Science and Data Specialist

Science and Data Specialist

Salary: £31,026 – £35,988

Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time

Location: Taunton, Somerset – With opportunities for hybrid working

For over 20 years Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) has been the focal organisation
for holding data on wildlife sightings, types of habitats and geological information for
Somerset.

We are looking for a Science and Data Specialist to support the strategy and work with SERC and
the wider Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) Team to manage and increase the data and evidence
required to meet our organisational goals.

Job Description – Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Working as an integral part of the Innovation and Evidence Team to ensure the Somerset Wildlife
Trust becomes a reputable science led organisation and to ensure robust relationships with
partner research intensive organisations are managed by:

Responsibility 1: Data and Evidence

• Working with the Head of Innovation and Evidence to develop the Somerset Wildlife Trust
  strategic approach to data and evidence, promoting SWT as a respected research-led
  organisation.
• Leading the review and updating of the Somerset State of Nature report, understanding gaps
  in information and exploring innovative options to increase data coverage and confidence,
  working closely with the SERC manager and data team.
• Leading on behalf of the Local Nature Partnership to provide inputs to the implementation,
  review and monitoring of the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy, working closely with
  stakeholders including Somerset Council, landowner, communities and businesses involved in
  implementing measures to produce LNRS outcomes.
• Ensuring that new green finance mechanisms such as Biodiversity Net Gain and Wilder Carbon
  are operating from a sound evidence base, with a clear understanding of reporting needs and
  routes to monitoring and funding, working with the Heads of Nature Recovery, Reserves and
  SWTC. 
• Working with flagship investments and grants such as Honeygar Farm, to package, publicise
  and promote the outcomes of research programmes to appropriate audiences for maximum impact.
  Contributing to plans to scale these flagships and use science and data to build confidence
  around future investment plans.

Responsibility 2: Partnership and Funding

• Developing and managing the SWT approach to research partnership positioning SWT as a
  partner of choice for a diverse range of research-intensive organisations from across
  disciplines and institutions.
• Working closely with the SWT grants team to provide a pipeline of opportunities for
  funding, supporting the data and science strategic approach.
• Demonstrating clear planning and management skills around project implementation and budget
  management to support the portfolio of funded projects, working with staff across the
  organisation as appropriate.

Responsibility 3: Management

• Managing two permanent members of staff as well as temporary staff where required.

Additional benefits of working for the Somerset Wildlife Trust include:

• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance
• An annual professional institution subscription
• Flexible and agile working
• Wellbeing support – EAP, wellbeing champions
• Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
• Paid volunteer days
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities
• Minimum 33 days of holiday (25 annual leave + bank holidays)
• Active staff social events

The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate.

Closing date: Sunday 23 June 2024

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the
apply button to be directed to our website.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and is committed to
continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we
know we need to engage with everyone to live our values and achieve our goals. We welcome
applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that
would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be
employed.

No agencies please.