Marine Habitats Ecologist & Surveyor

Overview

As a Marine Habitats Ecologist and Surveyor, you will play a valuable role in determining the future of Scotland’s seas by helping to lead the evidence-gathering required to protect, manage and restore the marine environment. You will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish MPA and PMF Monitoring Programme, combining high-level technical expertise in benthic ecology with hands-on field experience in monitoring techniques and report writing.

The evidence produced by the work of the marine monitoring team in partnership with others is an important part of NatureScot’s wider work on marine nature conservation. It directly informs the technical advice we provide, and subsequent actions taken to improve environmental conditions. By providing evidence-based insights into ecosystem health, monitoring programs help to foster the stewardship of Scotland’s seas.

How your work will make a difference:

• Developing a National Approach: playing a key role in the strategic and technical development of our monitoring programme, including the adoption of innovative methods.
• Documenting Biodiversity: Mapping the health and location of Scotland’s diverse marine life.
• Environmental Monitoring: Tracking temporal changes in ecosystem health and identifying new ecological risks as they emerge.
• Collaborative Approach: work within a wider team and with partner organisations to communicate and apply insights gained to protect, manage, and restore the marine environment.

We have confirmation of funds for one fixed term post available within NatureScot’s Marine Ecosystems Activity Team to end March 2029. A final decision regarding the affordability of a second post is pending and will be finalised prior to the scheduling of interviews in August.  There will be opportunities to input into research and partnerships aimed at developing knowledge and co-operation in key areas within our remit. The role will require regular attendance at our Inverness headquarters in Great Glen House. A detailed programme of work will be agreed at the outset of the post.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Monitoring: Help drive the development and delivery of the Scottish MPA & PMF Monitoring Programme. Working as part of a team and in collaboration with external partners, plan, participate in, and lead as required, marine biological surveys using a variety of field and remote sampling techniques to deliver NatureScot’s seabed habitat monitoring and surveillance priorities.
• Innovation: We are looking for a candidate who can take the lead on investigating innovative monitoring techniques – specifically molecular methods (eDNA) – by reviewing literature, exploring pilot opportunities and working with partners to determine their potential to enhance existing seabed habitat monitoring protocols.
• Methodological & Data Standards: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring, managing and quality assuring data entry into corporate databases and updating NatureScot’s benthic content on national platforms like UKDMOS.
• Research Management: Scope, commission, and manage targeted research projects, ensuring robust Quality Assurance (QA) for all survey and assessment work within Scottish inshore waters.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyse and interpret marine biodiversity data, utilising GIS to provide ecological advice and inform statutory reporting for the Marine (Scotland) Act and OSPAR commitments.
• Stakeholder Representation: Act as NatureScot’s representative at key inter-agency groups and project steering groups, ensuring our interests are met.
• Equipment & H&S Management: Manage and maintain all marine survey equipment, ensuring compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.
• Communications & Engagement: Actively promote the team’s work by utilising a range of communication methods to tailor complex scientific information into accessible narratives for audiences that include coastal communities, industry stakeholders and policymakers.
• Team Working: Actively contribute to the wider work of NatureScot’s marine teams.

Requirements:

• A degree in a relevant marine science subject, complemented by postgraduate research or professional experience with a demonstrable understanding of Scottish marine ecology, habitats and species of conservation importance (PMFs) and the risks and pressures that affect them or equivalent.
• Practical experience identifying common benthic species and habitats and in the application of the UK Marine Habitat Classification (biotopes) and other relevant standards.
• Experience of a range of methods applicable to mapping and monitoring the Scottish marine environment. Formal qualifications and applied experience in scientific diving (CMAS 3* or equivalent) is desirable. Proficiency in molecular (eDNA) sampling and analysis, small boat handling (RYA Powerboat Level 2 or above) and/or UAV/drone surveys (CAA GVC or above) is also desirable.
• Experience in project managing research studies from design to delivery. Ability to coordinate with team members to track milestones and provide regular updates on wider programme progress.
• A proven ability to manage and interpret scientific data including experience in writing, editing, and quality-assuring technical research products. Familiarity with Marine Recorder Online or experience of structuring data collected using SOPs for import to equivalent systems. An awareness of MEDIN Discovery metadata requirements. A proficiency in statistical methods, image analysis/annotation and/or photogrammetry is also desirable.
• Competence in the use of GIS (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) for habitat mapping, spatial analysis, and supporting conservation advice.
• The ability to translate complex environmental data into clear, accessible, and engaging narratives using a range of methods – including digital platforms, storytelling, and data visualisation – to inspire and inform a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• An ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a wider team in a hybrid work environment to help deliver collective goals (requires a proven ability to pro-actively adapt and problem-solve).
• A valid UK driving licence (or equivalent) with the ability to travel to remote coastal locations is essential. Experience in towing small boats/trailers is desirable.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
• To 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 Plan

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.