Advertised from 31 March 2026

Role

Join us in shaping Scotland’s marine future.

We are looking for a passionate and skilled Marine Policy Officer to join our Policy & Advocacy team and help drive forward our marine conservation and ocean literacy work. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how Scotland manages and protects its marine environment, and to play a central role in the Trust’s Sea the Connection project—an initiative designed to remove barriers and empower communities to participate meaningfully in marine decision making.

The role is varied, high-impact, and ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic policy landscape and enjoys working collaboratively with government, partners, and communities.

About the Role

As Policy Officer, you will play a central role in advancing the Trust’s marine policy, planning, and ocean literacy ambitions across a diverse and impactful portfolio. Working closely with the Marine Policy Manager and the marine policy inclusion officer, you will contribute to the development of evidence based, solutions focused policy positions on -

• Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network
• National and regional marine planning
• Fisheries management
• Marine renewables
• - and the delivery of Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision - particularly its aim to build an ocean literate nation.

A significant focus of the role will be leading the coordination and delivery of the Scottish Ocean Literacy Coalition and supporting the development of Scotland’s first national Ocean Literacy Strategy. You will convene and chair steering group meetings, design and deliver both online and in person engagement events, and gather perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders to shape a shared national vision for ocean literacy. This will require confidence in planning, facilitating, and managing events, as well as the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across sectors including government, NGOs, academia, communities, and marine industries.

You will also represent the Trust at external meetings, workshops, and conferences, ensuring our priorities are communicated effectively and that we remain an active, constructive voice in Scotland’s marine policy landscape. The breadth of the role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise across marine environmental topics while developing your own specialist area of interest. Ultimately, you will help strengthen the Trust’s capacity to influence marine planning processes, support marine protection initiatives, and contribute to a more ocean literate Scotland.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the heart of Scotland’s marine policy landscape.
• Influence real change for nature, climate, and coastal communities.
• Be part of a supportive, knowledgeable, and collaborative team.
• Shape national approaches to ocean literacy and marine protection.
• Develop your own specialist areas within a broad and meaningful role.

About us

For more than 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.

The benefits

• Flexi time/Hybrid working
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and pension schemes
• Weekly wellness hour
• Generous Sick pay allowance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Training and Development focus

Application notes

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.