Cartographer, GIS and Data Technician

Clarkson and Woods are looking for a skilled Cartographer, GIS and Data Technician to support
our busy team of ecologists based at our office near the Mendip Hills in Somerset. This
exciting opportunity has come about through our appointment on several nationally significant
renewables projects as well as the expansion of Biodiversity Net Gain assessment within
development proposals. 

You would be joining a small but experienced GIS team within our business who are responsible
for processing and digitising field survey notes, as well as leading on training and guidance
of the technical teams on application of GIS. Proven team management skills would be a benefit
and a leading role within the GIS team is available for the correct candidate.

The right candidate would be adept at the use of QGIS, and have experience in the production of
report figures derived from field survey data, such as Habitats Surveys and Bat Activity
Surveys. Ideally, you would also be familiar with the use of GIS in measuring Biodiversity Net
Gain or the use of mobile, field-based mapping applications such as QField, Coreo or Collector.

Depending on your skills and interests, the role would also ideally involve working alongside
our ecologists to assist in the management of incoming field survey data, as well as the use of
automated bat call analysis software such as Wildlife Acoustics’ Kaleidoscope Pro, for which
full training would be provided. Similarly we have recently acquired a drone to assist in our
field survey work and part of the role for the successful candidate would be to develop
protocols to help integrate use of the drone into our field survey work. 

The role also encompasses exploration of opportunities for better integration of IT and GIS
into our fieldwork and project management workflow. There will be learning opportunities for
shadowing and assisting our ecologists in the field to better understand how we work and the
needs of our projects – an interest in British wildlife is a plus!

In addition, as we keep a comprehensive GIS database of all field survey data we collect which
is used to supplement our reports and is shared with local environmental records centres, the
role would encompass the management of this database. 

We have revised our office space to accommodate a mixed home and office-based working pattern
for all staff. We would currently expect attendance at the office for at least 2 days per week.

A little bit about ourselves:

Clarkson and Woods is a highly-regarded ecological consultancy having been established for over
20 years, operating mainly in southern England and Wales. We advise clients mainly from the
housing, renewables and infrastructure sectors on all legal and planning aspects relating to
protected species, habitats and sites. In 2019, we won Medium-Sized Consultancy of the Year at
the CIEEM Awards and were commended in 2023 in the same category.

Benefits of working for us:

We offer a friendly, supportive and well-equipped work environment, with employee wellbeing and
continuing professional development at the heart of our ethos. We offer both paid overtime and
time off in lieu as well as a generous annual leave allowance. We are also very proud to have
trialed, and now implemented, a company-wide 4-day week where staff typically work four 8hr
days for full pay. We take pride in providing a comprehensive training programme each year
which includes guest lectures, workshops and practical field based training sessions which all
staff are encouraged to attend, and opportunities for shadowing our staff on projects which
interest you. We typically organise summer and Christmas parties as well as other socials from
time to time which have included visits to Lundy Island and Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

Successful applicants should also have the following:

• A good degree in an appropriate discipline, ideally GIS, environmental science, ecology or
  similar. An HND or equivalent qualification in a relevant field would also be considered.
• Ideally experience of QGIS, although full training can be provided if candidates have
  experience using different software such as ArcGIS.
• Good organisational abilities, and be able to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent workplace IT skills.
• Candidates must be able to communicate well and work as a team, whilst also have the
  confidence to work autonomously and develop this new and exciting role.
• Knowledge of web-mapping or mobile GIS data collection apps highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the use of drones, thermal/infrared imaging cameras and acoustic
  monitoring systems would be a bonus. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability review and improve systems and procedures.
• Given our rural office location your own transport is a necessity.

If you are interested in this opportunity please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]

If you have any further questions please call the office and ask to speak to Harry Fox or Tom
Clarkson – 01934 712500.