GIS Technician

Bowland Ecology Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowland Ecology Ltd is seeking a skilled GIS/Spatial Analyst to produce high-quality maps for ecological reports and support biodiversity projects across the UK. You will capture, clean and manage spatial data from field surveys and remote sensing, developing GIS databases and mapping standards for consistency.

Based in Northwest England (Clitheroe or Daresbury) with flexible options, the role offers hybrid working and opportunities to contribute to habitat assessments and biodiversity net gain

Qualifications

• Proficiency in QGIS or an equivalent GIS platform.
• Strong understanding of cartography, coordinate systems, spatial analysis and data management.
• Experience working with ecological datasets (habitats, species records, land cover, elevation, hydrology).
• Ability to produce clear, accurate and visually engaging maps for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with mobile data-collection apps and cloud-based GIS workflows.
• Excellent attention to detail, data integrity and version control.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with ecologists, project managers and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality maps for ecological reports (e.g., BNG, species surveys, habitat assessments).
• Capture, clean, validate and manage ecological and environmental spatial data from field surveys, remote sensing and partner datasets.
• Maintain and develop GIS databases, templates and mapping standards to ensure consistency across projects.
• Carry out geospatial analysis to support habitat assessments, biodiversity monitoring, land‑use planning and biodiversity net gain recommendations.
• Support ecologists by preparing field mapping resources, mobile data-collection tools, and post-survey data processing.
• Integrate datasets from multiple sources into project workflows.
• Contribute GIS inputs to ecological reports, management plans, dashboards, and story maps for clients and stakeholders.
• Create, test and implement new GIS tools and field software to improve efficiency and data quality.

Skills

QGIS proficiency

Cartography

Spatial analysis

Data management

Mobile data collection

Data integrity

Communication

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

Job description

Location: Northwest England (Clitheroe or Daresbury), will consider flexible options

At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation.

Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.

About Bowland

Established in 2005 Bowland Ecology is a UK wide professional Ecological Practice, employing a large team of highly qualified professional ecologists with a range of specialisms.

The company has a wealth of experience of major projects across a wide range of sectors. We have long standing relationships with a range of clients and are retained on several private and public sector frameworks. We have a proven track record of successfully resolving complex ecological issues on a wide range of projects.

We deliver high quality work and focus on developing our staff and expertise through training, collaboration, research and innovation. We are proud of our CIEEM Registered Practice Status and our ecologists are bound by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environment Management’s (CIEEM) code of professional conduct.

The role will include:

• Produce high-quality maps for ecological reports (e.g., BNG, species surveys, habitat assessments).
• Capture, clean, validate and manage ecological and environmental spatial data from field surveys, remote sensing and partner datasets.
• Maintain and develop GIS databases, templates and mapping standards to ensure consistency across projects.
• Carry out geospatial analysis to support habitat assessments, biodiversity monitoring, land‑use planning and biodiversity net gain recommendations.
• Support ecologists by preparing field mapping resources, mobile data-collection tools (e.g., Field Maps, QField), and post-survey data processing.
• Integrate datasets from multiple sources (MAGIC, OS, satellite imagery, datasets from biological records centres,, partner organisations) into project workflows.
• Contribute GIS inputs to ecological reports, management plans, dashboards, and story maps for clients and stakeholders.
• Create, test and implement new GIS tools and field software to improve efficiency and data quality.

Key Requirements:

• Proficiency in QGIS or equivalent GIS platforms .
• Strong understanding of cartography, coordinate systems, spatial analysis and data management principles.
• Experience working with ecological datasets (habitats, species records, land cover, elevation, hydrology).
• Ability to produce clear, accurate and visually engaging maps for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with mobile data-collection apps and cloud-based GIS workflows.
• Excellent attention to detail, data integrity and version control.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with ecologists, project managers and external partners.

Also Welcomed:

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online
• Basic understanding of UK habitats, protected species, or ecological surveys.
• Experience with Python scripting or QGIS models.
• Prior experience working in an environmental consultancy or conservation charity.
• Experience with CAD/ integrating between CAD and QGIS.

Why work for us?

A genuinely supportive team: Work with friendly, collaborative, experienced ecologists across aquatic, terrestrial, botanical and zoological disciplines.

Projects that matter: We strive to work in areas that drive nature recovery, supports sustainable development and strengthens environmental resilience.

A consultancy with a reputation: We're award winning, respected and known for delivering high quality ecological work.

We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We're committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

As part of our inclusive culture, You'll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.

You’ll also enjoy 25 days' holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.