National Biodiversity Advisor (Data) - 26612

1
National
All
All
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Full Time
Digital
£37,462 pro-rata
This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone to really make a difference for wildlife and be visible to senior management.

We are looking for an expert data manipulator and experienced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operator, who also has some conservation experience. You will work as an advisor within the AFNE Biodiversity – Regulation & Compliance team, part of Water, Land and Biodiversity.

The post will manage the data collation for the Corporate Scorecard ‘CSC A6a We increase biodiversity and promote an environmental net gain by creating more and better habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife’. To do this the person must maintain the Access built, Conservation Projects Database, reporting, interpreting and visualising data for Defra, Natural England, and the EA Board. You will also need to review and update guidance for specific business critical databases. You will also provide advice, support and coaching to others within the team, to meet the increasing demands for conservation data and reporting.
We provide conservation data and reporting across the business. The data we manipulate and the products we derive from it, are an important service to help staff comply with statutory conservation duties and understand ecological objectives and responses to environmental pressures. We resolve technical queries and issues, with our network of operational leads. We maintain and improve technical resilience, develop technical training programmes for operational staff, maintain guidance and processes and ensure best practice.
We are seeking a person with relevant database and GIS experience. Who ideally also has a working knowledge of conservation and ecological matters, particularly in relation to ecology and species.

Specifically, we need someone who has a good working knowledge of:

• Microsoft Access (advanced)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• ArcGIS (intermediate to advanced)

Ideally you should also know about:

• Visual Basic Script (VB Script) or Python
• Microsoft Forms on SharePoint
• Office Scripts, Microsoft Lists and PowerApps.

You’ll be qualified to at least degree standard (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline and have knowledge of the conservation sector, our conservation duties and protected areas.
Membership of an appropriate professional body would be an advantage.

You’ll be well organised and able to respond to tight deadlines, working independently and as part of a small, dispersed team.
For further information, please either contact Craig Rockliff (National Biodiversity Senior Advisor & Team Leader), Steve Peters (National Biodiversity Senior Advisor) or Pam Nolan (National Biodiversity Manager)

09/06/2023, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
until 31 March 2024
Data and Information Management
Description - Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

Please provide an example of when you have undertaken data analysis, explaining, What, When, How and Why. Ideally an example related to this job role.
Communicates Effectively
Description - Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Please describe how you tailor and adapt your communication style in response to different situations? Focus, explaining, What, When, How and Why. Ideally an example related to this job role.
Environmental Awareness
Description - Appreciates the impact that activities have on the environment and identifies ways to protect and preserve the environment for the future and limits negative environmental impact.

Please describe an example of your environmental awareness, explaining, What, When, How and Why. Ideally an example related to this job role.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.