Orkney Nature Operations Lead: Biosecurity & Restoration

West; Kirkwall; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service pension

Hybrid working

Annual leave and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

NatureScot, Scotland's Nature Agency, invites applications for an Operations Officer – North based in Orkney. The role focuses on developing a biosecurity plan, advising on protected areas and delivering multiple environmental schemes, with travel to island sites.

You will work in a team, engage with communities, and develop guidance on INNS and wildlife management across the Orkney Islands and North Scotland.

Qualifications

• Interest in nature and ability to work in a team.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and flexible approach.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including IT.
• Ability to work with partners and foster collaboration.
• Understanding of protected areas in Scotland.
• Knowledge of Orkney environmental issues.
• Experience with land management considerations.
• Awareness of NatureScot’s role in planning development consultations.
• Fieldwork and site visits, some travel may be required.
• Degree or equivalent in an environmental discipline or countryside management.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Biosecurity Plan and delivery model for Orkney as part of the project.
• Coordinate incursion responses on high risk Islands.
• Advise authorities on implications for protected areas.
• Provide guidance on wildlife and land management.
• Monitor protected areas and designated sites.
• Advise on land, marine and freshwater management.
• Represent NatureScot in local partnerships and with stakeholders.
• Support applications to Agri-environment, Climate, Peatland Action and Nature Restoration schemes.
• Respond to public information requests and undertake training.
• Contribute to future INNS policy and guidance for high risk Islands.

Skills

Nature passion

Planning & flexibility

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Protected areas awareness

Orkney env issues

Land management

NatureScot role awareness

Fieldwork capable

Environmental qualification

Education

Environmental qualification

Job description

NatureScot, Scotland's Nature Agency, invites applications for an Operations Officer – North based in Orkney. The role focuses on developing a biosecurity plan, advising on protected areas and delivering multiple environmental schemes, with travel to island sites.

You will work in a team, engage with communities, and develop guidance on INNS and wildlife management across the Orkney Islands and North Scotland.