Maritime planning officer
Play a key role in shaping the future of Scotland’s seas and coastlines.
Also known as: marine planner, marine planning officer, marine planning implementation officer
About the job
What it's like
Ready to make waves in a career where you’ll decide how the country’s seas and coastlines are used?
As a maritime planning officer, you’ll strike the balance between energy projects, fishing, transport and conservation.
You’ll create long-term plans that maximise Scotland’s seas and coastlines. A maritime planning officer may decide where offshore wind farms can operate, protect fishing or aquaculture areas and help manage shipping routes.
For example, let’s say you were working for an offshore energy project. You’ll make sure the wind farm complies with maritime regulations and doesn’t disrupt marine navigation or other sea users.
Your tasks might include:
creating plans that decide how sea areas and coastlines are used
assessing development applications to check they meet planning rules and policies
using mapping tools to scope out marine areas and identify suitable locations for different activities
working with communities, industries and environmental groups to gather views and avoid conflicts of interest
examining how developments may affect marine ecosystems
tracking the effectiveness of marine plans and improving them if necessary
Green job
In this job, you may carry out duties that help the environment. For example, you could work on a renewable energy project, like an offshore wind farm. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Skills Development Scotland – explore our Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind brochure
GOV.UK – check out Stacey Clarke’s blog about working as a marine planning implementation officer
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Energy -
Animals, land, water and environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- building relationships
- written communication
- problem solving
- attention to detail
- researching
- negotiating
- evaluating
- analysing
- developing a plan
- making decisions
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Biology
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Environmental Science
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Human Biology
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Geography
To work as a maritime planning officer in Scotland, you must have a degree.
Let’s explore the routes you can take to earn this qualification.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Maritime Studies
Marine and Freshwater Biology
Marine Science
Marine Biology
Marine Engineering or Coastal Engineering
Environmental Science or Environmental Planning
Geography
Use the My World of Work course search to find the right degree for you.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Environmental Science or Environmental Management
Marine Science or Nautical Science
Built Environment
Applied Sciences
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you need to become a maritime planning officer. Search for coastal and conservation-based opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Doing internships or work placements shows potential employers that you have an interest in marine and environmental issues.
Maritime planning officers must have a strong knowledge of maritime laws and marine spatial planning.
Good writing skills will help you produce high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations.