Biodiversity Data and Projects Officer

Overview

We are passionate about enabling the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes through analysis and drawing of insights from the environmental data that we collect.

Are you enthusiastic about biodiversity data and biological recording? Are you driven to make a difference to protect the natural environment through a range of data and conservation projects? Do you have skills in species identification? An exceptional new opportunity has become available for a Biodiversity Data and Projects Officer to join the team at the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMERC).

The role will utilise specialist ecological and species knowledge combined with technical skills in data processing and reporting to drive the delivery of a range of strategic objectives and projects within the team.

If you are excited by this position and feel like you could play a key role within the team in this varied position, then we would be pleased to hear from you.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

In this role you will become an expert user of our new ‘Orca’ environmental records database which will include developing knowledge of end-to-end data processes including collation, uploading, data quality review and verification of environmental records, through to reporting and analysing biodiversity datasets to support our Environmental Records Centre data exchange agreements.

In addition, a diverse range of projects will be managed, for example from surveying specialist local species to developing GIS map resources to support local volunteer recorder groups. Project management techniques will be utilised, and stakeholder engagement skills will be important to facilitate project delivery.

Hybrid working is available, and you can be based away from the offices up to 3 days per week. There may also be a need for field-based visits or surveys.

BMERC has recently developed a five-year strategic plan, and our mission is to operate a high-performing and sustainable environmental records service which facilitates protection of biodiversity, habitats, and sites of biological and geological significance within Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

The team collects, processes and provides data and we manage an environmental database with over 3.6 million records. We also deliver and support projects, train and work with volunteers, advise landowners, and work with stakeholders and counterparts locally and nationally. The team has specialist surveying skills and provides recommendations on the designation of new Local Wildlife Sites. BMERC is one of 5 environmental specialist teams that sit within the Planning and Environment service.

Together we share a passion to protect, promote and manage the unique local natural environment.

BMERC is a friendly and professional team, aligned closely with the Council’s Ecology Team. We hold wildlife records of flora and fauna in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes plus information about local sites such as Local Wildlife Sites and Local Geological Sites, Milton Keynes Wildlife Corridors and Road Verge Nature Reserves. We also hold data on NERC Act S41 Habitats of Principal Importance and other important nature conservation areas such as Biodiversity Opportunity Areas.

Working with us will give you the chance to make a significant and lasting positive impact for the wildlife and people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, helping us to deliver our conservation objectives across the county.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required…