Work For Us

Job Grade: B3
Salary: £49,401 – £59,152
Contract type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time (minimum 28 hours)
Location: Edinburgh

Application deadline: 11:55 pm on Sunday 8 November 2026

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is expanding its role to deliver two new statutory scrutiny functions: assessing the Scottish Government’s delivery of biodiversity and nature restoration targets under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026, and scrutinising local authorities’ reporting against climate change duties. To support this expansion, ESS is establishing a new team to develop and deliver these functions, alongside the necessary organisational and corporate services changes.

The Senior Policy Analyst will support the development and delivery of ESS’ scrutiny of biodiversity targets and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. The role involves undertaking and commissioning policy analysis, gathering and communicating intelligence on legislative and regulatory developments, coordinating ESS’ response to Government progress reports, engaging stakeholders, building key relationships across the environmental sector, and helping establish the processes and ways of working needed to operationalise ESS’ new scrutiny duties.

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

Application deadline: 11:55pm on Sunday 25 October

The Senior Investigations Officer will play a key role in helping ESS fulfil its independent oversight remit by investigating concerns about environmental law and its implementation in Scotland. The postholder will manage a caseload of complex investigations, analyse evidence, engage with stakeholders and public authorities, and produce clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations. Working closely with the Head of Investigations, they will help identify systemic issues, support decision-making, contribute to the development of policies and procedures, and ensure investigations are delivered effectively, impartially and to a high professional standard.

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 (minimum 28 hours)
Location: Edinburgh

Application deadline: 11:55pm on Sunday 25 October

ESS is expanding its remit to include scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s progress towards new biodiversity and nature restoration targets, and local authorities’ reporting on climate change duties. To support these new responsibilities and wider organisational growth, ESS will recruit a number of new roles over the next year, including a dedicated team to lead this work and the necessary corporate services support.

The Communications Officer will support the delivery of ESS’ Communication and Engagement Plan, helping to raise awareness of the organisation’s work and strengthen its reputation as an independent and trusted environmental oversight body. Working closely with the Senior Communications Officer, the post holder will lead on creating engaging and accessible external communications across digital channels, including the website, social media and media relations. They will develop content, monitor media and stakeholder activity, coordinate engagement programmes, manage communication databases, evaluate performance and build effective relationships with stakeholders, ensuring ESS communicates clearly, consistently and effectively with its key audiences.

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