Data Technician

Data Technician

Aspect Ecology have an excellent opportunity for a full time, Data Technician to join the in-house data team.

The principle role of the Data Technician will be to support the Ecology team by conducting analysis of the ecological data collected during surveys and providing high quality outputs as required for client projects.  The majority of the workload will involve handling and analysis of audio and video data from bat surveys and creating the summaries and graphical representations of these that accompany our reports, alongside conducting Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, with direct support and supervision from our existing Technical/Data Team.

The main tasks associated with the role will include:

  • Bat Audio Data Analysis

    • Compiling, converting and analysing sonograms from recordings made in the field to identify British bats to species/species group level, summarising the results with tables, statistics and prose and delivering graphical representations of the results

  • Infrared Camera Video Data Analysis

    • Processing (using motion detection software) and reviewing video footage collected in the field to identify potential bat activity/roosting activity and summarising these results for ecological reports and licence applications

  • Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

    • Working alongside the in-house Graphics Team to compile detailed measurements of existing and proposed sites using QGIS, with potential for inputting these into the Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment Metric and working alongside members of the ecological team to deliver optimal results

  • Assisting in managing ecological data storage and processing across the company

  • There may also be the opportunity to be involved with our field surveys if desired

Full training will be provided for all of the above day-to-day tasks. The candidate is not expected to necessarily have previously conducted any of these specific tasks, however instead should be open and capable to learn new skills and programs and subsequently operate them with a high level of efficiency. As mentioned above, supervision of the role will be provided by our existing Technical/Data Team, who will provide all required training and manage their day-to-day tasks. The Technical/Data Team benefits from overarching management from one of our Technical Directors.

This role is ideally suited to a new or recent graduate who is starting out their career in the technical/environmental data side of ecological and environmental consultancy. You’ll be joining a small, dedicated and supportive team which is involved in a growing and increasingly important part of the business, who will guide you in learning and developing skills which are ever more in demand in the sector.

 Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct accurate and high quality professional ecological data analysis to budget and deadline using Anabat Insight, MotionMeerkat and Excel, producing accompanying summary graphics as and when required

  • Conducting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using QGIS and the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric, working alongside the Ecology and Graphics teams to deliver optimal results

  • Assist in ecological desktop studies and data searches

  • Assist with the management of ecological data across the company

  • Assist with general I.T. matters across the company

  • Provide support to the graphics team if required

Requirements:

  • Experience working with analytical/other technical software

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office

  • Relevant degree or work experience in/related to the ecological or environmental sector

  • Liaise/communicate effectively with colleagues

  • Ability to follow instructions/briefs with a high level of attention to detail

  • Able to prioritise work and multitask

  • Work under pressure or to tight deadlines, sometimes in last minute situations

  • Work efficiently to budget

  • A team player with a friendly and pleasant personality

Desirable:

  • Entry-level knowledge or familiarity with British mammalian species

  • Field experience of bat and/or Phase 1 habitat surveys

  • Previous experience in bat sonogram analysis

  • Knowledge of data storage systems and their basic operations

  • Previous experience of QGIS or other GIS software

  • Intermediate I.T. skills

The starting salary for this role is £21,000 per annum, however a higher starting salary is available commensurate with skill level and previous experience.

To apply, please submit your CV, covering letter and portfolio to:  recruitment@aspect-ecology.com