The Marine Renewables and Ecology Team (MRE) in the Marine Directorate provides specialist scientific advice to stakeholders, regulators and policy makers. The MRE team currently has around 25 staff who provide advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine renewable energy on key receptors including birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish.
A key environmental receptor group in relation to marine renewable energy are seabirds, and we are looking to build our team of scientists by recruiting two additional senior marine ornithologist.
As Senior Marine Ornithologist, you will provide scientific advice within Scottish Government on marine birds, including on regulatory, planning, and policy workstreams related to marine renewable energy development. Contributing to both internal (the Scottish Marine Energy Research (ScotMER) Programme) and external (e.g. Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Partnership (ORJIP), Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) Programme) renewables research initiatives/ You will also help to build the scientific evidence base relied upon by decision makers through experimental design, data collection, analysis, and critically, through effective communication of findings to non-specialists. The role requires active engagement with researchers from academia, statutory bodies and non-government organization.
Whilst the role will predominantly be focused on issues related to Marine Renewables, we operate a flexible resourcing policy within the Marine Directorate and as such the post holder maybe required to work on other areas of high priority work as required.
Responsibilities
- In consultation with the Marine Ornithology Lead and other marine ornithologist in the team lead on the preparation of components of scientific advice and guidance on seabirds within Scottish Government. This will principally be in relation to marine renewables but may also relate to other marine construction activities, marine conservation, ecosystem resilience and other policy areas.
- Identify ornithology knowledge gaps that are key constraints to the delivery of Scottish Government objectives, delivering research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses these and ensures that advice within Government is based on the best available evidence and practice.
- Represent Scottish Government at external meetings regarding these issues.
- Prepare high-quality and clear materials to ensure effective communications with a range of internal Scottish Government colleagues and teams, and external stakeholders.
- Seek opportunities to secure external income to support relevant marine ornithology work.
- The position may include people and delivery management with support to develop leadership and management skills.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in a relevant subject or equivalent relevant work experience.
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Communicating Science and Engineering for Government – Leader
- Broad Thinking – Practitioner
Experience:
- A comprehensive understanding of seabird ecology and/or population biology, and working knowledge of the legislation, research and assessment tools (e.g. collision risk modeling, displacement assessment, population liability analysis) relevant to marine bird impacts of Offshore Wind in Scottish and European waters.
- A proven track record in ecological research, including an ability to critique scientific methods and results, and ability to communicate complex scientific issue to a range of audiences.
Application deadline: April 21, 2025
Salary range: £45,894 – £54,952
