Nature Reserves Adviser

NatureScot; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Scotland is recruiting a Nature Reserves Adviser to support the management of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. Responsibilities include overseeing management plans, delivering biodiversity outcomes, and providing expert land management advice. The ideal candidate will possess strong environmental knowledge, project management skills, and effective communication abilities. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement and various perks such as a pension and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contribution

41.5 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Two days paid volunteering leave

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the drivers influencing reserve management.
• Experience in project management or strong understanding of project delivery.
• Willingness to learn new IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Progress reserve management plans and oversee reporting.
• Support delivery of biodiversity strategy outcomes.
• Provide strategic oversight of research linked to reserves.

Skills

Strong knowledge of Scotland’s environment

Project management experience

Effective communication

Ability to manage land for nature

Experience developing income streams

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

IT systems including email, Word, Excel, GIS

Job description

NatureScot is recruiting a Nature Reserves Adviser to help shape the future of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and deliver high standards for nature, climate, and public enjoyment across the country.

This permanent post sits within the National Nature Reserve team and plays a central role in planning, policy, and delivery, supporting the long term ambitions set out in NatureScot’s Strategic Plan to 2035 and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.

You will contribute directly to the successful management of National Nature Reserves by progressing management plans, coordinating outcomes, and supporting demonstration projects, partnership working, landscape scale restoration, and sustainable income streams.

Working closely with reserve staff across Scotland, you will provide expert advice, guidance, and standards on all aspects of reserve management, while remaining flexible and responsive to changing priorities and pressures.

The role involves regular collaboration, strong project management, and confident communication, with travel across Scotland for meetings, events, and site visits, including occasional overnight stays.

Key details

Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £40,161
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid working, with Great Glen House in Inverness or Battleby in Perth preferred
Closing date: Midnight on 12 January 2026
Interviews: 21 or 22 January 2026

Please note that most NatureScot offices are closed between 22 December and 2 January, with queries responded to from 5 January.

Key responsibilities

You will progress the programme of reserve management plans and oversee the Site Management and Reporting Toolkit.

You will support delivery of new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy outcomes, including demonstration programmes and partnership sites.

You will provide specialist advice on managing land for nature, including issues such as biosecurity, invasive species, avian flu, and species management.

You will support staff and volunteer development through placements, skills building, and training.

You will provide strategic oversight of research activity linked to National Nature Reserves.

You will identify and help develop sustainable income streams.

You will coordinate reporting and contribute to the annual National Nature Reserves report.

You will support communications activity, including website content, social media, and external and media responses.

Skills and experience

You will have strong knowledge of Scotland’s environment and the drivers influencing reserve management.

You will understand how to manage land positively for nature, climate, and people while balancing conservation objectives with inclusive access.

You will have experience of project management or a strong working understanding of project delivery.

You will be adaptable, solutions focused, and comfortable working across different teams and disciplines.

You will be an effective communicator, confident in representing NatureScot’s aims externally and influencing partners.

You will have some experience or understanding of developing income streams.

You will hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate comparable practical experience.

You will be comfortable using IT systems including email, Word, Excel, GIS, and website tools, with a willingness to learn new systems.

Eligibility

You must have the right to live and work in the UK and be resident in Scotland for the duration of the contract.

You must be willing to complete a Disclosure Scotland application.

Gaelic is not essential but is a desirable skill in support of NatureScot’s Gaelic Language Plan.

What NatureScot offers

A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97 percent.

41.5 days annual leave, including fixed public holidays.

Flexible working options including hybrid working, part time, compressed hours, and job share where possible.

Two days paid volunteering leave each year.

A strong focus on wellbeing, learning, and professional development.

Employee assistance programme, cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes, and staff discounts.

The opportunity to make a real contribution to tackling the nature and climate crisis.

How to apply

Applications are by CV and supporting statement.

Please ensure both documents are uploaded when applying.

For role enquiries, contact Susan Luurtsema, Nature Reserves Senior Adviser, at [e-mail].

Apply through Highland Jobs