Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor

Job Title:  Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor |
Grade: D |
Salary: £41,567 |
Location:
Inverness preferred (other Nature Scot locations and hybrid working considered) |
Vacancy Type:
Temporary until 31.03.2029 with the possibility of extension |
Hours: 35 |
Closing Date:
Midnight 26 July 2026 |
Candidate interviews: 25 August 2026

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 programmes help to foster the stewardship of Scotland’s seas.

• 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: working within a wider team and with partner organisations to communicate and apply insights gained to protect, manage, and restore the marine environment.

• 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: Lead the investigation of 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 tailor complex scientific information into accessible narratives for audiences that include coastal communities, industry stakeholders and policymakers.
• Team Working: Actively contribute to the wider work of Nature Scot’s marine teams.

• Marine Ecology Knowledge: A degree in a relevant marine science subject, complemented by postgraduate research or professional experience with a demonstrable understanding of Scottish marine ecology, habitats and species of conservation importance (PMFs) and the risks and pressures that affect them or equivalent.
• Benthic Taxonomy & Classification: Practical experience identifying common…