Marine Ornithology Adviser

Job title: 1011-396 Marine Ornithology Adviser vacanciesin.eu Grade: D vacanciesin.eu Vacancy type: Full time,
Temporary for 1 year vacanciesin.eu Hours: 35 hours vacanciesin.eu Salary £38,242 per annum vacanciesin.eu Location: All NatureScot
Offices/Homeworking Considered vacanciesin.eu Closing date: midday 14 June 2024 vacanciesin.eu Interview: TBC

Job Purpose Summary:

NatureScot are looking for an experienced ornithologist to help deliver and influence positive
seabird conservation measures across Scotland. Seabird Count and the HPAI Seabird Survey
Report have highlighted the severity of seabird declines across the UK over the last 20
years and the additional devastating impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the
last few years. We have a vacancy for a full-time one-year post as a marine ornithology adviser
providing advice across NatureScot and to Scottish Government, Local Authorities,
Non-Government Organisations, marine communities and other stakeholders. NatureScot’s marine
ornithology team lead on work to identify and prioritise specific site-based and wider seas
conservation measures (including Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and Priority Marine Features)
focusing on those that provide the greatest benefits to marine birds in terms of biodiversity
gain, enhancing climate change resilience /adaptation and responding to impacts. The team is
responsible for coordinating MPA marine bird monitoring, specialist advice on development and
licensing casework, leading on Scotland’s HPAI seabird response and commissioning research to
provide evidence to inform policy changes. 

The 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. The post holder should have experience of working with wide
range of stakeholders and be able to demonstrate strong project management and team working
skills. The post holder will work closely with NatureScot marine and terrestrial
ornithologists, other specialists and external organisations to deliver our marine bird work.
The post-holder will also be expected to contribute to the wider work of the Activity,
inputting to media, awareness raising and training initiatives as relevant. 

This role offers an opportunity to gain a wide variety of experience across multiple streams of
marine ornithology, including high profile marine energy casework. A detailed job plan for the
role will be developed once the candidate is appointed and in accordance with other roles and
skill sets within the marine ornithology team, but is likely to 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 development proposals. Proposals 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 research project steering groups and external working groups
   relating to marine birds, undertaking fieldwork research where necessary.
4. Contribute to the delivery of NatureScot’s marine bird MPA and conservation work including
   MPA enhancement and restoration.
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.
• 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. Previous experience of working with
  coastal communities would be desirable.

Prerequisites Required

• 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.

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. You will aim to minimise travel in accordance with NatureScot’s low carbon operating
procedures. However, you will, in some circumstances, be expected to work with colleagues and
stakeholders from across Scotland, which will involve some travel and may involve overnight
stays. 

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.

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

Interviews

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

For information regarding the vacancy, please contact:

Emma Philip, Marine Protected Areas and Ornithology Manager

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01463 725116

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact: [email protected]

ABOUT US

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.