Biodiversity Metrics Analyst

Job Description

Job title: Biodiversity Metrics Analyst | Grade: D | Vacancy type: Temporary | Hours: 35 | Salary: £38,242 | Location: Flexible working options available

This position presents a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the implementation of NatureScot's Data Strategy. The primary objective is to enhance our understanding of necessary data, its utilization, and the management of data flow from collection to actionable insights.

To effectively safeguard, restore, and appreciate nature, NatureScot requires high-quality data that is efficiently captured, managed, and readily accessible. Our Data Strategy aims to fulfill this vision through five key themes:

• Establishing a robust data foundation
• Achieving impactful outcomes
• Leading industry standards
• Investing in human resources
• Fostering innovation

This role will involve developing a comprehensive overview of measurements, metrics, and targets used in our performance measurement frameworks, including KPIs. It will assess the data required to support these frameworks and explore the development and application of various frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with project teams to identify, manage, secure, and validate data for performance measurement frameworks.
• Gain insights into the diverse metrics, tools, and targets under development and the data that supports them.
• Source, collect, and extract accurate and relevant data.
• Provide guidance to project teams on data analysis and the creation of compelling, evidence-based narratives to inform decision-making.
• Contribute to the iterative design of performance frameworks to ensure their effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy.

This role will work closely with specialists in species and habitats, data experts, system owners, and policy staff both within and outside NatureScot to define our data requirements for performance frameworks and to achieve the broader objectives of our data strategy.

This is a distinctive opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Scotland's environmental initiatives while collaborating with a dedicated team focused on leveraging data for positive outcomes.

The position is situated within the Environmental Data and Innovative Technologies Team, part of the Protected Areas, Innovation, and Data (PAID) Activity.

The EDIT Team is tasked with executing our data strategy, which encompasses:

• Understanding and developing our data requirements,
• Creating data catalogues and identifying data gaps,
• Investigating and evaluating new technologies,
• Coordinating UK Habitat Regulations Reporting,
• Advising on the application of habitat and species data,
• Collaborating with the Protected Areas Monitoring and Surveillance (PAMS) Team to explore and enhance innovative approaches for environmental monitoring and data management.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to work.
• An open-minded perspective with the ability to grasp the broader context and recognize the necessity for change.
• Critical evaluation skills to identify innovative opportunities.
• A solid understanding of metrics used to assess biodiversity and national and international targets.
• Knowledge of environmental data and its role in supporting decision-making and monitoring changes.
• Familiarity with Scotland's natural environment, key pressures, and land management issues.
• Proficiency in discovering, gathering, analyzing, and managing data.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence, listen, and present information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Capability to manage multiple tasks within a small team with limited resources.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others, build relationships, identify opportunities, and overcome challenges.

Prerequisites:

• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to undergo a Disclosure Scotland application.
• While proficiency in Gaelic is not mandatory, it is considered a valuable asset in support of our Gaelic Language Plan.

Working for NatureScot:

NatureScot provides an attractive benefits package to support you during your employment, including a civil service pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, flexible working hours, and an employee discount scheme.

NatureScot's Commitment to Net Zero:

Whether working remotely or in an office, or traveling for meetings and site visits, as a member of NatureScot, you will contribute to our Net Zero plan through sustainable travel choices.