The post holder will analyze and provide casework advice, both formal and informal, written and verbal and be confident in advising on implications for preventing biodiversity loss and enhancing nature, particularly in respect of recognizing and recording impacts from noise on the marine / estuarine environment and seeking solutions to reduce adverse impacts. The post holder will also input to the preparation of guidance and research requirements as well as leading on internal training on underwater noise and implications for biodiversity.
The post holder will also be required to contribute to the wider work of the marine energy team and both the Sustainable Coasts and Seas and Marine Ecosystem Activities, including the potential to work as a Duty Officer on a rota for responding to marine pollution incidents.
This work is high profile and fast-paced, and we are seeking an experienced and resilient individual with the confidence to manage and multitask across casework demands, contribute to strategic work and deliver high quality outputs.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Provide constructive, solution-focused advice and support for NatureScot marine industries/ activities casework advice in respect of underwater noise. This will include proposals arising from renewables, aquaculture, fisheries, oil and gas, ports and harbors, seabed pipelines and cabling infrastructure.
- Co-ordinate and lead in the preparation of robust, timely and clearly articulated advice for marine industries development proposals and casework from pre-application to post-consent. This will involve liaising with NatureScot colleagues to provide appropriate advice.
- Provide timeous advice in relation to research and / or non-licensable proposals/ activities including any supporting European Protected Species advice.
- Manage correct storage of case information and advice through email, filing systems and MS Teams, following agreed casework processes.
- Represent NatureScot at meetings with developers, consultees and Scottish Government Directorates.
- Represent NatureScot at meetings of inter-agency, government, partnership projects and similar groups relevant to marine industries / activities in Scotland.
- Promote awareness of NatureScot and our marine energy work through social media, press releases and the NatureScot website.
- Work with colleagues and partners to identify and prioritize guidance and research in respect of underwater noise effects in the marine environment and represent NatureScot on relevant external protect steering groups.
- Contribute to the wider work of the Sustainable Coasts and Seas and Marine Ecosystems Activities.
- Act as a Duty Officer for marine pollution incidents, participating in the cover provided by NatureScot through an agreed rota system. (This can require work outside of normal working hours—weekends and evenings).
Skills:
- A degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate experience or work experience.
- A comprehensive understanding in Scottish / UK waters of underwater noise in the marine environment alongside that of marine mammal, fish and invertebrate ecology, and issues relating to their conservation and management.
- Ability to provide informed, clear and solution focused advice.
- Knowledge and experience of coastal and marine industries, relevant to Scotland, including offshore wind and aquaculture and the potential interactions of these activities with marine mammals, fish and invertebrates.
- Good communication skills – clear written and verbal presentation, and ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to a variety audiences.
- Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work constructively and supportively in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize work and competing deadlines and manage projects including being able to adapt to changing priorities.
- Knowledge of NatureScot’s priorities and processes and an awareness of the political environment in which NatureScot operates.
- Clear understanding of conservation and planning legislation relevant to Scotland’s seas and marine species.
- Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, such as agencies, organizations, developers or government.
- Experience of developing monitoring for underwater sound collection (e.g., through CPODs or broadband receivers) and analysis of data collected.
Application deadline: July 19, 2024
