Nature Strategy Manager – Fisheries Biologist

Base Location: Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth

(There will be a need to be onsite frequently at our site in Contin near Dingwall)

Salary: £47,600 – £ + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

As the Nature Strategy Manager (Fisheries Biologist) for SSE Renewables, your main objective is to provide expert advice on freshwater fish and fisheries to the operational hydropower business. This ensures we comply with our legal and statutory requirements whilst also minimising our impact on the environment. The Fisheries Biologist will act as the key point of contact for all inland fisheries engagement. You will support colleagues working on our hydro assets to ensure impacts on fish are avoided or mitigated. A core part of the role involves delivering world-leading mitigation across our assets to improve the status of salmon.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Providing expert advice and support to our operations team on environmental matters associated with our hydro assets, including the controls and mitigation of risks and improvement of environmental performance.
2. Delivering our annual salmon smolt mitigation programmes involving the trapping, tagging, and transport of juvenile salmon to bypass hydro assets with known passability challenges.
3. Engaging, liaising, and maintaining working relationships with external regulators, public bodies, and fisheries groups including SEPA, NatureScot, District Salmon Fishery Boards, Fisheries Management Scotland and Marine Directorate.
4. Technical appraisal and implementation of relevant policy and legislative requirements in relation to Scotland’s inland water environment, including Controlled Activities Regulations, River Basin Management Plans and the Water Framework Directive.
5. Identification and progression of fisheries research projects to further knowledge and experience, and to inform operational and/or design practices relevant to the operation of hydro generation.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

1. Extensive practical experience of freshwater fisheries management including the interface with hydro operations.
2. Proven track-record operating fish traps with experience in handling and tagging fish.
3. In-depth knowledge and understanding of applicable legislation and policy relevant to the environmental impacts of hydro generation.
4. A degree-level qualification in a relevant environmental related discipline, i.e. fisheries biology, fisheries management, ecology, environmental management or similar.
5. Great people skills, a team-player, and a proven track record of successful internal and external stakeholder engagement.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We’re building the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

SSE Renewables delivers the green energy the world needs today and tomorrow. We lead the way in the development, build, and operation of renewable power assets, including windfarms, hydro power stations, and solar and battery projects. Join a global team of 1,800 energy experts powering the transition to a net zero future.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Dougie on to discuss how we can support you.

We’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.