Spatial Data Analyst (freshwater science), Oxfordshire, UK

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Spatial Data Analyst
Based at Wallingford, Oxfordshire

CEH has extensive experience in providing spatial datasets and information that underpin freshwater science within the UK, for example through the Flood Estimation Handbook and the National River Flow Archive. The CEH Water Programme requires a Spatial Data Analyst to support this work, providing expertise in the analysis and exploitation of its freshwater data.

You will be expected to develop tools and methods for the analysis of spatial datasets; further develop existing spatial data infrastructures to improve the management of spatial data; develop web services to provide access to data and tools within the organisation and to the wider scientific and public user communities.  This will involve using ESRI GIS tools, writing code to extend these tools, and developing code outside these tools as appropriate.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to apply their current skills in an interesting and important area, and to develop new skills within an innovative and supportive environment.

Main Duties

The successful candidate will be required to employ his / her advanced skills in spatial data management and analysis in the following areas:

•Develop tools for the analysis of spatial datasets and the creation of innovative new datasets, for example high resolution datasets for assessing flood risk within catchments across the UK
•Develop tools and methods for integrating spatial data with time series data within other (e.g. RDBMS-based) data sources, for example rainfall data from point, grid and catchment sources.
•Provide access to datasets and tools, within and without the organisation, including through the development of web services
•Seek to apply OGC specifications to improve the interoperability and accessibility of freshwater spatial data across CEH and the user community
•Work with developers and data managers within all disciplines across CEH to enhance the spatial data infrastructure of CEH’s Environmental Information Data Centre
Skills Required

•The successful candidate for this post is required to have attained at least (1) a Masters degree (or equivalent) in GIS followed by at least 2 years’ relevant experience, or (2) a good first degree in environmental science / engineering followed by at least 4 years’ GIS experience in a related area.
•You should have 3 or more years’ in-depth knowledge of spatial data management and analysis using a recognized GIS (e.g. ArcGIS), which can be backed up with a portfolio of projects and outputs.
•Ideally, you will have strong numerical and analytical skills, likely to have been developed in an academic or engineering environment, and knowledge of one or more of the following: RDBMS/SQL, computer programming (e.g. Python) or web service development.
•An interest in, and knowledge of, hydrology or the freshwater environment would be beneficial. 
•You should have strong interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills, for regular liaison with senior management and scientists.
•An ability to plan and manage staff, resources and projects is desirable.
Salary

The salary for this post is £26,180 progressing to £29,410 per annum. In addition NERC offer 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum.

Closing date for applications: 19 September 2012

Interview date: 9 October 2012