Benthic Ecologist (2023-6336)

If you have an interest in marine ecology and understanding the potential environmental effects of marine renewable energy developments and would like to play an important role in tackling the climate change emergency, then we would like to hear from you!

The Renewable Energy Environmental Advice (REEA) Group in Marine Scotland Science sits within the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government  and are responsible for providing advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine energy on key ecological receptors, and plays a pivotal role in improving the scientific evidence that informs that advice.

You will play a key role in delivering benthic ecology research and advice within the Marine Directorate and, as part of the REEA team of scientists, you will identify and address key knowledge gaps through delivery of applied research. This includes contributing to the ScotMER programme, scoping research, participating in research activities, providing science input and oversight of the commissioning and delivery of research projects, developing strong collaborations including PhD supervision, seeking external funding to support research and other means of delivering high quality research.

A key part of the role will be the provision of specialist advice and technical guidance on benthic species and habitats to Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team (MS-LOT) and Policy and Planning colleagues in relation to the assessment of environmental impacts of marine renewable developments. Critical to this will be the development of the scientific evidence base underpinning the advice via the ScotMER Programme.  

You will help to maintain and further develop good working relationships with relevant stakeholders, including NatureScot, JNCC, academia, consultants and industry. You will represent the Scottish Government and the Marine Directorate at national and international forums.

This is a varied and highly rewarding post in a technical field of scientific excellence, and will successfully manage a range of competing priorities often to very tight deadlines.

• Support the Senior Benthic Ecologist in ensuring that advice within Government is based on the best available science and practice by identifying knowledge gaps that are key constraints to advice provision and initiating, scoping and delivering applied research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses these;.
• Help to identify and pursue opportunities for delivering relevant applied research, e.g. through external collaborations, securing external funding, PhD supervision, and other means;
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific advice and guidance on benthic species and habitats to LOT and Policy & Planning colleagues within Marine Scotland. This will principally be in relation to marine renewables but may also relate to other marine construction activities, marine conservation and other policy areas.
• Represent MS at external meetings regarding these issues.
• Maintain good communication with colleagues across the Marine Directorate and external stakeholders;

1.  A good understanding of benthic ecology, threats and conservation.

2.  Experience of ecological research and an ability to critique scientific methods and results.

3.  The ability to work independently with good organisational skills and effectively prioritise work and manage projects.

4.  Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain scientific concepts to varied audiences.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Flora Kent
• Email : flora.kent@gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot