Benthic and mINNS Advisor - D Grade

Job title:

Marine Sustainability Advisor – Benthic and mINNS | Grade: D | Vacancy type:
Temporary to 30 June 2027 with possibility of extension|

Hours:

35| Salary £41,567|

Location:

Scotland, flexible (Home and hybrid working will be considered) |Closing date:
Midnight 27 July 2026 | Interview date: 4 August 2026 Job Purpose Summary

The post holder will be part of our Sustainable Coasts and Seas Activity Team and will lead the provision of statutory benthic casework advice and will also provide advice for marine non‑native species and biosecurity.

The post holder will provide advice and guidance to support sustainable marine and coastal development associated with Scotland’s just transition to a net zero future. This includes benthic impacts related to ports and harbours work, and other coastal development related to marine energy development through the Scot Wind and INTOG leasing rounds. The post holder may also provide casework advice to support a range of other benthic casework types, including but not limited to: aquaculture, seaweed harvesting/cultivation, infrastructure projects and dredging.

The post holder will contribute expertise to inform and influence strategic policy objectives for marine INNS including contributing to delivery of related Scottish Biodiversity Strategy actions and the Scottish Plan for Invasive Non‑Native Species. The role will support Marine Directorate Policy by provision of advice for marine INNS management and biosecurity, particularly regarding risks to protected sites and advice for survey/analyses priorities for high‑risk mINNS species.

A good knowledge of Scotland’s marine habitats (protection, ecology and management) and key marine and coastal industries, sectors and activities within Scotland is required. A clear understanding and knowledge of the Scottish terrestrial and marine planning and consenting systems and Nature Scot’s role within these are also required. Advice will be required for phases of development activity in line with our statutory duties including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Appraisal.

The post holder will analyse and interpret environmental information and provide appropriate casework advice. They will be confident in advising on approaches for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature, particularly in respect of recognising potential impacts on the marine environment and seeking solutions to reduce any adverse impacts.

The successful post holder will work with Nature Scot case leads and other key marine specialists, relevant marine industries and academic institutes, Local Authorities and relevant Directorates in Scottish Government.

Associated activities, depending upon capacity and expertise, may include input to research projects, and representation of Nature Scot on working groups and wider partnerships to develop further knowledge and working relationships in key topic areas. The post holder will also be required to contribute to the wider work of both the Sustainable Coasts and Seas and Marine Ecosystem Activity Teams.

Roles at this grade will typically work autonomously or as part of a team to provide specialist/ technical expertise with some autonomous decision making. The range of tasks can vary and will therefore require a well‑developed understanding of a complex body of knowledge in their specialist area. Consequently, planning and organising of own workload is required to deliver the corporate priorities.

The role is required to evaluate different approaches, problem solve and provide a range of solutions.