Overview

Love maps? Obsessed with spatial data? Want to apply your scientific skills and knowledge to give independent advice to governments?

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1990, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by almost 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

What’s the role?

Title: Marine Data Specialist
Grade: H
Salary: £27,946
Term: Fixed Term Appointment for up to 2 years
Location: Peterborough or Aberdeen (with remote working during COVID-19 restrictions)

JNCC are looking for a Marine Data Specialist to join the Marine Monitoring and Evidence team, based in Peterborough or Aberdeen. You will work collaboratively with members of your own team, and other teams within JNCC to develop map products and deliver robust evidence and advice to support JNCC’s conservation work. You will work with international partners as well as colleagues in the country nature conservation bodies (Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland) and other public bodies (e.g. Cefas, Environment Agency).

You will take a lead role in the collation, cataloguing, re-interpretation and management of existing UK seabed habitat data including online dissemination of data and metadata. You will provide specialist skills to our national and international projects to map and model seabed habitats.

Who are we looking for?

You will be a data specialist, with experience of manipulating large spatial environmental datasets, and managing them appropriately using GIS and databases. Experience working with marine data will be an advantage. You will have programming skills, with experience of applying these to automate spatial processing and data management tasks.

Full details of the role are included in the job description.

Why JNCC?

We have a very flexible and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management focus on supporting advisers with the freedom and tools they need to get their jobs done. You will benefit from our supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits (which in many cases exceeds the statutory minimum, including the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension arrangements), as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

Assessment

We will assess you against the Behaviours listed below, and the Experience and Technical requirements outlined in the Post Details. Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade (Level 3 – HEO and SEO or equivalent)

Technical

  • Degree or equivalent qualification

Experience

  • Extensive experience using databases and GIS packages (preferably ESRI™ ArcGIS or Quantum GIS) to manipulate, interrogate and interpret spatial datasets, including experience of integrating and analysing different types of environmental data from multiple sources. Experience with marine data would be an advantage.
  • Experience using programming to automate processes, including for spatial analysis (preferably R and/or Python).

Behaviours

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

Data Skills Test

Please note that the interview will include a data skills test.

Interviews

The closing date for this post is 09:00 on Thursday 25 February 2021. The anticipated interview date is during the week commencing 8th March 2021.

To apply please visit our website at https://jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/careers/ where you can download the Application Form, Equality & Diversity Form and Job Description, and find further information on How to apply.

A secondment opportunity from within the Civil Service may be considered for the right candidate.

Please be aware that at this time interviews may take place either over the phone or by video conference. We will aim to give you a minimum of 5 days’ notice before inviting any candidate for interview but please be aware that this may not be possible, and interviews may have to be changed at short notice.

Please accept our apology for this change in our service and we will endeavour to do everything possible to give you the best possible recruitment experience.