IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Biodiversity Evidence Assistant

Post Details

The post is part of the Surveillance Team, with a main focus on delivery of the JNCC terrestrial surveillance programme.  The post may also include tasks working across other teams in JNCC, for example Biodiversity Information and Advice and Data Services Teams, which cover areas such as biodiversity reporting, working on standards and principles for conservation, addressing ecosystem services and developing IT systems to support conservation, e.g. the National Biodiversity Network.

Post Duties

The post will work across the programmes portfolio of monitoring schemes and contracted research.

The main duties of the post are to:

• Undertake research/literature reviews on specific areas in order to prepare briefings, compile information for our advice and for evidence provision, e.g. through summarising scientific material for our customers.  This is to contribute to the development of the programme’s overview of surveillance requirements, and to summarise the state of knowledge around cross-cutting questions.
• Assist with tasks related to the setting up and running of the Surveillance Programme’s suite of monitoring contracts, e.g. through proof reading / editing contract documents, and maintaining an overview of tasks needed across the Programme.
• Help the team apply the available evidence base from surveillance and monitoring to answer specific questions arising from advice and policy work led by the surveillance team, other teams in JNCC, or externally.  This will include checking outputs (science, format, presentation, clarity), and helping to manage delivery.
• Communicate outputs of surveillance schemes and research projects, e.g. for JNCC’s online publication ‘Nature News’, and through assisting with updates and maintenance of web content for the JNCC website (training in content management system provided).
• Provide support to meetings organised or attended by the surveillance team by taking technical (i.e. on scientific/conservation subjects) minutes, organising workshop briefs and summarising results.

Competencies

Applicants will be required to demonstrate the specialist, technical and core competencies (skills, knowledge and behaviours) set out below. The post-holder will be expected to have those marked Essential at the outset, whilst those marked Desirable can be developed whilst in post.

Specialist and Technical   

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.  Essential
• A broad understanding of nature conservation in the UK.  Desirable
• A good understanding of ecological principles and experience of using and interpreting scientific outputs.  Essential
• Ability to use and interpret statistics associated with ecology.  Essential
• Sound computer literacy skills, including use of spreadsheets, word processors and internet.  Essential
• Knowledge of GIS and Access database software or advanced use of spreadsheets would be an advantage.  Desirable

Core

Seeing the Big Picture

• Keep up to date with a broad set of issues relating to the work of JNCC.  Desirable
• Take an active interest in expanding their knowledge of areas related to own role.  Essential

Making Effective Decisions –

• Examine complex information and obtain further information to make accurate decisions.  Essential
• Explain clearly, verbally and in writing, how a decision has been reached.  Essential
• Monitor the storage of critical data and customer information to support decision making and conduct regular reviews to ensure it is stored accurately, confidentially and responsibly.  Desirable

Leading and Communicating –

•  Express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, and with sensitivity and respect for others.  Essential
• Display enthusiasm around goals and activities – adopting a positive approach when interacting with others.  Essential

Collaborating and Partnering –

•  Proactively seek information, resources and support from others outside own immediate team in order to help achieve results.  Essential
• Readily identify opportunities to share knowledge, information and learning and make progress by working with colleagues.  Essential
• Demonstrate interest in others and develop a range of contacts outside own team to help get the job done.  Desirable

Building Capability for All –

• Take responsibility for the quality of own work and seeking opportunities for improvement through continuous learning.  Essential

Delivering Value For Money –

• Manage information and financial data so that it is accurate, easily located and reusable.  Desirable

Salary