The posting
Job Description
Job Title: 1001-418 Operations Officer - West | Grade: C | Vacancy Type: Permanent | Hours: 35 | Salary: £34,478 | Location: Uist, Stornoway, Outer Hebrides | Closing Date: Midnight 22 November 2026 | Interview Date: 16 December 2026
Job Purpose Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- 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.
Skills (Please refer to these in your supporting Statement)
- 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.
Prerequisites Required
- 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
Working for NatureScot – what we offer you
- NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:
- We support flexible working for all roles, including part-time, compressed hours, hybrid working and job share. All vacancies are considered suitable for flexible working unless there is a business reason not to. We encourage applicants to discuss potential flexible working arrangements with us
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions)https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/memberhub/joining-the-pension-scheme/benefits-of-the-pension-scheme/
- 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
- Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
- A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
- Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
- Death in service benefits
- Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
- Access to an employee discounts scheme
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
Application Process
Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application.
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.
NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment
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.
For information regarding the vacancy please contact
Johanne Ferguson, Operations Manager - West: [email protected]
For information regarding the recruitment process please contact:
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.
