Job title: 1012-312 Uplands and Peatlands Officer | Grade: D | Vacancy type: 3 year Fixed Term Appointment | Hours: 35 hours | Salary: £38,616 (pay award pending effective 01 April 2025) | Location: Mainland Scotland (Home and hybrid working will be considered) | Closing date: Midday 15th September 2025 | Interviews Date: 30th September 2025

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY:

This is a new role which will help to increase our ecological knowledge and understanding of peatlands to further their protection, restoration and value to society.
The role will predominantly provide advice on land use change impacts on peatlands as well as best practice habitat management measures. This will include advising internal staff on renewable energy developments on peatland which meet our statutory requirements under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
The role will be a source of advice and guidance for the organisation on complex peatland casework. This will include work on policy and guidance on habitat mosaics, fire resilient landscapes, and changes in land use.
The post holder would ideally be an appropriately qualified ecologist, with peatland knowledge and experience. They will work closely with other specialists and advisers within the Habitats Team within the Natural Resource Management activity unit in NatureScot.
The post holder will be required to be based in mainland Scotland in order to carry out the essential operational duties i.e. regular site visits.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS (PLEASE REFER TO THESE IN YOUR SUPPORTING STATEMENT):

• Good knowledge of peatland ecology, management and monitoring.
• Knowledge and an understanding of National Vegetation Classification survey reports and a willingness to familiarise themselves with EUNIS habitat classification and UKHab.
• A good understanding of factors influencing peatland condition.
• Knowledge of NPF4, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the ability to provide clear and targeted advice to a range of staff and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of other upland habitats often found in association with peatland habitats.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including the use of relevant IT software.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a dispersed team.
• Ability to plan and manage workloads, and work to deadlines.
• Comfortable navigating in upland and peatland areas often with requirements for being able to access sites on foot.