- As the river habitat lead, the postholder will play a critical role in delivery of the 30 by 30 and nature network projects.
- Habitat Regulation Reporting – reporting on Conservation Status for river habitat and coordinating the group activity to ensure compliance with this international reporting obligation.
- Contribute to assessment and ongoing technical support of Nature Restoration Fund projects and Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland, one of the main deliverables of the 'restore' part of our corporate plan.
- Undertake project management of site condition monitoring of the Tweed where there has been considerable river restoration, some specifically in relation to improving processes for natural flood management.
- Represent NatureScot on the JNCC-led interagency chemicals group. Support will be provided.
- Contribute as appropriate to the delivery of NatureScot strategic objectives in relation to freshwater habitats.
- Competencies required to undertake the main responsibilities associated with this role gained through working in a similar role OR a Degree or equivalent professional qualification, SVQ level 5 and 6.
- Demonstrable experience in freshwaters, especially rivers habitats and including monitoring.
- Project and contract management
- Effective planning, organising and prioritising and familiarity with own priorities and those of colleagues.
- Written and verbal communication skills with the ability to advice and influence. To include experience in critical appraisal of technical reports and papers.
- Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders such as land managers, agencies, organisations, contractors or suppliers to deliver partnership initiatives.
- Understanding of policies and legislation and procedures relevant to this role and aware of technical, policy and procedural developments.
- An understanding, or a willingness to learn, about the impacts of pollution on the wider environment.
Freshwater Adviser - Scotland, United Kingdom - NatureScot
Description
Job Purpose Summary
The successful candidate for this role will join the Freshwater and Wetlands Group (FWWG) as the river habitat lead. The group has national responsibility for advice, reporting and policy development in freshwaters. This is a re-advertisement externally, having not a secured a suitable internal candidate.
This opportunity comes live in an exciting period for our team and the postholder will take a lead in river habitat monitoring and reporting including: coordinating our input to the reform of Site Condition Monitoring Delivery Healthy Ecosystems; Delivery of the 30 by 30 and Nature Networks projects; Habitats Regulation Reporting; and contract management for Site Condition Monitoring. Other duties would include, but not be restricted to, providing advice in relation to freshwater habitat casework and delivery of funding streams such as the Nature Restoration Fund.
The postholder will also act as the NatureScot contact on the Interagency chemicals group approved by Chief Scientists Group in 2023. This will not require specific chemistry expertise as the role of the post holder will be to liaise and signpost action to the relevant NatureScot habitat or species specialist.
In common with other D-grade roles the successful candidate will be able to work both autonomously and as part of a team to provide specialist advice and technical expertise. The range of tasks can be varied and the role therefore requires a well-developed understanding and knowledge of freshwaters. Consequently, planning and organising of own workload is required to deliver the corporate priorities. The role will require the individual to evaluate different approaches, problem solve and provide a range of solutions in collaboration with other FWWG members.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Skills (please refer to these in your supporting statement)