Senior Marine Conservation Planner

Reference: NOV

Location: Flexible in UK - Team based in Edinburgh

Salary: GBP36,577.00 - GBP39,267.00 Per Annum

Duration: Permanent, Full Time role for 37.5 hours per week, although other working patterns will be considered.

Benefits: Contributory Pension Scheme, Payment of Professional Subscription Fees, Paid Volunteer Day with charity of your choice, Sabbatical opportunities.

Would you like a planning job that makes a real and tangible difference for nature, and which offers the opportunity to work, and perhaps live, in the world's best city?

Our client is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join their Edinburgh based planning team, which forms part of a wider policy and advocacy function, the purpose of which is to influence and shape nature and climate policy, in this case through the planning process but also marine policy development processes, in Scotland and the UK. This employer is probably the most active ENGO in this sphere of work - they are at the forefront of marine conservation, being involved in marine spatial planning, offshore wind development, fisheries management, blue carbon and protected areas, focussing on the need to halt biodiversity decline, restore the marine environment and deliver upon climate aspirations.

Working closely with colleagues across Scotland and the UK, you will take the lead in scrutinising and responding to the most significant marine development proposals in Scottish waters, as well as working closely with colleagues dealing with terrestrial developments, and shaping the Scotland arm of this organisation's approach to Biodiversity Enhancement. You'll also work closely with colleagues dedicated to shaping marine conservation policy in Scotland and the UK, feeding in, for example, to statutory marine planning processes such as the production of Scotland's National Marine Plan 2, and to wider policy development in the areas of mitigation and 'strategic compensation'.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

Degree or postgraduate qualification, or equivalent, in an environmental or planning subject. Chartered member of Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or other equivalent (e.g. CIEEM), or working towards chartered membership, or willing to undertake further education leading to chartered membership. Good knowledge of the planning process and / or other regulatory processes and their relevance to site conservation, e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment. Good knowledge, or ability to quickly assimilate knowledge of environmental issues and policy, and principles of biodiversity enhancement Good knowledge, or ability to quickly assimilate knowledge of ecology and biology of key species and habitats, and their relationship to land use change. Able to analyse complex issues in a fast-paced environment. Able to act independently to generate and lead on policy positions and project development at a senior level of influence. Excellent negotiating and influencing skills (to, for example, advocate RSPB positions to key decision makers and negotiate common positions with partners and/or 'opposition'). Excellent written and verbal communication skills (to, for example, ensure that consultation/casework responses are professional and persuasive, and to engage in debates/discussions in a professional and persuasive manner). Strong time management and organisational skills, and ability to prioritise effectively. Able to manage projects effectively. Competent use of Microsoft Office. Confident and capable of being a public face for the RSPB where required. Relevant professional experience of the Town and Country Planning system, other regulatory system or of working in a relevant policy role.

Amongst other desirable skills, knowledge and experience you'll have a good knowledge of planning processes and / or other regulatory processes and their relevance to site conservation, e.g. Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment.

Although there will be a need to be present in the organisation's Edinburgh office on a regular basis (ideally at least once a week), to attend meetings in central Scotland, as well as to attend occasional meetings elsewhere in the UK, there is potential for the role to be based remotely.

If you are looking for a job where you can see the results of your own actions and initiative, as well as opportunities to shape the future through, for example, working with colleagues to submit funding bids to further nature conservation objectives, then this is the job for you!

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 14th January 2024

This employer is looking to conduct interviews for this position in mid-January 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To find out more information, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form and then redirected to complete your application for this position.

This employer is committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve their vision of creating a world richer in nature, they need more people, and more diverse people, on nature's side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, they are particularly interested in receiving your application.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.