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Job Grade: B3
Salary: £49,401
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time (minimum 28 hours)
Location: Edinburgh

Application deadline: 11:55pm Tuesday 13 October 2026

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is an independent public body that monitors and investigates compliance with environmental law in Scotland and scrutinises the effectiveness of environmental policy and legislation. ESS is taking on new responsibilities for overseeing biodiversity and nature restoration targets, and local authorities’ climate change reporting.

The In-house Solicitor will provide legal advice and support across all areas of ESS, helping to ensure the organisation operates lawfully and effectively. Working closely with the Principal In-house Solicitor, the post holder will advise on environmental, public, governance and information law; assess and manage legal risk; commission and oversee external legal advice where required; and monitor legal developments in Scotland, the UK, the EU and internationally. The role will also involve analysing legislation and case law, drafting legal guidance and processes, delivering training to colleagues, representing ESS at external events, and working collaboratively across the organisation to support the development of effective systems, processes and operational workstreams.

Please submit all applications through Civil Service Jobs. Further information on person specifications, essential criteria and qualifications required can be found here also.

If you have any questions, please contact people@environmentalstandards.scot 

Job Grade: B2
Salary: £39,767
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh

Application deadline: 11:55pm Sunday 11 October 2026

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is an independent public body that monitors and investigates compliance with environmental law in Scotland, and scrutinises the effectiveness of environmental policy and legislation. As ESS takes on new responsibilities for overseeing biodiversity and nature restoration targets, and local authorities’ climate change reporting, it is establishing a new team to support this expanded role.

The two Scrutiny Officer positions will help deliver these new duties through evidence gathering, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, data management, programme coordination, reporting, and administrative support. The roles will contribute to ensuring robust scrutiny of environmental and climate commitments while supporting the wider work of ESS.

Please submit all applications through Civil Service Jobs. Further information on person specifications, essential criteria and qualifications required can be found here also.

If you have any questions please contact people@environmentalstandards.scot