Overview

Job title: 1019-318 Sustainable Development Officer | Grade: D | Vacancy type: Full time, Temporary until June 2027 | Hours: 35 hours | Location: Any NatureScot office, home and hybrid working considered | Salary: £38,616 (Pay award pending effect from 01 April 2025) | Closing date: Midnight 19 October 2025 | Interview dates: Internal 04 November 2025; External 11 November 2025

This is a permanent, full-time role within NatureScot’s Supporting Good Development (SGD) team. The SGD team works to Protect, Restore and Value nature to support nature recovery, climate action, and the creation of nature-rich places. This position will contribute to engagement in planning policy and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of policies and plans, and to delivering Positive Effects for Biodiversity (PEfB) through the planning system. The post holder will collaborate with agencies, planning authorities, developers and other stakeholders to build the knowledge and skills needed to deliver development with nature at its heart. Travel across Scotland to attend meetings, events and site visits may be required, including occasional overnight stays. Most activities are in central Scotland or areas not fully served by public transport.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support the Scottish planning system’s delivery of positive effects for biodiversity, including input to regional biodiversity offsetting approaches and the Scottish Government’s developing metric.
2. Contribute to planning and protection of peatland, working with advisers from the Natural Resources Management team, Peatland Action, and SEPA to prepare best-practice guidance on construction, restoration and maintenance of peatlands.
3. Contribute to strategic planning issues and regulatory policy consultations, particularly relating to energy and renewables; lead responses to SEA consultations and provide input to strategic planning for planning and energy.
4. Build and maintain relationships with renewable energy and construction sector interests through liaison with agencies and representative organisations; represent NatureScot on sectoral forums and support delivery of the Onshore Wind Sector Deal.
5. Work with industry partners to build capacity in planning and construction sectors to consider and benefit nature.
6. Engage with universities to embed learning outcomes on nature networks, blue-green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in related courses; prioritise requirements with NatureScot skills team.
7. Represent NatureScot at conferences and events.
8. Develop and apply procedures, guidance and standards to meet service delivery objectives.

Skills Required

1. A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
2. Understanding of the Scottish planning system and energy policy with a focus on renewables policy.
3. Knowledge of onshore renewable energy technologies, their potential impacts on nature, and relevant legislation and consenting processes in Scotland.
4. Understanding or experience of positive effects for biodiversity / biodiversity net gain approaches.
5. Ability to provide informed, clear, solution-focused advice in well-structured written work.
6. Effective communication and engagement skills, with ability to convey technical issues to diverse audiences, summarise key points for briefings and formal advice, and influence stakeholders.
7. Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
8. Creative and versatile approach, adaptable to changing priorities and new areas of work.
9. Experience of working with public bodies, NGOs and private sector organisations.
10. Driving licence or other means of transport.

Prerequisites

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the contract.
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Gaelic language is desirable but not essential in support of the Gaelic Language Plan.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer

• Benefits include civil service pension, generous holiday leave with flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Environment with flexible working options.
• Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions).
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on select dates.
• 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• Wellbeing support, death in service benefits, cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes, and access to employee discounts.
• Learning and development tailored to your role and a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Application Process

Applications are by CV and Supporting Statement. Ensure these documents are attached when submitting your application.

Before applying:

• Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575).
• External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide.

If you have previously applied, remove the old supporting statement from your profile before uploading a new version.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if internal recruitment is not possible.

Net Zero Commitment

Contribute to NatureScot’s Net Zero plan through travel choices and other low-emission practices, whether working from home or in an office.

Contacts

For vacancy information: Viv Gray, Planning & Renewables Manager, Supporting Good Development, email: viv.gray@nature.scot

For recruitment process information: recruitment@nature.scot

Note: NatureScot encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including Minority Ethnic groups and people with a disability.