Policy Advisor Environmental

Job Title:  Diadromous Fish Adviser | Grade: D |

Hours:

35 (full-time) | Vacancy type:
Permanent | Salary £41,567 |

Location:

Flexible (Mainland Nature Scot office, home and hybrid working considered) | Closing date:
Midnight 7 June 2026 | Internal Interview date: week commencing 15 June 2026 | External Interview date: week commencing 29 June 2026

Specialist adviser on diadromous and other native freshwater fish, sitting within the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Activity of Nature Scot. Providing solutions focused advice to colleagues in Sustainable Coast and Seas Activity on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables development casework as well as other Nature Scot colleagues and partners on species‑appropriate conservation management. Help lead Nature Scot’s work relating to specific obligations under the Habitats Directive as well as reviewing and advising on Environmental Impact Assessment Reports supporting development cases.

Provision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. The post holder may also be required to supervise Masters and PhD‑level projects and assist in the delivery of other new or emerging conservation initiatives for diadromous fish as capacity allows.

• Alongside the Group Leader, be a national point of contact for all enquiries relating to diadromous fish advice within Nature Scot from internal and external sources.
• Provision of expert advice on planning and development casework, with a strong emphasis on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables. Support in the provision of advice in relation to the interactions between diadromous fish with beavers, and piscivorous predators may also be required.
• Commissioning and managing high quality research on diadromous fish to underpin Nature Scot’s work.
• Coordinating and contributing to the work of Government, relevant agencies and expert groups within Scotland and the UK to develop conservation policy and guidance on diadromous fish.
• Assisting in the coordination and delivery of actions contained within the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy.
• Developing effective working relationships with key stakeholders within this area of expertise (including Scottish Government, SG Marine Directorate, SEPA, Fisheries Management Scotland, Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre, individual District Salmon Fishery Boards and Fishery Trusts and others).
• Input to the development of briefing materials for senior managers and Scottish Government in relation to contentious or novel issues relating to diadromous fish.
• Provision of specialist expert advice on condition assessment and site management for diadromous fish in Scotland’s protected site network and the wider environment.
• Provision of specialist advice on freshwater fish in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Species on the Edge, Red Listing and species prioritisation (Species at Risk).
• Contribute to the wider team within Nature Scot, building knowledge and capacity for engagement of a wider spectrum of colleagues with relevant casework.
• Applying, and contributing to the development of procedures, guidance and standards that help us deliver robust advice.
• Manage correct storage of case information and advice through Informed
  
  DECISION casework platform, email, filing systems and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.

• A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post‑graduate experience or work experience
• A clear understanding of relevant conservation and licensing legislation
• A sound understanding of diadromous fish species and all stages of their ecology, particularly Atlantic Salmon.
• A solid understanding of survey and monitoring techniques used to monitor and assess the status of diadromous fish, and their supporting habitats.
• Knowledge and experience of terrestrial, coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, including hydro schemes, onshore wind, aquaculture, marine energy, ports/harbours and…