GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE POST OF GIS AND PHASE 1
OFFICER
The Habitat Biodiversity Audit (HBA) Partnership for Warwickshire,
Coventry and Solihull
The HBA was established in 1995 by the local authorities within the County of Warwickshire and the unitary authorities of Coventry and Solihull under the management of Warwickshire
Wildlife Trust and based at the Warwickshire County Council Biological Records Centre with support and advice from Natural England and the Environment Agency.
The HBA's remit was to undertake a Phase 1 survey of every field and boundary in the
Warwickshire sub-region in order to provide up-to-date biodiversity data. The data is held on a Geographical Information System (GIS), which provides high quality coded maps and linked target notes. The first County wide survey was completed and mapped in 2000 since then the Phase 1 survey has undergone constant revision and update, with a complete planned data refresh every 5 years.
In 1999 the Wildlife Sites Project began as a parallel project to the HBA to identify, develop and maintain a formalised Local Wildlife Sites (originally called Sites of Interest for Nature
Conservation or SINCs) system for Warwickshire, consisting of Wildlife Sites and Local
Geological Sites as part of a wider initiative involving the Local Wildlife Sites system operated in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. Originally developed for the West Midlands by Natural England, the Wildlife Sites Project is now part of the HBA Partnership
The HBA partnership is the only recognised Best Practice model for monitoring and auditing biodiversity by the European Union Committee of Regions (December 2006)
Further information on the HBA partnership can be found on the Warwickshire County
Council Biological Records web site: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/B3A796AFD343625580256
A2500433071
Selection and Assessment
Please submit a completed application form marked “Private and confidential” to reach us by
5.00pm on Friday 21 st December 2012. You can send the form either via email to: admin@wkwt.org.uk
or by post to: The Habitat Biodiversity Audit Manager, Ecological
Services, Communities, Warwickshire County Council, PO Box 43, Shire Hall, Warwick
CV34 4SX.
Candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend an interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they meet the person specification on the application form.
Following the interview there will be a practical assessment that will consist of an exercise designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Further details on the subject of the presentation and the practical exercise will be sent to short-listed candidates.
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Appointment
All our offers of employment are made subject to some pre-employment checks including
 Satisfactory References;
 Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom;
 Checks on relevant certificates and qualifications;
 A Criminal Records Bureau/Independent Safeguarding Authority check is not
Salary required but should the role change in future, the Trust may require this if there is an increased level of contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.
Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression through the salary range will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a bank or building society account.
Location
This post will be based at the Ecological Services, Warwickshire County Coun cil’s offices at
Barrack Street, Warwick. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to visit survey sites, and partner offices including Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offices at Brandon Marsh near Coventry. The role will involve some lone working.
Hours of Work
Our employees work a 35 hour week (full time). In view of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s work, employees can be called upon from time to time to work a reasonable period outside of the set hours. No overtime will be payable.
Holiday Entitlement
Our holiday year runs from January to December. Full time employees get 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays. For permanent members of staff this increases to 27 days after
2 years and 28 days after 5 years service.
Pension
You will be eligible to join the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Stakeholder Pension Scheme after
3 months employment. Scheme members enjoy a range of benefits.
Notice
If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give 1 months’ notice due the grade of the post.
Equal Opportunities
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political beliefs.
CVs
Please be advised that CV's cannot be accepted and will not be considered if submitted without a completed application form. A completed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust application form only will be accepted.
Responding to Applications
Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately, due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates
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will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date then please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
The purpose of this information is solely to provide prospective candidates with details relating to the post. It may not be construed as an offer of employment, nor does it form part of the contract of employment or the role profile.
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Job advert:
Full time: 35 hours per week
£18,500.00 (subject to pay review)
The Role
The GIS Phase 1 Officer role is divided into two main activities; responsibility for all the mapping of the HBA Phase 1 and Local Wildlife Sites and their associated databases; and to coordinate and undertake Phase 1 habitat surveys for Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
The role
The GIS Phase 1 officer is a key member of a team that comprises a project manager, a senior Local Wildlife Sites survey officer and two local wildlife sites survey officers.
The Candidate
We are seeking a talented and ambitious individual who will help us to develop and improve the quality of our habitat survey mapping and to contribute to the development of our GIS and related databases.
The successful candidate will have a good knowledge and background of using GIS for environment and planning purposes and experience of data management systems. Also of importance to us is that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability and passion for conservation, people and wildlife.
We believe this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a real and lasting contribution to wildlife conservation: if this is you, we would love to hear from you. In return we can offer a great place to work in a supportive and friendly environment and competitive benefits.
We are situated at the heart of England, in a beautiful part of the country with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to deliver the Trust’s aspirations. As part of the
Trust’s HBA Team you will have proven experience and the ability to contribute to change and make exciting things happen.
How to apply
Visit the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust web site for further information and an application form: www.wkwt.org.uk
Closing Date: 21 st December 2012
Provisional Interview Dates: week of 14th January 2013
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Job Summary:
The main purpose of GIS Phase 1 Officer role is to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the HB
A’s GIS datasets; and to co-ordinate the annual Phase 1 habitat survey. Be responsible for the overall processing of the Phase 1 and Local Wildlife Sites mapping and dissemination of all habitat survey results to the Partners.
