Overview

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. The UK Polar Data Centre (UK PDC) is the focal point for Arctic and Antarctic environmental data management in the UK. Part of the Natural Environmental Research Council’s (NERC) network of environmental data centres, and based at BAS, it coordinates the management of polar data from UK-funded research and supports researchers in complying with national and international data legislation and policy.

The UK PDC has a vacancy for a Marine Protected Area Data Manager based at the British Antarctic Survey offices on the outskirts of Cambridge. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced candidate to work on the development of an integrated marine data and Geographic Information System, which will support the review and ongoing management of the South Georgia Marine Protected Area, and help to improve our understanding of the marine ecosystem in this unique region.

This role requires excellent attention to detail and strong communication and team working skills. You will be expected to document your progress and engage successfully with a wide range of scientists and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will have experience of data management in a marine or environmental context. You will need a good range of IT skills including in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database systems, and experience of using relevant software packages for managing, processing data and visualising data, as well as ideally in geospatial analyses, web GIS and data portal design.

This role would suit a highly motivated individual looking for an opportunity to apply their skills in a diverse and creative project. You will join a small team of data scientists who are passionate about providing access to environmental data, and making it available for a range of scientific and policy applications. In this role you will be making a real difference in improving the conservation, management, and scientific understanding of the marine environment around South Georgia.

Purpose

To build a data portal that brings together accessible environmental data relevant to the forthcoming review (2018) and ongoing management of the South Georgia Marine Protected Area. To develop appropriate analyses and visualisations of these data using appropriate mapping and Geographic Information System tools to aid scientists/environmental managers review and manage the MPA.

Qualification

Degree or higher in a marine, biological or data management subject area.

Duties

– Liaise with scientists to compile a prioritised list of datasets that are relevant to the project and with existing staff in the Polar Data Centre, to understand and become familiar with how these datasets are currently managed and the formats in which they are held.
– Collate data from high priority datasets that are not currently held in database format and design database tables to hold these data. Design queries to extract relevant data from existing database.
– Design a data portal than brings together all relevant high-priority datasets.
– Collate updated base layers for mapping such as bathymetry, oceanographic features, Marine Protected Area boundaries.
– Liaise with project personnel to compile a prioritised list of analyses and visualisations of the data that will aid the MPA review and ongoing management.
– Undertake the identified analyses and visualisations using appropriate data/GIS tools.
– Contribute to the dissemination of results of the project and publication of the data products as required by the project manager.

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 129/16
Closing date for receipt of application forms is 29th January 2017
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 20th February 2017
Proposed start date: April 2017

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.

Apply online here: https://www.bas.ac.uk/jobs/vacancy/south-georgia-marine-protected-area-data-manager-cambridge/?utm_source=Conservation%20Careers&utm_medium=Paid%20Advert&utm_content=BAS%20129%2F16