NatureScot
1020-367 Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available) - D Grade - July 2026
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1020-367 Marine Sustainability Advisor (2 positions available) - D Grade - July 2026
Marine Sustainability Adviser (2 Posts)
Job Title: Marine Sustainability Adviser (G1020-375; x1 temporary until 31 March 2029) & G1020-367; x1 maternity cover for one year (with possible extension)
Grade: D Salary: £41,567 Hours: 35 (full-time) Vacancy Type:
- One fixed-term position (until 31 March 2029)
- One maternity cover post (12 months with potential extension) Location: NatureScot offices, home, or hybrid Closing Date: Midnight, 26 July 2026 Interview Date: 13 August 2026
About the Role
These are two full-time, temporary roles within NatureScot’s Marine Energy Programme in the Sustainable Coasts & Seas Activity. Successful candidates will play a key role in coordinating and delivering casework advice for marine energy projects, including offshore wind developments under ScotWind and InTOG, alongside other marine energy initiatives. Their work will support Scotland’s 2045 net-zero targets by delivering policy priorities and responding to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis.
**Key Responsibilities: ** • Supporting consultation and advice across all development phases:
- Pre-application engagement
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping
- Marine licence applications (including s.36 licences)
- Habitat Regulations Appraisal
- EPS licensing • Working with developers, the Marine Directorate, Crown Estate Scotland, and local authorities to help implement Scotland’s objectives for marine systems and biodiversity protection. • Supporting guidance and research to inform marine energy licensing—including offshore wind, tidal, wave, and oil and gas operations. • Acting as advisor or coordinator for challenges related to sustainable development, habitat preservation, and nature enhancement on Scotland’s coasts and seas.
Additional Contributions: • Supporting and representing NatureScot at meetings with developers, government, and inter-agency partnerships relevant to Scotland’s energy transition. • Assisting in drafting and disseminating scientific guidance materials, including via social media, press releases, and NatureScot’s website. • Duty Officer rotation (potential participation in outside-hours marine pollution response).
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Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Provide casework advice to marine industries (marine energy, oil & gas, ports, pipelining, etc.)—from scoring proposals for planning applications to supporting post-consent processes.
- Lead preparation of timely, structured advice in offshore wind and renewable energy development, ensuring alignment with marine ecological priorities.
- Manage the digital chain of custody for case files, ensuring secure communications via email, Notes, and Microsoft Teams.
- Represent NatureScot in negotiations and interagency forums, fostering relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Support policy development, research prioritisation, and collaboration on marine energy guidelines with partners.
- Actively engage with public and analyst audiences through communication, outreach, and engagement to raise awareness of NatureScot’s marine work.
- Participate in a Duty Officer rotation for marine pollution response (outside of regular working hours).
Credentials (Essential)
• Degree in a relevant scientific or planetary discipline OR combination of postgraduate experience with equivalent relevant expertise. • Demonstrable understanding of Scotland’s marine ecosystems, habitats, and species conservation granted under UK/EU environmental law. • Strong problem-solving and written/verbal advice-giving skills—informing users without compromising complexity. • Proven experience in coordinating complex policy alignment across private sector, government, and regulator interests regarding Scotland’s seas. • Exceptional teamwork, negotiation, and stakeholder relationship-management ability. • Self-directed and able to prioritise demands while managing numerous deadlines and shifting priorities. • Proficient with data/ecological analysis tools.
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Desirable Skills
• Prior experience in marine or renewable energy planning. • Familiarity with national Gaelic Language in Scotland.
Essential Requirements
• Valid right to work in the UK. • Willingness to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check.
NatureScot Benefits
NatureScot offers an attractive package supporting employees and their families, including: • Civil service pension scheme • Generous holiday allowance + flexible time arrangements • Employee discount scheme • Net-zero commitment (encouraging sustainable travel when working on-site).
Visit NatureScot’s employee webpage for details.
Application Process
Applications include a CV and a Supporting Statement. Internal candidates: see Internal Self Service Guide. External candidates: refer to the Job Application Guide.
- Do not select a previous Supporting Statement if applying for this vacancy again.
- Confidentially submit if applying for one or both positions for clarity.
For guidance on the application, contact: recruitment@nature.scot
Interviews may consist of progativive measures to include individuals across neurodiversity spectrums.
Diversity Pledge
NatureScot values inclusivity. We particularly welcome applications from: • Individuals with minority ethnic backgrounds • Jobseekers with a disability. Join us to catalyse closer connections between all Scots and nature.
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