JOB PURPOSE
The marine planning officer will be based within the Marine Spatial Planning team of UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland and the Shetland Islands Council (SIC) form the Shetland Islands Marine Panning Partnership and are responsible for developing and implementing the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan.
The Marine Planning Officer will play a central role in supporting the delivery and ongoing implementation of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan, contributing to the sustainable management, protection and development of Shetland’s marine environment. Working within the Marine Spatial Planning Team at UHI Shetland and in partnership with Shetland Islands Council through the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership, the postholder will help ensure that marine planning activities are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and associated marine policy frameworks.
The role will involve supporting the monitoring, review and future development of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan, including the collection, management and interpretation of environmental, socio-economic and spatial data to inform evidence-based decision making. The postholder will contribute to the development of indicators and monitoring frameworks used to assess the effectiveness and impact of marine planning policies over time.
MAIN DUTIES
Work with the marine planning team to:
- Undertake the monitoring and review of the Regional Marine Plan. This includes supporting the development of key indicators to support the future review of the impact of the Shetland Marine Plan.
- Supporting integration of regional marine planning with terrestrial planning, and the national marine plan.
- Respond to local and national consultations relevant to regional marine planning.
- Respond to Marine Licence applications on behalf of the Marine Planning Partnership
- Provision of effective responses to enquiries by the public and key stakeholders on topics relevant to marine planning.
- Carrying out public participation, consultation and other project with associated with marine planning policy development, presentation at public consultation events and directing the proper recording and dissemination of consultation responses.
- Developing and maintaining effective communication with Shetland Islands Council Marine Planning Team, the Marine Directorate, Community Council and other statutory consultees, to explain and discuss marine planning issues.
- Supporting the delivery of the Marine Planning Partnerships responsibilities when acting as a statutory consultee in the marine licensing process under the Marine Licensing (Consultees) (Scotland) Order 2011.
- Organise meetings for and provide secretariat services to the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership Advisory Group. Sourcing, managing and maintain data, including GIS data, for the purpose of the statutory regional marine plan.
- To uphold UHI Shetland’s commitment to ensuring quality, equality of opportunity and non-discrimination in all aspects of work.
- To be responsible for ensuring that UHI Shetland’s Health and Safety Policy is adhered to at all times, and that safe working practices are employed within all areas of operation.
- Undertake any other reasonable duty as delegated by the UHI Shetland Marine Planning Staff and Head of Marine Science.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Experience in at least one relevant area such as marine planning, environmental planning, environmental management, or policy support
- Experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment or supporting collaborative projects
Education
- Relevant degree (SCQF Level 9) or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. marine planning, environmental science, geography, or related discipline)
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and across disciplines
- Good analytical skills with ability to interpret and present information clearly
- Strong IT skills, including experience using GIS or other spatial analysis tools
- Ability to produce clear, accurate written outputs
- Knowledge of marine planning, marine ecology, environmental management, or a closely related field
- Understanding of working within multi-stakeholder or partnership environments
DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Experience working in or alongside public sector, consultancy, NGO, or similar multi-stakeholder organisations
- Experience supporting or facilitating stakeholder engagement or consultation processes
- Experience working with members of the public or partner organisations in a professional capacity
Education
- Postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 10) in marine planning, environmental management, or related field
- Relevant professional training or certifications
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
- Experience producing maps, spatial outputs, or data visualisations
- Experience in data management, analysis, or interpretation of consultation or survey data
- Experience producing communications materials (e.g. reports, newsletters, web content)
- Knowledge of marine spatial planning policy, frameworks, or environmental legislation
- Deeper understanding of marine policy, planning systems, or environmental regulatory frameworks
Salary range: APT 31 – APT 34 (£38,379.64 – £41.245.47) plus DIA
Application deadline: August 11, 2026
Location: Shetland Islands, Scotland