The post holder, as part of the HBA Team, will maintain and deliver the Phase 1 and Local
Wildlife Sites (LWS) survey mapping results in accordance with the annual targets. Main responsibilities of the post holder are:
 being the main point of contact for the HBA Partners, organisations, groups and individuals for the mapped habitat survey data;
 ensuring the planning and effective delivery of all Phase 1 surveys and related information
 ensuring that the information meets the highest possible conservation standards;
 carry out Phase 1 habitat surveys as agreed with Partners and to provide support and assistance to Phase 1 volunteers and conservation trainees
 represent the HBA Phase 1 and GIS partner meetings, user groups and seminars
 Undertake the preparation of survey materials and the mapping of sites as required for both core survey and projects.
The Officer will work effectively with the HBA team and volunteers charged with carrying out the core Phase 1 and Local Wildlife surveys Sites work. The post holder is accountable for achieving the best possible outcomes for people and wildlife from the prudent use of allocated resources.
Responsible to: the Biodiversity Project Manager.
Responsible for :
 volunteers, volunteer groups, trainees and any other allocated staff/ volunteers;
Grade: TBC
This post is permanent and full time (35 hours per week).
Location: Warwickshire County Council, Ecological Services Office, Barrack Street,
Warwick.
Key performance areas:
1. GIS DATA MANAGEMENT
 Maintain the GIS habitat mapping system and associated data.
 Disseminate data in hard copy and/or digital form to partners as required.
 Provide data to third parties on the basis of the agreed licence policy.
 Input data into the GIS system, including the creation of land parcels (polygons) from
O.S. digital maps and the transfer of coded habitat and species information into these areas.
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 Link descriptive text in the form of target notes to habitat map locations.
 Provide Phase 1 and LWS reports on request from the Warwickshire Ecological
Services team
 Represent the HBA and to liaise with Warwickshire County Council IT Department and the Warwickshire Observatory GIS User Group
2. PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY
 Identify the areas for Phase 1 survey
 Prepare survey packs
 Assist in the recruitment, induction and supervision of volunteers and trainees.
 Undertake Phase 1 habitat survey
3. PROJECT SUPPORT
 Contribute to the overall running of the project, taking responsibility for appropriate aspects of the work.
 Participate in team meetings, discussion groups and decision making for the project.
 Attend and participate in local and national events relevant to the project.
 Give presentations and demonstrations on the capabilities of GIS in the context of the project.
 Provide GIS support to the project.
 Provide timely reports as required in support of HBA management and to the project funders
4. Personal development
 Be accountable for their own personal development seeking opportunities to develop new skills and learning;
 Prepare and implement a personal development plan; participating in appropriate training and learning activities as agreed with the Biodiversity Project Manager.
5. Other
 Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work;
 Ensure all work is undertaken to professional standards as agreed with the line manager.
 All employees are expected to work within the terms of their contract of employment and adhere to Trust policies and values.
 The list of tasks shown above is not exclusive nor does their order indicate the priority attached to them. Situations may arise that require the post holder to perform other duties or tasks as may be reasonably requested by the HBA.
C. Talbot
December 2012
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Person Specification
General
Skills
Knowledge ience
Any previous IT/GIS support role
Qualifications Educated to degree level preferably in an environmental related degree
A full driving licence and ability to travel to sites across the county
Relevant plant species/habitat surveying qualifications
A GIS related degree
Essential
Demonstrate support / empathy for the Habitat Biodiversity Audit t and its partners; commitment to WWT values E
Communication skills - Proven communication skills, both verbal and written, and the confidence to represent the
HBA, both internally and externally, in a positive manner.
Self-motivated, flexible and well organised, able to meet deadlines. A ‘can do’ positive approach
E
E
Effective planner / prioritise with good time management skills
Innovative - Ability to create and deliver new ideas, initiative and identifies opportunities to advance the HBA
E
E
Ability to work well within a team, contribute ideas and support the other members to achieve their objectives
Good attention to detail and in particular to the digitising and processing of survey results
Self-aware – be able to demonstrate a willingness to develop your own skills
E
E
E
E Collaborative - Ability to work with partners and to understand their requirements
Good all round IT skills with particular reference to GIS and MS Office
Ability to undertake habitat surveys across Warwickshire either alone or with other surveyors
Use of GPS units and associated software /mapping functions
E
E
E Demonstrate a good knowledge of GIS and habitat mapping
Demonstrate a good knowledge of supporting data including OS mapping and use of aerial imagery
Demonstrate a knowledge of plant species identification and their related habitats
Understanding of appropriate wildlife legislation and planning process affecting wildlife and habitats
E
E Good GIS skills and an understanding of applying GIS to conservation
Using MapInfo Professional GIS for data management, processing and reporting
Use of Microsoft Office in an office environment
Using Microsoft Access and database management
E
E Undertaking a Phase 1 habitat survey / field surveying in general
Habitat surveying techniques including Phase 1 across a range of habitats
Working with, motivating and managing volunteers engaged in field surveying
The planning process as it relates to wildlife protection
E
E
Desirable
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
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