Geology Adviser

Job Title: 1002-341 Geology Adviser| Grade: D | Hours: 21 | Vacancy type: Permanent |Salary £40,161 (£41,567 from April 1 2026) pro rata | Location: NatureScot offices, home or hybrid | Closing date: Midnight 30 March 2026 | Internal Interview: 09 April 2026 | External Interview: TBC

Job Summary:

Working closely with other NatureScot staff, the post holder will provide specialist advice in respect of geology within our Geodiversity Team.

This Geological Adviser post is essential for the delivery of statutory functions, including several deliverables within the Nature Conservation Act, specialist advice for Development Casework, Site Condition Monitoring and site management (including maintaining the GCR site network), promotion of the Scottish Fossil Code and Scotland’s geoheritage including globally recognised sites, and review of the Skye Nature Conservation Order (2019).

Applicants must have a sound and broad understanding of Scottish geology, with detailed and specialist knowledge to lead NatureScot’s advice on Stratigraphy and Palaeontology. The post will provide a supporting role to the other Geological Adviser who leads advice on Metamorphic, Igneous and Mineralogy topics.

The postholder will liaise with colleagues across the organisation and wider partners including Scottish Government, local authorities, research institutions, geoconservation sector and community groups. The post holder will provide scientific advice to consider a wide range of development planning casework.

This work may often be high profile and fast-paced, and we are seeking an experienced and resilient individual with the confidence to manage and multitask across casework demands, contribute to strategic work and deliver high quality outputs.

The post holder will be an appropriately qualified and experienced specialist with a good understanding of Scotland’s geology, policy and legislation relating to its sustainable use and management. The post holder should have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of geo-heritage topics, conservation issues, and impacts and mitigation options related to human activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide geodiversity advise on protected areas case work (in consideration of planning applications etc) and site management. Including ongoing casework with advisory input to a range of development proposals, with a lead on stratigraphy and palaeontology interests, and a supporting role on other geological interests.

Skills required (please refer to these in your supporting statement)

1. A post graduate degree in a relevant subject (often geology or geo-sciences) plus relevant post-graduate experience or work experience or equivalent
2. A sound understanding of the geology of Scotland.
3. A clear understanding of the topic of geo-heritage conservation, the Nature Conservation Act and the Scottish planning system.
4. Ability to analyse, interpret and manage scientific information to provide informed, clear and solution focused advice.
5. Good interpersonal skills including excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, and excellent team working skills.

Ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while balancing high volume of reactive work.

Prerequisites Required

• 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

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:

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. If no internal candiates then the internal interview date may be used for externals.

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 our vacancy manager:

Alistair.Rennie@nature.scot

For information regarding the recruitment process please contact:

recruitment@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.