Farm Biodiversity Project Officer - Technical - D Grade

Job Purpose Summary

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, acting as the key link between the contracted software developers, NatureScot and users.

Your role will be instrumental in supporting 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 role prioritises practical progress, iteration and delivery over theoretical perfection, suiting someone who enjoys shaping and developing new systems. 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 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:

Skills (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)

You don’t need to be able to code, but you do need to be confident with digital tools and be inspired by their potential to support nature. We are looking for: