Ecology Data Specialist

Closing Date: 11 April 2023 | Salary: £37,308 - £40,806 (Grade 6) | Location: Flexible

Contract type: Permanent

Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week.

Post number: 201411

As an organisation we support flexible working. This role allows hybrid working (a mix of home and office working) and a working pattern suitable for you can be discussed on appointment if you are successful.

You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home, of which you will be required to attend for regular meetings, training and for one-to-one meetings with your manager. These will be planned in advance.

Job description

We are looking for someone to manage the data we collect for ecological work in NRW. In this technical specialist role, you will manage and develop the administration of terrestrial and marine biodiversity monitoring and survey data and associated physical data. This will include leading on the use and development of NRW’s ecology data and data repositories, advising on data standards, and working with our partners to improve data flow.

For example, on a day to day basis you might be:

advising on the development of new data repositories and databases
talking to staff in other departments about data that needs to be catalogued and archived correctly
developing data standards and providing advice on implementation
identifying a mechanism for mobilising species records submitted to NRW by others
liaising with other data custodians across NRW to support the development of broader data strategies

You will need specialist technical knowledge related to ecology monitoring and biodiversity data. As well as these skills you will need attention to detail and enjoy collaborating with others.

You will be based in the Terrestrial Ecosystems and Species Team, a team of habitats and species specialists in the Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate. But you will work across NRW, collaborating with marine and monitoring colleagues, as well as those working on the management of ecological data, data management policies and procedures and ICT systems. You will also work with external partners on the development and management of data systems such as Marine Recorder.

This is an exciting opportunity for the person with the right skills to help NRW get the best out of our data, by leading and supporting the management of ecology data across NRW.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities include:

Prepare technical assessments, drawing on a range of complex information and data sources.
Manage, develop and provide technical input to NRW ecology data repositories including Recorder and Marine Recorder. As lead system administrator you will ensure compliance with data and IT standards and be responsible for business ownership of the ecology data assets held within it.
Lead on the development, implementation and maintenance of the associated tools and processes for the NRW ecology data repositories, along with data quality, checks and assurance.
Lead development to meet current and future NRW ecological data management requirements. Adopt changes in technology and innovate to improve services and deliver benefits and better ways to support users.
Liaise with external stakeholders to ensure their needs are understood, our needs and capacity for delivery are communicated, and that arrangements for exchange of ecology and biodiversity data, wherever stored, are appropriately implemented and managed to ensure they are timely and fit for purpose.
Advise on biodiversity evidence needs and opportunities and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
Support engagement and build strong internal and external relationships with a range of partners and be the lead point of contact for customer queries and look to gain co-operation of others, representing NRW at working groups as required.
Act as technical expert for ecology and biodiversity recording systems for the business. Provide technical advice, support and guidance as lead expert. Provide advanced specialist training of all NRW ecology and biodiversity recording systems, including preparation of guidance documentation
Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Sgwrs personal development plan

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

Knowledge and experience of the following:

Specialist technical knowledge related to the development and assessment of appropriate Data Quality standards and metrics for ecology monitoring and biodiversity data.
Experience of: using ecology data repositories, and in the management of ecology monitoring and biodiversity data. Strong IT skills and experience of the use and management of data, meta-data and reference data in related IT systems. Awareness and ability to evaluate IT and data requirements of business processes that produce and use data.
Working with/in statutory nature conservation bodies, local authorities, eNGOs, and public bodies and the relevant IT services.
Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to biodiversity and data management: Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in biodiversity and ecosystem resilience: and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.

Welsh language requirements:

Essential Level 1 – able to pronounce Welsh and use basic phrases

Competencies

Please note - Applications to this role will be assessed based on the following competencies, both at shortlisting and interview. Please give examples of how you demonstrate these competencies when completing your application form.

Essential Knowledge and Skills	Able to undertake practical/technical tasks or work, requiring specialist knowledge/expertise. Able to provide objective advice to others on related issues, based on their knowledge and experience and keeps up to date with changes within their specialist field. Demonstrates relevant substantial experience gained from working in number of different organisations, or roles/functions within a single organisation. Ability to lead and project manage specific areas of work, which may include the implementation of plans. Has mentoring skills and the ability to share skills and knowledge with others within the function and/or across the organisation. Possibly an expert in a range of subjects relating to their profession.
Evaluation of Information	Ability to analyse and interpret a range of complex information of a technical nature, relating to a specific area of specialism, contributing to the development of strategy and policies. Able to extract key points and communicate them to individuals at all levels. Able to interpret relevant delivery plans and understand their context in the wider national and NRW strategy and policies.
Decision Making and Autonomy Requirements	Ability to decide how to achieve results applying some degree of judgment or creativity, whilst responding to conflicting demands, by altering priorities. Able to make independent decisions on a broad range to matters, considering the options available and potential implications for the business. Decisions will require input from line management and peers and an understanding of NRW policy, the impact of which is likely to be wider than the immediate function or department and medium term in nature. Has an appreciation of the consequences of making wrong decisions and the adverse effect they may have on the organisation in relation to external stakeholders, such as partner organisations, lenders, service users etc. Able to contribute to the setting of strategic direction for themselves, their area and others. Ability to develop organisation strategy and policies with some autonomy in the implementation of organisational policy. Can adapt and respond to decisions made which lead to changes in established procedure/practice for dealing with issues within the post holder’s area of work, which may not be immediately clear or apparent. Some decisions may need to be taken without reference to others.
Impact	Demonstrates an appreciation of how their decisions and actions will influence others both internally and externally. Must have an awareness of the consequences of their decision making, which will have a moderate level of impact and influence and be medium term in nature.
Communication and Relationships with Others	Ability to interact and link with others across the business, engaging the organisation in delivering polices and work plans in the most efficient way. Communications will be both with internal colleagues and external stakeholders which may include specialist input and influence in relation to policy and strategy or implementation. Some interactions may be emotionally challenging where individuals are angry or upset, requiring the need for tact, patience and the ability to remain calm to try and resolve the issue. The work will involve written and verbal communications and/or leading projects, requiring good communication and persuasive skills. Ability to facilitate and/or present at internal or external meetings, giving advice and input as required. Able to foster and maintain good relationships and networks. Ability to produce documents, reports, accounts, contracts, etc., with some complexity, containing elements of advice, guidance or opinion which the recipient will act upon or use, and which would have detrimental consequences if incorrect or poorly drafted. Ability to source data and content from multiple locations, entailing some external research and professional judgment in how such research should be interpreted. The impact of such documentation is likely to be generally medium term in nature.
Responsibility for Resources	Post holders will have a delegated budget and/or will have responsibility for checking the validity of forms and documents as part of a process and/or the procurement of goods and services. The level of financial responsibility, is likely to be a delegated part of a much larger budget, managed by a senior member of staff.

Benefits of working for us

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

Agile and flexible working
Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 26.6% to 30.3%
28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
Generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
Health and wellbeing benefits and support
Weekly well-being hour to use at your choice

See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.

How to apply

Please send a completed Application form to Applications@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk using the post number as the email reference

Before completing your application, please read our Guidance on completing a job application form

Application closing date 11 April 2023

Successful applicants will be notified of the interview date which may be face to face.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Liz Halliwell at liz.halliwell@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk or 07717800692

Natural Resources Wales embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunity. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

We welcome and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented, including women, black and ethnic minority groups and people with a disability. We have a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity and respect at the heart of our values.

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