Senior Data Scientist, Environmental Analytics & GIS

Natural England; National (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England seeks a lead data analyst to drive the National Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA). You will oversee analytical programmes, integrating Earth Observation, field data, citizen science and partner datasets to inform environmental decisions at national and local levels.

The role requires strong Python/R skills, GIS expertise (ArcGIS/QGIS), and experience in ML/DL, data standards and reproducibility, with collaboration across NE, Defra and external partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading analytical and data programmes.
• Proficiency in Python and R for data analysis.
• Strong GIS capabilities (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, QGIS).
• Experience with machine learning/deep learning techniques.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and deliver robust evidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of analytical and data programmes to support strategic objectives.
• Ensure data quality and appropriate use of data and uncertainty in analyses.
• Oversee teams and complex data/spatial analyses for stakeholders.
• Establish data standards, documentation, and automation to ensure reproducibility.
• Engage with customers and partners to identify new project opportunities and funding.
• Build capability within the team and liaise with partner networks.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

R

GIS software

ArcGIS / ArcGIS Online

QGIS

Machine Learning / Deep Learning

Stakeholder engagement

Project planning

Team leadership

Data visualization

APIs

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcGIS Online

QGIS

APIs

Databases

Job description

Natural England seeks a lead data analyst to drive the National Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA). You will oversee analytical programmes, integrating Earth Observation, field data, citizen science and partner datasets to inform environmental decisions at national and local levels.

The role requires strong Python/R skills, GIS expertise (ArcGIS/QGIS), and experience in ML/DL, data standards and reproducibility, with collaboration across NE, Defra and external partners.