Marine Sustainability Advisor Job Hamilton area,Scotland UK,Science

Position: Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available)

These are full‑time, temporary roles within Nature Scot’s Marine Energy Programme in the Sustainable Coasts & Seas Activity. The successful candidates will be part of a growing team to co‑ordinate and deliver casework advice for offshore wind developments associated with Scot Wind and InTOG as well other marine energy casework, all of which will help to meet Scotland’s 2045 net zero targets.

Input will cover all development phases from pre‑application engagement and EIA Scoping to marine / s.36 licence applications as well as Habitat Regulations Appraisal and EPS licensing. The post holder will engage with industry, Marine Directorate, Crown Estate Scotland and Local Authorities to help deliver Nature Scot’s policies and priorities including Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis.

The post holder will also input to the preparation of guidance and research needed to support Scot Wind, InTOG and wider marine energy developments.

Working closely with other Nature Scot staff, the post holder will coordinate and develop casework advice both formal and informal, written and verbal and be confident in developing solutions and / or advising on implications for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature.

The post-holder will be required to contribute to the wider work of the Activity and Nature Scot, including the possibility of acting as a Duty Officer working as part of the team rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Provide constructive, solution‑focused advice and support for Nature Scot marine industries casework advice. This will include proposals arising from marine energy proposals, oil and gas, ports and harbours, seabed pipelines and cabling infrastructure.

Co‑ordinate and lead in the preparation of robust, timely and clearly articulated advice for offshore wind and marine renewable development proposals and casework from pre‑application to post‑consent. This will involve liaising with Nature Scot marine specialist and Operations colleagues to secure appropriate advice.

Manage correct storage of case information and advice through email, objective and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.

Represent Nature Scot at meetings with developers, consultees and Marine Directorate.

Represent Nature Scot at meetings of inter‑agency, government, partnership projects and similar groups relevant to the development of marine energy in Scotland.

Work with colleagues and partners to identify and prioritise guidance and research needs for relevant topic areas including guidance requirements for marine energy.

Contribute to the wider work of the Sustainable Coasts and Seas team.

Promote awareness of Nature Scot and our marine energy work through social media, press releases and the Nature Scot website.

The possibility of acting as a Duty Officer for marine pollution incidents, participating in the cover provided by Nature Scot through an agreed rota system. (This can require work outside of normal working hours – weekends and evenings).

Skills:

(Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post‑graduate experience or work experience

A sound understanding of the marine ecology, habitats and species of Scotland and issues relating to their conservation and management.

Clear understanding of conservation and planning legislation relevant to Scotland’s seas and marine species

Ability to provide informed, clear and solution focused advice.

Knowledge and experience of casework advice for coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, and potential interactions of these with coastal and marine habitats and species.

Good communication skills – clear written and verbal presentation, and ability to communicate clearly to a variety audiences.

Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work constructively and supportively in a team environment.

Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organisations, developers or government

Good interpersonal skills including excellent communication skills, both verbal and…