Graduate Placement - Mapping of pollinator-friendly habitats in Scotland (fliexible location)

Using existing available data sets from NatureScot (including the Habitat Map of Scotland HabMoS) and external partners the successful candidate will map/identify where pollinator-friendly habitats are in Scotland, for both networks of larger areas and smaller stepping stones in rural and urban settings. You will be responsible for identifying gaps in the availability of suitable habitats as well as whether they are due to data or habitat availability. During this year-long placement you will be encouraged to take a solutions-based approach and identify opportunities to address these. If done on a regional basis, such an approach will support Local Authorities to integrate the needs of pollinators into management and delivery of their Local Biodiversity Action Plans, LBAPs.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

 ·         Source data and assess the coverage and quality of the available data sets.

·         Collate data and produce a map of known pollinator-friendly habitat across Scotland;

·         Identify gaps in coverage and the need for further data input;

·         Identify priority areas and suggest means of improving habitat connectivity and reducing biodiversity loss.

·         Help with interpretation of the map data for public use, this may be using techniques such as a story map.

·         Promote the project as tool to local authorities and land managers to highlight what’s in their area and encourage more data collection and engagement.

·         Through opportunities for project promotion, highlight the state of our knowledge and opportunities to further support the objectives of the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria for the Graduate Placements:

NatureScot is offering paid graduate placement opportunities in various natural heritage subjects and locations, these are open to graduates who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You have graduated at degree or postgraduate level from a higher level education institution within the past 4 years.
• You are not currently studying full time, or you will have graduated from your studies at the time of the placement.
• You have had no more than one year’s relevant (graduate level) work experience since your last graduation.
• You are eligible to live and work in the UK and reside in Scotland for the duration of the job contract.

Prerequisites Required:  

·         Disclosure Scotland (This is part of our standard security checks and NatureScot will arrange a Disclosure Scotland check for all successful candidates)

·         Although Gaelic Language is not a pre-requisite for this post, as part of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan, Gaelic Language is a desirable skill for all posts within NatureScot.                                              

Essential Skills (Use your supporting statement to tell us how your skills match those listed below) 

The work to deliver this will require knowledge of data management, technical IT skills and creative thinking on presentation.  The successful candidate will gain a unique opportunity to be involved and drive success of a work under a high profile Government policy. 

·         A flexible approach to varied workloads and locations

·         An enthusiastic, positive and conscientious approach to work

·         Ability to analyse and present data

·         Written and verbal communications, especially the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently such as scientific and numerical data

·         Experience of data management.

·         Experience in the use of ESRI ArcGIS software.

·         Understanding of metadata and MEDIN/INSPIRE standards

·         An understanding of the role of pollinators and habitat networks in Scotland’s biodiversity

·         Experience of, or a willingness to get involved in, field survey work (for example for invertebrates and habitats)

·         Knowledge of Green Infrastructure

Job Title:                                  1002-409 – Graduate Placement Develop a map of pollinator-friendly habitats in Scotland

Grade:                                      A         

Location:                                 Scotland - Flexible

Vacancy Type:                         Temporary (1 year from start), full-time                 

Hours:                                      37 per week                 

Closing Date:                           Midnight on 27 September 2020            

Proposed Interview Date:       20 October 2020

Interview Panel names: Sarah Smyth, Brigid Primrose, Christina Ross