1011-405 Seabird Restoration and Resilience Officer D Grade November 2025

DescriptionJob title: 1011-405 Seabird Restoration and Resilience Officer Grade: D Hours: 35 Salary: 38616 pay award pending effect from 1st April 2025 Vacancy type: One year with possibility of extension Location: All NatureScot offices/ homeworking considered Closing date: Midnight 20 November 2025 Internal Interview: 04 December 2025 External Interview: 08 December 2025Job Purpose Summary:NatureScot is seeking an experienced ornithologist to support and drive seabird conservation across Scotland. This role will focus on facilitating timely implementation of predator reduction and biosecurity measures at priority seabird colonies.Scotlands coastline and waters are of global importance to seabirds however the mostrecent census (Seabird Count) shows that our seabirds are in trouble and urgent action is required to address these response the Scottish Government have published the Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan. The plan takes a holistic multi-faceted approach and identifies actions where they are most needed and can be most effective. To help deliver these we are recruiting for a full-time one-year position within our marine ornithology team.NatureScotsmarine ornithologyteam leadon work to deliver marine bird conservation priorities and monitoring providing expert advice and supporting policy changes and research. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have strong seabird and marine ecology knowledge experience in seabird predator and biosecurity management and excellent project management and communication skills. They will work closely with internal teams land managers and external partners including the Scottish Government. The post-holder will also be expected to contribute to the wider work of the Activity Team inputting to media awareness raising and training initiatives as relevant.Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:Role key tasks:Develop a ten-year programme of INNS predator reduction and biosecurity at prioritised Scottish seabird colonies including developing success criteria and establishing reporting mechanisms.Prepare a stakeholder engagement and communication plan.Liaise with landowners and key stakeholders to secure agreements permitting implementation of predator reduction measures and long-term biosecurity and monitoring.Prepare Predator Eradication Implementation Tender Specifications for prioritised coloniessetting out project design operational methodologies monitoring and long-term maintenance and biosecurity plan requirements.Provide marine ornithology expertise to Scottish Government and NatureScot on seabird predator reduction and biosecurity proposals.Provide input to the Seabird Conservation UK Advisory Science Forum (SCUAS) on research requirements to inform knowledge gaps with respect to predation reduction measures adaptation and re-establishment of seabird colonies.Work with partners to establish long-term national biosecurity standards and incursion readiness.Promote awareness of seabird conservation work across the Seabird Delivery Partnership and NatureScots wider marine work through social media press releases and the NatureScot website.Contribute to wider NatureScot team events and input into the preparation monitoring and delivery of business plan targets.Skills: (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)A degree or equivalent in a relevant natural science such as zoology biology ecology or environmental science plus relevant post-graduate experience.Good knowledge and understanding of the ecology ofScottish seabirds.Demonstratable knowledge of seabird predator eradication/reduction and biosecurity methods and associated logistical dependencies. Practical experience is desirable but not essential.Good knowledge of marine bird monitoring techniques includingland and boat-based survey vantage-point survey digital aerial survey and remote technology.Effective written and verbal communications especially the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently.Sound project management skills including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work as part of a team and in partnership to foster good relations and to encourage action by others.Prerequisites RequiredCandidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contractTo undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language PlanWorking for NatureScot what we offer youNatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes thecivil service pension scheme a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScotwebsite for further detailsincluding below:An environment with flexible working optionsA Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) days of annual leave including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Years Day and 2nd JanuaryEquivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leaveA focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programmeJob satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisisDeath in service benefitsCycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemesAccess to an employee discounts schemeLearning and development tailored to your roleA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityApplication ProcessApplication is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application.Before applying for this post;Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)External applicants should read theOnline Job Application GuideIf you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile before uploading a new version.InterviewsExternal candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.NatureScots Net Zero commitmentWhether working at home or in an office or travelling to meetings and site visits as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan for example through positive carbon travel choices.For information regarding the vacancy please contactEmma Philip is the Hiring ManagerEmail: For information regarding the recruitment process please contact:Nature is vital to all of us so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.Required Experience:Unclear Seniority Key Skills Disaster Recovery,ICT,Data Management,Instrument Maintenance,Light Bus And Heavy Bus,AC Maintenance Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1