Senior Marine Conservation Planner

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?

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our 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. RSPB is probably the most
active ENGO in this sphere of work – we 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 our
marine environment and deliver upon our climate aspirations. 

Working closely with colleagues across RSPB Scotland, and RSPB 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 RSPB Scotland’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’.

If you’re 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!

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 (see the Role Profile on our website for
more information) 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.

This is a Permanent Full Time role for 37.5 hours per week, although other working patterns
will be considered. Although there will be a need to be present in the RSPB 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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in mid-January 2024. For further
information please contact: [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence which shows how you meet the skills, knowledge, and
experience listed above.

If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of
your CV document upload. 

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

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels
supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world
richer in nature, we 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,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.