Conservation Planner

We’re seeking an enthusiastic and motivated person to join RSPB Scotland’s planning team.

What’s the role about?

This is a great opportunity to work as a planner within the environmental charity sector. You’ll work closely with colleagues in the Policy and Advocacy department, as well as with teams throughout Scotland, providing planning advice and support. You’ll also coordinate work on planning and consenting cases, helping to ensure that planning plays a positive role in tackling the nature and climate crisis.

Supported by colleagues, you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and experience of planning and policy work, particularly in relation to conservation and nature.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide planning advice to colleagues, including planning support for RSPB responses to development proposals
• Contribute to training and internal guidance for colleagues working on casework
• Contribute to policy and legislation consultations responses
• Advocate for RSPB planning policies, both internally and externally, with stakeholders such as government, businesses, and environmental charities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders and a wide range of internal colleagues.
• Ensure effective internal communication of RSPB’s planning work to support a consistent approach to policy advocacy.
• Collaborate with Communications and Campaigns colleagues to identify and deliver media, campaign, and communication materials that support advocacy goals.
• Stay informed about relevant internal and external work to identify emerging issues.
• Contribute to high-quality reports, consultation responses and briefings.

What we need from you?

Essential :

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, in planning or other relevant subjects.
• Knowledge of the Scottish Planning System and environmental assessment processes
• Ability to analyse complex information and contribute constructively to discussions and decision-making.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality professional documents.
• Ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, to influence outcomes
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Competent in relevant Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or working towards this
• Experience of working with the planning system in Scotland
• Experience of working with key stakeholders within the planning and/or other consenting systems
• Experience of participating in committees, hearings, or public inquiries
• Understanding of policy areas relevant to planning and conservation, and related biodiversity and environmental issues.
• Knowledge of RSPB’s planning work
• Awareness of political systems and processes, and their relevance to conservation and environmental policy, advocacy and casework.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week, although other working patterns will be considered. There will be a need to be present in the RSPB Edinburgh office on a regular basis and to attend occasional meetings in central Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. This role will require occasional overnight stays away from home

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Thursday 05 February and Friday 6th February 2026 . For further information, please contact: [email protected]

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

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

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

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.

We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.