Planning Adviser

ZipRecruiter; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agency in Scotland seeks a Planning & Casework Adviser to join their dedicated team in Glasgow. This full-time position focuses on enhancing biodiversity and creating nature-rich environments through effective planning and collaboration. The role involves significant engagement with local authorities and partners while guiding sustainable development and climate resilience strategies. A comprehensive benefits package and flexible working options are included.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Civil Service Pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution

41.5 days annual leave plus public holidays

Paid volunteering leave

Wellbeing support via employee assistance program

Death in service benefits

Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes

Employee discounts

Tailored learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in environmental sciences, planning, or a related field is required.
• Strong project management skills and knowledge of the Scottish Planning system needed.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on development plans, marine plans, and environmental assessments.
• Support public inquiry teams and manage complex casework.
• Engage with stakeholders to implement planning system reforms.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Creative Problem Solving

Adaptability

Knowledge of Scottish Planning System

Education

Relevant accredited degree in environmental sciences, planning, or related field

Tools

Office software

Job description

Job Description

Job title: 1019-322 Planning & Casework Adviser | Grade: D | Vacancy type: Full time, Permanent | Hours: 35 hours | Salary £38,616 rising to £42,906 – pay award pending effect from 01 April 2025 | Location: Glasgow or any NatureScot office, home and hybrid working considered | Closing date: 20 June 2025 | Interview date: Internal interviews: 15 July 2025 | External interviews: 29 July 2025

Job Purpose Summary

NatureScot is Scotland’s Nature Agency. We work with partners across Scotland’s public, private, and environmental sectors to address climate and nature emergencies by protecting and restoring nature and inspiring others to value our natural world.

This is a permanent, full-time role within NatureScot’s Supporting Good Development (SGD) team. The SGD team works to:

• Protect – influence business, development, and regulation to safeguard nature, including protected areas and landscapes.
• Restore – provide targeted advice on proposals to enable quality development that enhances biodiversity and place.
• Value – engage with key interests to maximize the benefits of nature and high-quality places.

The role focuses on delivering priorities related to nature recovery, climate change, and creating nature-rich places, especially in planning. It includes leading engagement with local authorities, agencies, and partners to develop shared responses to emergencies.

The position involves advising on and developing plans and strategies, helping partners plan effectively, and creating policies for tangible results. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to think creatively, act strategically, and implement pragmatic solutions.

The post will lead and contribute to development plan making, especially in west and south-west Scotland, including strategic planning, frameworks, masterplans, and environmental assessments (SEA and HRA). It requires close teamwork and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

Additional responsibilities include supporting the Development Casework Manager in complex case advice, overseeing transmission casework, and supporting public inquiry teams across Scotland. The role aims to influence developers and regulators to prioritize nature recovery and creating nature-rich places.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and lead input into development plans, marine plans, guidance, masterplans, SEA, and HRA.
• Engage in the delivery of the reformed planning system and support NPF4 ambitions like biodiversity, blue-green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
• Offer technical advice on the Scottish Planning System and update guidance as needed.
• Support public inquiry teams and manage complex development casework, including appeals.
• Build capacity in planning authorities through advice, support, and sharing best practices on natural heritage issues.
• Contribute to planning training and manage research, demonstration, and guidance projects.
• Participate in Key Agency Group sub-groups and projects for a modernized planning system.
• Link terrestrial planning with offshore infrastructure, coastal adaptation, and related issues.

Skills Required

• Relevant, accredited degree in environmental sciences, planning, or related field.
• Thorough knowledge of the Scottish Planning system and NatureScot’s role.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills for influencing and relationship building.
• Ability to communicate technical issues clearly and solutions-focused.
• Creative, versatile, and adaptable approach.
• Understanding of NatureScot’s purpose, priorities, and political environment.
• Ability to work independently and in dispersed teams.
• Proficiency in office software, especially for remote/hybrid work.
• Driving license or transport means.

Prerequisites

• Eligible to work in the UK and Scotland for the duration of the contract.
• Willingness to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check.
• Gaelic language skills are desirable but not essential.

Benefits

NatureScot offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Flexible working options
• Civil Service Pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution
• 41.5 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Paid volunteering leave
• Wellbeing support via employee assistance program
• Death in service benefits
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes
• Employee discounts
• Tailored learning and development opportunities