Marine Information And Database Adviser

NATURESCOT

Marine information and database adviser

Location: Inverness / Battleby/ other locations and home working requests will be considered

Vacancy Type: 1 year from 5 June 2023

Hours: 35 hours per week

Reference: 1011-379

Internal Interview Date: 23 June 2023

External Interview Date: 28 June 2023

Job Purpose Summary

We are committed to improving awareness and understanding of Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network and of information relevant to the conservation of Scotland’s seas to a range of decision makers and audiences.

This is a new role within the Marine Ecosystems (ME) Activity Team and will focus on ensuring marine information is accessible to a wide range of audiences and include updating and/or developing relevant online database and information platforms. The successful candidate will work as part of a group focussing on MPAs and Priority Marine Features (PMFs), but will also work closely with staff in the NatureScot’s Information and Cyber Security Team, Protected Areas Team and external partners (for example the FeAST (Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool) Working Group).  Wider contribution to the work of the ME Activity Team may also be required.

Key Responsibilities

•            Work internally and with external organisations and individuals, to ensure that information relating to the management of MPAs is made available to decision-makers and other stakeholders.  This will involve close working with technical and communications staff.

•            Project manage the periodic redevelopment of existing relevant databases, to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose and capable of supporting adaptive management of MPAs.  This will include agreeing scopes, specifications, and overall delivery, including user testing.

•            Provide training and support for NatureScot staff in use of relevant databases, including through periodic quality assurance of content and feedback to staff.  This may also extend to external organisations and community groups.

•            Promote relevant databases both internally and externally to ensure the information they contain is used to support delivery of our MPA advice, understanding of progress, and achievement of a well-managed MPA network.

•            Ensure that all work relating to relevant databases has a strong user focus, supporting and facilitating work by others relating to MPAs.

•            Contribute to reporting and assessment work, where relevant.

•            Undertake periodic monitoring and evaluation to inform continuous improvement of ways in which NatureScot makes marine information available externally.

Skills

•            Technical knowledge and experience of systems development processes and methods, including agile development.

•            Knowledge and experience of requirements gathering, planning and conducting requirements gathering workshops,  prioritisation methods,  documentation of requirements, and Business System Options and Technical System Options.

•            Knowledge and experience of public sector information management standards and requirements.

•            Project management experience.

•            Data and database management experience and a good understanding of systems interoperability and integrity.

•            Good understanding of the complexities of spatial and non-spatial data relating to marine biology, habitats and species and conservation.

•            Excellent written and oral communication skills.

•            Proven ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.

Prerequisites Required

•            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’s Net Zero commitment

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.

Application Process

Before applying for this post:

•            Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575)

•            External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide

All Applicants please note if you have already applied for a vacancy on Fusion please ensure you remove the supporting statement saved in your profile and upload your new supporting statement.

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

For information regarding the vacancy, please contact:

Suz Henderson (ME Manager) Email: suzanne.henderson@nature.scot Tel: 01463 725238

Nature is vital to all of us, so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is, the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.

For further information on the application process please contact: People & OD, NatureScot, Great Glen House, Inverness, IV3 8NW. Tel: 01463 725081 Email: recruitment@nature.scot

Closing Date: 16 June 2023.