1001-418 Operations Officer - West - C Grade - November 2026

NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency, protecting and restoring nature, and inspiring everyone to value our natural world.  You will contribute to NatureScot’s vision for a nature-rich future for Scotland by encouraging action to protect, restore and value nature in the National Operations West Team. 

Training and mentoring will be provided on the technical aspects of the post and there will be flexibility across the balance of work depending on the skills and experience of the individual and other team members.

• →Responding to casework consultations, which may include planning applications, renewable energy proposals, marine licences, aquaculture proposals, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) consents, Environmental Authorisations (EASR) and requests for advice both internally and externally.
• →Assessing and processing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) applications to secure favourable management of protected areas.
• →Providing advice to stakeholders and land managers on protected areas management (including European sites and SSSIs) and wildlife management. including protected species casework.
• →Contributing effectively to the monitoring of protected areas; i.e. SSSIs and European sites, including Site Condition Monitoring and Site Checks.
• →Providing advice on land, marine and freshwater management including Invasive Non-Native Species and biodiversity.
• →Representing NatureScot in local partnerships and working with key stakeholders, local communities and agencies on biodiversity or climate change projects.
• →Responding to information requests for natural heritage information from the general public.

• HND/Degree or equivalent qualification or practical experience in an environmental discipline or countryside management.
• An interest in, and a passion for nature
• An understanding of land management in the Outer Hebrides.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and climate change issues in the Outer Hebrides
• Awareness of NatureScot’s role in supporting good development.
• Awareness of Scotland’s system of protected areas, including European sites and NatureScot’s role in their protection and management.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work with a range of stakeholders
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan

Before applying for this post;

• Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)
• External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide 

If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices. 

Johanne Ferguson, Operations Manager - West: Johanne.Ferguson@nature.scot

recruitment@nature.scot  

Nature is vital to us all, so it's important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland. The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.