Farm Biodiversity Project Officer

This role is an exciting opportunity to join NatureScot’s Farming with Nature team to support the Farm Biodiversity Project. A biodiversity audit is a key part of the development of sustainable farming support under the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Reform Programme, and one of the elements required as part of the Whole Farm Plan. The project aims to create a simple and easy to use farm biodiversity auditing, planning and management process, which could be completed by any farmer or crofter using a digital tool. The process involves four main steps – to Map, Measure, Manage and Monitor habitats (and species). Under the project, we are working closely with farmers and crofters to explore the support they need to undertake this.

The Farm Biodiversity Scotland mobile app and web platform (otherwise known as FarmBioScot) is a flagship digital tool being developed and tested with the aim of helping farmers and crofters audit, plan and manage biodiversity on their land. It is owned by NatureScot and free to use for farmers and crofters. We have developed and are piloting the first steps of the project (Map - baseline habitat mapping, and Measure - habitat condition assessment) with farmers and crofters using FarmBioScot. Further development will be required to take account of testing to date, and to develop and pilot the remaining steps through the app and web platform.

You will support the ongoing development and delivery of FarmBioScot, and support the technical side of this work, ensuring the smooth delivery and development of FarmBioScot, working with contractors and the Farm Biodiversity Project team and other NatureScot staff. This is a rare development opportunity to be at the bleeding edge of innovation in the Agri-environment sector, combining land management, ecology and modern technology. Location is flexible - either in a NatureScot office or being home based, but you must be prepared to travel to central locations for project meetings, or for occasional farm visits. Job sharing is possible. A level of flexibility is expected to work across other Farming with Nature tasks if needed.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

As a member of the Farm Biodiversity Project team, you will be line managed by the Farm Biodiversity Project Manager but also work under the direction of the Specialist Advisor who has the lead role in the development of FarmBioScot. Whilst input may be required across the Project as a whole, the focus will be on the more technical aspects of delivery and more specifically you will:

• Support the development of FarmBioScot, supporting liaison between contracted developers and NatureScot staff, and bridging gaps between developers, ecologists, farmers and policy teams.
• Support the planning, testing and delivery of new features and functionality.
• Develop guidance and support material for use in the FarmBioScot platform and supporting communication materials.
• Act as the primary liaison between this project and other metrics and digital tools being developed in NatureScot.
• Support farmers and crofters with onboarding, training and field testing using FarmBioScot.
• Troubleshoot any technical issues arising and resolve them in collaboration with developers.
• Lead on user research to gather feedback from users testing FarmBioScot.
• Contribute to project updates, reporting and stakeholder communications.

Skills

We are looking for:

• A positive attitude to helping deliver team goals, including the ability to work collaboratively within a dispersed team and work flexibly to accommodate a range of tasks as required.
• Aptitude and interest in modern technology with experience or knowledge of using nature-focussed apps and willingness to develop your understanding of their functionality. Ideally with experience of working on digital metrics or tools for recording biodiversity.
• Ability to work across teams and work areas and make connections with other projects and initiatives.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritise workload in a fast moving and agile project, including task delegation and an ability to respond and react quickly to deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, including presentation skills. With experience of presenting technical information to a range of audiences in an engaging way and creating visuals to support training and communication materials.
• Experience of conducting user research, or surveys to gather feedback on a project or initiative.
• An understanding of Scottish farming systems and the range of habitats found.

Prerequisites Required

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract. 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.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer you

NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:

• An environment with flexible working options.
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions).
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January.
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme.
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis.
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes.
• Access to an employee discounts scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Application Process

Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you have attached these documents when submitting your application. Before applying for this post; Internal applicants should read the Self Service Guide (eRDMS A3155575) External applicants should read the Online Job Application Guide. If you have previously applied for a vacancy with NatureScot you must remove the supporting statement from your profile, before uploading a new version.

Interviews

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

For information regarding the vacancy please contact: Liz Auty, Farm Biodiversity Project Manager, liz.auty@nature.scot. For information regarding the recruitment process please contact: recruitment@nature.scot. 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.