Current opportunities

 We’re looking for an Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger) to join our Planning & Environment team based at our Glenbranter Office in the Cowal District, Central Region.

The Environment Team works within the Planning & Environment Department and is responsible for monitoring and managing a wide range of designated sites, scheduled monuments, priority habitats and protected species across the national forest estate. The team supports sustainable land management by carrying out ecological surveys, providing specialist advice, and helping to shape land management plans and conservation projects.

As Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger), you’ll play a key role in providing baseline ecological surveys ahead of forestry operations and helping to protect and enhance the natural environment across the region. Your work will include surveying for protected species, developing mitigation plans, monitoring designated sites and habitats, supporting licence applications, and contributing to land management planning. Alongside field-based work, you’ll also undertake reporting, data management and GIS mapping activities, providing valuable ecological information to support decision-making and operational delivery.

To be successful, you’ll need an HND or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Conservation or a related discipline, together with experience of surveying for protected species and designing mitigation plans. You should be capable of independently planning and delivering ecological surveys, have good general fitness for working outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions, and hold a full UK driving licence (or be able to undertake the role by other means). Desirable experience and qualifications include knowledge of UK protected species legislation, GIS mapping skills, CIEEM membership, protected species survey licences, specialist expertise in one or more taxonomic groups, and knowledge of Schedule 1 breeding bird species ecology.

Please click here to view the full list of benefits of working for us.

If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply with your CV. Please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the attached job description and success profile document.

The Worksite Supervisor field-based role, supporting operational teams and contractors on site. Worksite Supervisors assist with contract management, mapping, and planning updates. Ensuring all work meets Health, Safety, Environmental, and UKWAS standards, while helping deliver climate and biodiversity objectives and maintaining strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.

East region delivers around £22.5 million in annual income, mainly through sustainable timber harvesting and commercial leases, while also leading initiatives in peatland restoration, renewable energy developments, and woodland creation.

To be successful in this role you will need experience in forestry or land-based operations and an understanding of managing health, safety and wellbeing. 

For more information please see the Job description & success profile.

The Cloud Infrastructure Engineer supports and improves Forestry and Land Scotland’s cloud-first digital platforms, services and technologies. The post holder will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of cloud, networking and security services, primarily across Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. The role will contribute to infrastructure improvements, technology lifecycle activities and the successful onboarding of new digital services, helping to deliver reliable, modern and user-focused digital services across Scotland. 

Our Digital Services team plays a key role in delivering technology, infrastructure and data solutions that support forestry, land management, energy and estate development, and corporate business activities. 

To be successful in this role you will need experience of delivering digital infrastructure change and service improvements while balancing security, resilience and user needs; 

Thsi role can be based from Edinburgh or Inverness on a hybrid working model. 

Please review the Job Description for more information on this role, applications are received through our recruitment portal by way of CV and Supporting Statement. 

Do you want to help shape how Scotland's national forests and land are used to deliver lasting benefits for communities? Do you have an interest in community empowerment and sustainable land use, or expertise in renewable energy and onshore wind? If so, we'd like to hear from you. 

About FLS 

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is the Scottish Government agency responsible for the day-to-day management of Scotland's national forests and land. We look after approximately 640,000 hectares of land across Scotland, balancing environmental, social and economic outcomes for the benefit of current and future generations. 

Our forests and land support sustainable timber production, renewable energy development, biodiversity, recreation, tourism and community use. Through our management of this national asset, we play an important role in supporting Scotland's rural economy, tackling climate change and empowering communities. 

About the CATS Evaluation Panel 

The Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) supports the implementation of Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Through the scheme, community organisations can request rights in land and property where they believe they can deliver greater community benefit. 

The CATS Evaluation Panel provides independent advice and constructive challenge on Asset Transfer Requests relating to Scotland's national forests and land. The Panel helps ensure that decisions are robust, transparent and informed by a broad range of expertise. 

We are currently seeking to appoint two new Panel Members. 

About You 

We are looking for individuals who can bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and relevant professional expertise to support the Panel's work. 

In particular, we are interested in hearing from candidates with experience of: 

• Renewable energy and onshore wind development, operation, governance, regulation or community benefit models. 

• Community development, community empowerment and rural development. 

• Assessing complex proposals and balancing social, environmental and economic outcomes. 

• Providing objective advice, constructive challenge and evidence-based recommendations. 

• We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives who share our commitment to community empowerment and sustainable land management. 

Terms 

As detailed in the candidate information pack, panel members will be expected to participate in up to four meetings each year and commit up to ten days annually. Meetings may take place online, in person and occasionally involve site visits. 

A daily fee of £285 and reasonable travel expenses will be paid. The role does not attract pension or holiday entitlement. 

How to Apply 

For further information about the role, essential criteria and application process, please refer to the candidate information pack. 

Applications should be submitted with: 

• A CV; and 

• A supporting statement explaining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role. 

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation.