To protect, restore and value nature and to ensure that we work effectively as an organisation NatureScot needs high quality, high value data effectively and efficiently captured and managed and that is easily accessible to everyone. NatureScot's Data Strategy will help us achieve this vision through work on 5 themes
1. Building the data foundation
2. Delivering impactful outcomes
3. Setting the industry direction
4. Investing in people
5. Innovation
Work on the Data Strategy is identifying projects that need to be developed in order to meet the evolving needs of NatureScot and our partners. This post will develop an overview of measurements, metrics and targets that we use in our performance measurement frameworks, including KPIS and targets. It will look at the data we need to support these frameworks and how different frameworks are developed and used.
This post will
* Work with project teams to identify, manage, secure and validate data for performance measurement frameworks.
* Develop an understanding of the different metrics, tools and targets that are in development and the data that underpins them.
* Source, collect and extract data that is accurate and fit for purpose.
* Provide advice to project teams on data analysis and how to use analysis to create compelling evidence-based and actionable data stories to drive decisions.
* Inform the iterative design of the performance framework in order to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy.
This post will work closely with species and habitat specialists, data experts, system owners and policy staff within and out-with NatureScot to develop our data needs for performance frameworks and deliver the wider aims of our data strategy.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to Scotland's environmental agenda and to work with a passionate team committed to making a positive impact on Scotland's nature with data.
The post sits in the Environmental Data and Innovative Technologies Team within the Protected Areas, Innovation and Data (PAID) Activity.
The EDIT Team are responsible for delivering our data strategy, this includes;
* Development and understanding of our data needs,
* Development of data catalogues and identification of data gaps,
* Investigation and evaluation of and support for the use of new technologies,
* Co-ordination of UK Habitat Regulations Reporting,
* Provision of advice on the use of habitat and species data,
* Working with the Protected Areas Monitoring and Surveillance (PAMS) Team to explore and develop new approaches and technologies for environmental monitoring and surveillance and data capture and management on and beyond protected areas., You will be part of a team delivering the following responsibilities, with specific tasks allocated on an agile basis and linked to personal competencies.
* Development of NatureScot's approach to data that supports the development of performance frameworks to ensure we have the data we need to support the work of the organisation.
* Analyse our current data use and develop an understanding of future need.
* Develop experience in turning business needs and goals into performance measures and frameworks.
* Identification of appropriate ways to collect, collate and prepare data, and to decide if data is accurate and fit for purpose. Perform data preparation and cleaning with limited guidance.
* Help to evaluate the use of innovative technologies and new data sources.
* Assessment of risk and evaluation of options
* Understanding of a range of appropriate media to communicate findings. Shapes and shares communications cognisant of the audience. Able to give tactical recommendations.
* Development of our data strategy to support our work.
* Support the work of the wider PAID activity., Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.
A can-do, enthusiastic and motivational approach to work. Essential
An open mind and ability to see the 'big picture' and understand the need for change. Critical evaluation of innovative opportunities. Essential
An understanding of the range of metrics used to measure biodiversity and national and international targets Essential
A sound knowledge of environmental data and how it is used to support decision making and monitor change Preferred
A broad understanding of Scotland's nature, the key pressures acting upon it and associated land management issues. Preferred
Skills and ability to discover, gather, analyse and manage data Essential
Excellent communication skills, including influencing, listening, and demonstrating clear written and verbal presentation, to drive business change. Essential
Ability to manage multiple tasks within a small team with limited resources. Essential
The ability to work in collaboration with others, to build relationships, identify opportunities and overcome barriers. Essential
Prerequisites
* Proof of right to work in UK
* To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
* Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.
NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details.