Location
Central London with hybrid working; staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£32,240 per annum

About the Role
Join Natural England in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. As the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and Nature regulator, Natural England provides evidence, expertise, and advice to recover nature and create better places for people to live. This role supports the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, a transformative initiative to understand and monitor environmental assets across England’s land and water environments.

This position sits within Project NE1 - Mapping & Earth Observation - Living England. The Living England project delivers a satellite-derived broad habitat map using machine learning and standardised methodologies. As a Higher Data Scientist with Earth Observation Analyst skills, you will acquire, analyse, and process Earth observation data to support the project’s baseline workflow and innovate habitat mapping and change detection methods. Your work will be supported by field data collection to validate and improve methodologies.

You will apply your expertise in Earth observation and data science techniques to environmental challenges, contributing to high-quality mapping and statistical analyses that inform national and local decision-making. You will also develop new tools to enhance the use of EO and geospatial information within the NCEA programme.

Benefits
Natural England offers flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time, and hybrid options. You will benefit from tailored career progression, training and development opportunities, including ten days annually for personal learning and development plus three days for volunteering. The leave allowance starts at 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days. Additional benefits include access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, shopping discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, and membership of the Civil Service Sport club.

Experience
- Advanced Earth observation analysis skills and experience.
- Proficient in scripting and writing reproducible analytical processes using R or Python.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, eCognition.
- Basic knowledge of data governance, licensing, and management.
- Experience applying remote sensing data and techniques to environmental applications such as habitat mapping or land management.
- Experience with Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and data modelling (e.g., ArcGIS Model Builder, machine learning models) is desirable.

About You
- Able to apply relevant methodologies and tools for collecting and collating data and evidence, including metadata.
- Skilled at identifying and applying appropriate data and methodologies using reproducible analytical pipelines and data science approaches.
- Proactive in communicating and presenting data, evidence, and analyses clearly and appropriately to meet audience needs and support positive environmental outcomes.
- Capable of managing and delivering work to meet agreed targets and deadlines.
- Committed to handling data responsibly and complying with governance policies.
- Willing to engage with internal and external networks to exchange information effectively.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not detailed; however, advanced skills and experience in Earth observation, data science, and relevant software are essential for this role.