marine bird work. Successful
candidates will also be expected to contribute to the wider work of each Activity, inputting to
media, awareness raising and training initiatives as relevant. 

These roles offer an opportunity to gain a wide variety of experience across multiple streams
of marine ornithology. A detailed job plan for the role will be developed once candidates are
appointed, but may include the following work areas: 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Provide constructive, solution-focused ornithology advice to support NatureScot’s statutory
   consultation responses to marine and coastal industries and development activities. Advice will
   require detailed assessment of impact pathways and population impacts to inform the Habitats
   Regulations Appraisal process, and other related assessments.
2. Prepare internal and external guidance to facilitate consistency and efficient delivery of
   marine ornithology advice.
3. Represent NatureScot on marine bird research project steering groups and external working
   groups.
4. Contribute to the delivery of NatureScot’s marine bird MPA and wider seas conservation work
   with the potential for site visits where necessary.
5. Contribute to the general work of the two marine and coastal Activity Teams, through
   attendance at Activity meetings, participation in Activity training events and input into the
   preparation, monitoring and delivery of business plan targets.

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

• A degree or equivalent in a relevant natural science such as zoology, biology, ecology or
  environmental science plus relevant post-graduate experience.
• Clear understanding of conservation and planning legislation relevant to birds and
  Scotland’s seas including the EC Birds Directive, Habitats Regulations and the Marine
  (Scotland) Act.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the ecology of Scottish seabirds including current
  pressures, sensitivities, and impact pathways.
• Working knowledge of marine bird monitoring techniques including land and boat-based
  survey, vantage-point survey, digital aerial survey and remote technology.
• Experience of preparing or responding to Environmental Impact Assessments, including
  Habitats Regulations Appraisal.
• Effective written and verbal communications, especially the ability to convey complex
  information clearly and confidently.
• Sound project management skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet
  deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work as part of a team and in partnership,
  to foster good relations and to encourage action by others. 

Prerequisites:

• 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.

NatureScot’s 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 should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
• External applicants should read the Online 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.

For information regarding the vacancy, please contact:

The hiring managers for these posts -:

Alex Robbins (Marine Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Coasts and Seas) [email protected] 

Erica Knott (Head of Marine Energy, Sustainable Coasts and Seas) [email protected]

Lucy Quinn (Marine Ornithology and MPA manager, Marine Ecosystems) [email protected] 

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.