Job Description

Job Title: 1002-391 Policy and Advice Officer - Amphibians and Reptiles (maternity cover) | Grade: B | Hours: 35 (full-time) | Vacancy type: Temporary for 6 months with possibility of extension | Salary £41,567 | Location: Flexible (NatureScot office, home and hybrid working will be considered) | Closing date: Midnight 7 June 2026 | Internal Interview date: week commencing 15 June 2026 | External Interview date: week commencing 29 June 2026

Job Purpose Summary

Specialist adviser on reptiles and amphibians, sitting within the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Activity of NatureScot. Advising colleagues and partners on their appropriate conservation management and leading NatureScot’s work relating to specifically obligations under the Habitats Directive for European Protected Species (natterjack toad and great crested newt). Provision vision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Red Listing and species conservation translocations. The post holder will also be required to supervise Masters and PhD- level projects and assist in the delivery of other new or emerging conservation initiatives as capacity allows.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Be the main national point of contact for all enquiries relating to amphibian and reptile advice within NatureScot from internal and external sources.
• Provision of expert advice on planning and development casework.
• Commissioning and managing high quality research on amphibians and reptiles to underpin NatureScot’s work.
• Coordinating and contributing to expert groups within Scotland and the UK to develop conservation policy and guidance on amphibians and reptiles, as well as coordinating the delivery of actions contained within the amphibian and reptile strategy.
• Developing effective working relationships with key stakeholders within this area of expertise (including ARC, ARG, FrogLife and others).
• Be the main point of contact for Amphibian and Reptiles of Britain and Ireland Taxon Expert Group, (ARBITEG), UK Great Crested Newt Expert Group, Inter-agency Herpetofauna Liaison Group.
• Provision of specialist expert advice on condition assessment of amphibians and reptiles on Scotland’s protected site network.
• Provision of specialist expert advice relating to the monitoring and reporting on amphibians and reptiles of conservation concern.
• Provision of advice on designated site management for amphibians and reptiles.
• Provision of specialist advice in support of a wide range of biodiversity and conservation initiatives, such as delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Species on the Edge, Red Listing and species prioritisation (Species at Risk), conservation translocations and habitat (particularly wetland) and ecosystem restoration.
• Provide additional advisory support to new and emerging work programmes depending on capacity.

Prerequisites Required:

1. As a minimum, the post-holder is required to have a degree or equivalent in a relevant biological or environmental science subject.
2. A degree in an appropriate subject and a good understanding of amphibian and reptile ecology. It is normally expected that staff who manage advanced degree programmes (Masters and PhD) have at least a Masters degree.
3. Experience of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with land managers, agencies, organisations, contractors and suppliers to deliver partnership initiatives.
4. Experience in survey and monitoring of amphibian and reptiles, and their supporting habitats.
5. A clear understanding of relevant conservation legislation and licensing.
6. Experience or knowledge of the IUCN Red Listing process
7. Experience or knowledge of species conservation translocations
8. Project management experience.
9. Writing and analytical skills.

Pre-requisites:

• Right to work in the UK
• To undertake a disclosure Scotland Application
• Driving licence or other means of transport.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer you

• NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme.   Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:
• An environment with flexible working options 
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/memberhub/joining-the-pension-scheme/
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave 
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme 
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis 
• Death in service benefits 
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes 
• Access to an employee discounts scheme 
• Learning and development tailored to your role 
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Application Process

Application 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 the Online Job Application Guide

If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether 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 contact:

Professor Colin Bean - Fish and Fisheries Interactions Manager

Telephone: 07774 161104

Email: colin.bean@nature.scot

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.