Working for Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS)

At ESS, you are part of a team ensuring Scotland’s environmental laws are being upheld by public authorities, and contributing to the protection of the environment for future generations.

Working for us

We are a small but dedicated organisation focused on ensuring Scotland achieves the highest environmental standards. We are looking for skilled individuals who have a passion for improving those standards to join our multidisciplinary team. It’s an exciting time to join us as we have an important role to play in helping Scotland achieve its net zero targets and climate change ambition.

Our values of being independent, transparent, trusted, and effective, define the way we work. We encourage idea sharing, capitalise on different perspectives, and continuously invest in the learning and development of each team member. As a whole, we will target our efforts and resources where we can add most value – focusing where our contribution is needed most or will make most difference.

ESS - walkers in the forest

We are building a culture that encourages inclusion and diversity and we welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working patterns to ensure your schedule works for you. We have adopted a hybrid working method where staff can work between their home and our main office in Edinburgh to varying degrees.

ESS - Emma Macrae Assistant Statistician

The main highlight of my year in ESS was attending COP26. This was just one of the extra opportunities I was offered as part of the Civil Service. I worked in the media team coordinating the photographers and videographers. It was amazing to see how such an important event worked.

Emma MacraeAssistant Statistician

Our HQ is centrally located in Haymarket, Edinburgh, but we offer hybrid working.

We report to Scottish Parliament, not to Scottish Government.

We currently have employees from seven local authorities around Scotland.

ESS - Rebecca Peppiette

Although we need to be mindful of being a public body with the protections related to this status, we also want to ensure we remain a flexible, ambitious and creative organisation. Our size should be our strength, enabling us to move quickly on different initiatives, trialling pilots and developing

Rebecca PeppietteHead of Corporate Services and Communications

We are committed to developing our staff so they can reach their full potential. Some of the benefits we offer include:

  • A competitive employment package, including enrolment in the civil service pension.
  • A strong commitment to investing in each team member’s personal and professional development through continuous learning.
  • Generous annual leave of 25 days rising to 30 days after 5 years plus 11.5 public holidays.
  • A confidential Employee Assistance Programme and free counselling sessions
  • Opportunities to work on some of the most significant and meaningful environmental challenges facing us today and the chance to play a part in helping to improve the quality of the environment for the people of Scotland. 

Your development

Regardless of your background or role, we are committed to providing learning opportunities for you to improve your personal and professional development. You will have opportunities to work on some of the most significant and meaningful environmental challenges facing us today and the chance to play a part in helping to improve the quality of the environment for the people of Scotland.

Photo of Emma Macrae Assistant Statistician, Environmental Standards Scotland

Emma’s Blog

Emma Macrae tells us about her journey with Environmental Standards Scotland.

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Government Campus Prospectus

Explore the activities on offer through the cross Civil Service curriculum and an extensive range of off the shelf learning courses.