Forestry and Land Scotland Jobs 2026: Climate Change Advisor and Interim Head of Planning

Overview

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which manages and develops Scotland's national forests and land, has two current vacancies: a Climate Change Advisor and an Interim Head of Planning. The vacancies have different eligibility rules, application steps and closing dates, and both are applied for through the FLS recruitment portal.

Climate Change Advisor

The advisor joins the Climate Change Team and supports delivery of the organisation's climate change strategy across forestry and land management, buildings and contracts. Reporting to the Climate Change Manager, the post leads and supports projects that help FLS meet targets for emissions reduction, climate adaptation and carbon capture, and involves influencing cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Salary is 45,711 to 49,229 pounds plus 28.97 percent employer pension contributions. The post is full-time, fixed-term and has flexible location arrangements, subject to the job description. Candidates need a thorough understanding of climate mitigation and adaptation risks and opportunities in Scotland, knowledge of climate impacts on natural and built environments, experience handling complex data, and strong influencing and stakeholder skills. Applicants submit a CV and covering letter by 13 September 2026, quoting reference REQ1198.

Interim Head of Planning

This senior post oversees planning, GIS and land management functions within the new Directorate of Forestry, leading a team of about 25 staff. The holder helps ensure plans are robust and deliverable, that environmental requirements and UKWAS standards are met, and that technology supports decisions and transformation. Strategic planning experience, including developing and implementing medium- to long-term strategies, is required. Salary is 80,275 to 88,848 pounds plus 28.97 percent employer pension contributions, full-time with flexible location arrangements. The vacancy is open only to current Civil Servants. A CV and supporting statement are due by 6 September 2026, reference REQ1211.

Key dates

The Interim Head of Planning closes on 6 September 2026 and the Climate Change Advisor on 13 September 2026.