Marine Planning Officer

Job Details

• Job Title: Marine Planning Officer.
• Employer: UHI Shetland.
• Reporting to: Marine Spatial Planning Manager.
• FTE: 35 hours per week – 1.0 FTE.
• Salary: APT 31 – APT 34 (£38,379.64 - £41,245.47) plus DIA.

Job Purpose

The marine planning officer will be based within the Marine Spatial Planning team of UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland and the Shetland Islands Council (SIC) form the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership and are responsible for developing and implementing the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan.

The Marine Planning Officer will play a central role in supporting the delivery and ongoing implementation of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan, contributing to the sustainable management, protection and development of Shetland's marine environment. Working within the Marine Spatial Planning Team at UHI Shetland and in partnership with Shetland Islands Council through the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership, the postholder will help ensure that marine planning activities are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and associated marine policy frameworks.

The role will involve supporting the monitoring, review and future development of the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan, including the collection, management and interpretation of environmental, socio-economic and spatial data to inform evidence-based decision making. The postholder will contribute to the development of indicators and monitoring frameworks used to assess the effectiveness and impact of marine planning policies over time.

Main Duties

Work with the marine planning team to:

• Undertake the monitoring and review of the Regional Marine Plan. This includes supporting the development of key indicators to support the future review of the impact of the Shetland Marine Plan.
• Support integration of regional marine planning with terrestrial planning, and the national marine plan.
• Respond to local and national consultations relevant to regional marine planning.
• Respond to Marine Licence applications on behalf of the Marine Planning Partnership.
• Provide effective responses to enquiries by the public and key stakeholders on topics relevant to marine planning.
• Carry out public participation, consultation and other projects associated with marine planning policy development, presentation at public consultation events and directing the proper recording and dissemination of consultation responses.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with Shetland Islands Council Marine Planning Team, the Marine Directorate, Community Council and other statutory consultees, to explain and discuss marine planning issues.
• Support the delivery of the Marine Planning Partnership's responsibilities when acting as a statutory consultee in the marine licensing process under the Marine Licensing (Consultees) (Scotland) Order 2011.
• Organise meetings for and provide secretariat services to the Shetland Islands Marine Planning Partnership Advisory Group.
• Source, manage and maintain data, including GIS data, for the purpose of the statutory regional marine plan.

Other Duties

• Uphold UHI Shetland's commitment to ensuring quality, equality of opportunity and non-discrimination in all aspects of work.
• Be responsible for ensuring that UHI Shetland's Health and Safety Policy is adhered to at all times, and that safe working practices are employed within all areas of operation.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty as delegated by the UHI Shetland Marine Planning Staff and Head of Marine Science.

The specific responsibilities of the post may be adjusted from time to time as necessary. The postholder will be expected to have a flexible approach and be willing to adapt to changes in their role in response to the changing needs of the college.

All Shetland UHI (SUHI) employees are expected to abide by all SUHI approved procedures and perform any other duties not specifically detailed but which may fall within the overall job purpose and within the expected competence and ability of the postholder. The postholder will be expected to commit to all required training and development programmes agreed through the annual appraisal process to ensure compliance with SUHI and sectoral standards.

PVG Requirement

Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update with a successful outcome prior to starting appointment.

Right to Work in the UK

Appointment to this post will be subject to confirmation that the successful candidate has the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Person Specification

This person specification describes the values and attributes of a suitable candidate for the role. Through the recruitment and selection process, evidence will be sought that candidates understand, share and can demonstrate UHI Shetland's values and possess the essential attributes.

Our Values

• Collaboration: Proactively engage and co-operate with others; communicate effectively to share knowledge; work constructively to achieve a common purpose.
• Openness: Embrace feedback and continue to learn; be empathetic, authentic and honest; listen to others and value their contributions.
• Respect: Recognise others' strengths and contributions; respect and appropriately utilise facilities and resources; consider the impact of words and actions on others.
• Excellence: Take responsibility for contribution to the success of Shetland UHI; take pride in work and work to the highest possible standard; celebrate the achievements of the Shetland UHI community.

Essential

• Strong motivation with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and support others effectively.
• Reliable and adaptable, with the ability to manage changing priorities and workloads.
• Practical, solutions-focused approach with good judgement and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in at least one relevant area such as marine planning, environmental planning, environmental management, or policy support.
• Experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment or supporting collaborative projects.
• Relevant degree (SCQF Level 9) or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. marine planning, environmental science, geography, or related discipline).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and across disciplines.
• Good analytical skills with ability to interpret and present information clearly.
• Strong IT skills, including experience using GIS or other spatial analysis tools.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate written outputs.
• Knowledge of marine planning, marine ecology, environmental management, or a closely related field.
• Understanding of working within multi-stakeholder or partnership environments.

Desirable

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary or project-based environment.
• Experience of public-facing work or stakeholder engagement in complex settings.
• Experience contributing to engagement, consultation, or participation processes.
• Experience working in or alongside public sector, consultancy, NGO, or similar multi-stakeholder organisations.
• Experience supporting or facilitating stakeholder engagement or consultation processes.
• Experience working with members of the public or partner organisations in a professional capacity.
• Postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 10) in marine planning, environmental management, or related field.
• Relevant professional training or certifications.
• Experience producing maps, spatial outputs, or data visualisations.
• Experience in data management, analysis, or interpretation of consultation or survey data.
• Experience producing communications materials (e.g. reports, newsletters, web content).
• Knowledge of marine spatial planning policy, frameworks, or environmental legislation.
• Deeper understanding of marine policy, planning systems, or environmental regulatory frameworks.

How to Apply

More information and application: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/education/uhi-shetland/jobs/marine-planning-officer-480776