Farm Biodiversity Project Officer - D Grade

Job title:

Farm Biodiversity Project Officer | Grade: D | Vacancy type:
Full time, temporary to 31 March 2027 |

Hours:

35 hours | Salary £40,161|

Location:

Scotland, flexible (Home and hybrid working will be considered) | Closing date: 29 January 2026 | Internal Interview date: 18 February 2026 | External Interview date: 4 March 2026. Job Purpose Summary

This role is an exciting opportunity to join Nature Scot’s Farming with Nature team to support the Farm Biodiversity Project. A biodiversity audit is a key part of the development of sustainable farming support under the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Reform Programme, and one of the elements required as part of the Whole Farm Plan. The project aims to create a simple and easy to use farm biodiversity auditing, planning and management process, which could be completed by any farmer or crofter using a digital tool.

The process involves four main steps – to Map, Measure, Manage and Monitor habitats (and species). Under the project, we are working closely with farmers and crofters to explore the support they need to undertake this.

The Farm Biodiversity Scotland mobile app and web platform (otherwise known as Farm Bio Scot ) is a flagship digital tool being developed and tested with the aim of helping farmers and crofters audit, plan and manage biodiversity on their land. It is owned by Nature Scot and free to use for farmers and crofters. We have developed and are piloting the first steps of the project (Map - baseline habitat mapping, and Measure - habitat condition assessment) with farmers and crofters using Farm Bio Scot .

Further development will be required to take account of testing to date, and to develop and pilot the remaining steps through the app and web platform.

You will support the ongoing development and delivery of Farm Bio Scot , and support the technical side of this work, ensuring the smooth delivery and development of Farm Bio Scot , working with contractors and the Farm Biodiversity Project team and other Nature Scot staff. This is a rare development opportunity to be at the bleeding edge of innovation in the Agri-environment sector, combining land management, ecology and modern technology.

Location is flexible - either in a Nature Scot office or being home based, but you must be prepared to travel to central locations for project meetings, or for occasional farm visits. Job sharing is possible. A level of flexibility is expected to work across other Farming with Nature tasks if needed.

As a member of the Farm Biodiversity Project team, you will be line managed by the Farm Biodiversity Project Manager but also work under the direction of the Specialist Advisor who has the lead role in the development of Farm Bio Scot .

Whilst input may be required across the Project as a whole, the focus will be on the more technical aspects of delivery and more specifically you will:

• Support the development of Farm Bio Scot , supporting liaison between contracted developers and Nature Scot staff, and bridging gaps between developers, ecologists, farmers and policy teams.
• Support the planning, testing and delivery of new features and functionality.
• Develop guidance and support material for use in the Farm Bio Scot  platform and supporting communication materials.
• Act as the primary liaison between this project and other metrics and digital tools being developed in Nature Scot.
• Support farmers and crofters with onboarding, training and field testing using Farm Bio Scot .
• Troubleshoot any technical issues arising and resolve them in collaboration with developers.
• Lead on user research to gather feedback from users testing Farm Bio Scot .
• Contribute to project updates, reporting and stakeholder communications.

We are looking for:

1. A positive attitude to helping deliver team goals, including the ability to work collaboratively within a dispersed team and work flexibly to accommodate a range of tasks as required.

2. Aptitude and interest in modern technology with experience or knowledge of using nature‑focussed apps and willingness to develop your…