SKILLS

• HND or equivalent qualification or practical experience in a relevant environmental discipline or countryside management.
• Knowledge of habitats and species conservation and management, land use and natural heritage issues.
• Knowledge of the local area and its natural history.
• Familiarity with the general functions and statutory duties of NatureScot.
• Understanding, preferably including experience of the Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme and other methods to promote positive management of designated sites (SSSIs & Natura sites).
• Understanding, preferably including experience of the Scottish Planning System and Nature Conservation Legislation.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work in partnership, to foster good relations and to encourage actions by others.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including IT.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to effectively prioritise [CD4] workload.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

This exciting post offers the opportunity to deliver NatureScot priorities across the National Operations North area, by working in partnership to assist several key strategic projects in support of our spatial priorities for delivery of the corporate plan. The post will also support priority work in other parts of the Highlands and Islands and there will be an expectation of being able to work flexibly throughout the area.
The post holder will tackle a diverse portfolio of tasks relating to representing NatureScot in relevant Community Planning Partnerships, economic development partnerships, Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme delivery, and will be the local area lead for NatureScot’s input to The Flow Country World Heritage Site management. The post will also support the development of ‘Saving Nature Outer Hebrides’ project. The post will also involve proactive work to address climate change and reverse biodiversity loss.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Area Lead for the delivery of NatureScot’s input to The Flow Country World Heritage Site management, working in partnership on a range of possible tasks with other key stakeholders within the World Heritage Site Working Group.
Represent NatureScot in Community Planning and other partnerships, influencing these partnerships to help achieve NatureScot’s local priorities through positive relationships with local communities and agencies, and making links between these and The Flow Country World Heritage Site management.
Act as an Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme case officer;

Support the development and Project Management of Saving Nature Outer Hebrides including:

• Co-ordinate the development of a Partnership Agreement, Steering Group and Technical Advisory Group
• Secretariat for Steering Group – Meeting organisation, TOR and minutes taking
• Secretariat for Technical Advisory Group - Meeting organisation, TOR and minutes taking
• Operational Plan contract development, tender process delivery and contractor liaison.
• Work with contractors to support development of Operational Plan
• Reporting and financial management
• Establish data management requirements
• Develop a Comms Plan and deliver agreed actions including website management
• Community engagement plan and delivery
• Funding source identification including match funding, private finance and Trusts