Location
Peterborough or Aberdeen, UK. This post will have a base in either location with a hybrid working approach. Employees are expected to work from the office base for 1–2 days per month as a minimum, with flexibility to work from home.

Hours
Full-time, 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday. Flexi time is available. This post may also be suitable for job share.

Salary
£32,025 per annum

About the Role
The Earth Observation Specialist will join the Ecosystems Analysis Team at JNCC, contributing to projects that use Earth observation (EO) data to provide high-quality evidence on biodiversity and ecosystems. This fixed-term, one-year maternity cover role involves deploying habitat and feature mapping methods, developing products to detect changes in habitat condition or management, and providing biophysical parameters for environmental modelling. The post supports projects across the team and other JNCC teams, integrating EO data analyses with other analytical, data science, and data infrastructure capabilities.

The Ecosystems Analysis Team combines long-term partnerships with volunteer networks, modelling capabilities, and EO data expertise to support environmental decision making. Recent work includes national habitat extent and change mapping, coastal habitat monitoring, urban blue and green space indicators, and woodland condition assessments. While primarily terrestrial, some marine environment work is possible.

The role reports to a Senior Earth Observation Specialist and involves collaboration with EO specialists, modellers, analysts, and surveillance experts. It includes managing geospatial analyses, developing and adapting workflows, engaging with stakeholders to understand evidence needs, managing work packages and external contractors, ensuring data quality and standards, and maintaining awareness of EO research and methods. The post-holder may be required to attend meetings across the UK and internationally, including overnight stays.

Experience
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject demonstrating aptitude and practical experience applying EO data to environmental evidence.
- Understanding of EO data acquisition principles and experience using data from satellite, aerial, and drone platforms to investigate terrestrial environments.
- Logical approach to complex environmental issues and ability to identify appropriate spatial data and analytical methods.
- Ability to critically evaluate analytical methods, data, and metadata, identifying sources of error and uncertainty.
- Experience using GIS software for data manipulation, interpretation, mapping, automation, and database integration.
- Proficiency in R, Python, or similar scripting languages for spatial data analysis and process automation.
- Understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, sustainable development, and societal benefits.

About you
You will be a collaborative and analytical professional with strong technical skills in geospatial analysis and EO data. You should be adaptable, able to manage multiple projects, and communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. A commitment to conservation and evidence-based decision making is essential.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent experience is required. No specific additional qualifications are mandated, but ongoing professional development and familiarity with current EO methods are expected.