Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor - D Grade Job Inverness area,Scotland UK,Research/Development

Position: 1011-384 Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor - D Grade - July 2026

Job Purpose Summary

As a Marine Habitats Ecologist and Surveyor, you will play a valuable role in determining the future of Scotland’s seas by helping to lead the evidence-gathering required to protect, manage and restore the marine environment. You will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish MPA and PMF Monitoring Programme, combining high-level technical expertise in benthic ecology with hands‑on field experience in monitoring techniques and report writing.

The evidence produced by the work of the marine monitoring team in partnership with others is an important part of Nature Scot’s wider work on marine nature conservation. It directly informs the technical advice we provide, and subsequent actions taken to improve environmental conditions. By providing evidence‑based insights into ecosystem health, monitoring programs help to foster the stewardship of Scotland’s seas.

How

your work will make a difference

Developing a National Approach: playing a key role in the strategic and technical development of our monitoring programme, including the adoption of innovative methods.
Documenting Biodiversity: Mapping the health and location of Scotland’s diverse marine life.
Environmental Monitoring: Tracking temporal changes in ecosystem health and identifying new ecological risks as they emerge.
Collaborative Approach: work within a wider team and with partner organisations to communicate and apply insights gained to protect, manage, and restore the marine environment.

We have confirmation of funds for one fixed term post available within Nature Scot’s Marine Ecosystems Activity Team to end March 2029. A final decision regarding the affordability of a second post is pending and will be finalised prior to the scheduling of interviews in August. There will be opportunities to input into research and partnerships aimed at developing knowledge and co‑operation in key areas within our remit.

The role will require regular attendance at our Inverness headquarters in Great Glen House. A detailed programme of work will be agreed at the outset of the post.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Monitoring: Help drive the development and delivery of the Scottish MPA & PMF Monitoring Programme. Working as part of a team and in collaboration with external partners, plan, participate in, and lead as required, marine biological surveys using a variety of field and remote sampling techniques to deliver Nature Scot’s seabed habitat monitoring and surveillance priorities.
Innovation: We are looking for a candidate who can take the lead on investigating innovative monitoring techniques – specifically molecular methods (eDNA) – by reviewing literature, exploring pilot opportunities and working with partners to determine their potential to enhance existing seabed habitat monitoring protocols.
Methodological & Data Standards: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring, managing and quality assuring data entry into corporate databases and updating Nature Scot’s benthic content on national platforms like UKDMOS.
Research Management: Scope, commission, and manage targeted research projects, ensuring robust Quality Assurance (QA) for all survey and assessment work within Scottish inshore waters.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyse and interpret marine biodiversity data, utilising GIS to provide ecological advice and inform statutory reporting for the Marine (Scotland) Act and OSPAR commitments.
Stakeholder Representation: Act as Nature Scot’s representative at key inter‑agency groups and project steering groups, ensuring our interests are met.
Equipment & H&S Management: Manage and maintain all marine survey equipment, ensuring compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.
Communications & Engagement: Actively promote the team’s work by utilising a range of communication methods to…