Biodiversity Data and Projects Officer

Overview

We are passionate about enabling the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes through analysis and drawing of insights from the environmental data that we collect.

Are you enthusiastic about biodiversity data and biological recording? Are you driven to make a difference to protect the natural environment through a range of data and conservation projects? Do you have skills in species identification?

 An exceptional new opportunity has become available for a Biodiversity Data and Projects Officer to join the team at the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMERC). The role will utilise specialist ecological and species knowledge combined with technical skills in data processing and reporting to drive the delivery of a range of strategic objectives and projects within the team.

If you are excited by this position and feel like you could play a key role within the team in this varied position, then we would be pleased to hear from you.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

In this role you will become an expert user of our new ‘Orca’ environmental records database which will include developing knowledge of end-to-end data processes including collation, uploading, data quality review and verification of environmental records, through to reporting and analysing biodiversity datasets to support our Environmental Records Centre data exchange agreements.

In addition, a diverse range of projects will be managed, for example from surveying specialist local species to developing GIS map resources to support local volunteer recorder groups. Project management techniques will be utilised, and stakeholder engagement skills will be important to facilitate project delivery.

The role is currently based at Council Offices in Aylesbury. Hybrid working is available, and you can be based away from the offices up to 3 days per week. There may also be a need for field-based visits or surveys.

About the role

BMERC has recently developed a five-year strategic plan, and our mission is to operate a high-performing and sustainable environmental records service which facilitates protection of biodiversity, habitats, and sites of biological and geological significance within Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.​

The team collects, processes and provides data and we manage an environmental database with over 3.6 million records. We also deliver and support projects, train and work with volunteers, advise landowners, and work with stakeholders and counterparts locally and nationally. The team has specialist surveying skills and provides recommendations on the designation of new Local Wildlife Sites. BMERC is one of 5 environmental specialist teams that sit within the Planning and Environment service. Together we share a passion to protect, promote and manage the unique local natural environment.

BMERC is a friendly and professional team, aligned closely with the Council’s Ecology Team. We hold wildlife records of flora and fauna in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes plus information about local sites such as Local Wildlife Sites and Local Geological Sites, Milton Keynes Wildlife Corridors and Road Verge Nature Reserves. We also hold data on NERC Act S41 Habitats of Principal Importance and other important nature conservation areas such as Biodiversity Opportunity Areas.

Working with us will give you the chance to make a significant and lasting positive impact for the wildlife and people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, helping us to deliver our conservation objectives across the county.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

 

About you

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and confident to work both alone and as part of a team. You will have experience of working in a relevant professional field and specialist knowledge of environmental data, species taxonomy and identification.

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, passionate and ambitious about the role in relation to data processes, wildlife conservation and biological recording. You will also be committed to working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and the public to secure the best outcomes. You will have up to date ICT skills and an interest in utilising the latest GIS technologies.

You will have a full driving licence to enable you to effectively undertake work across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes where required and will be able to prioritise and organise your work to ensure deadlines are met.

Other information

Closing Date: Thursday 6th August 2026

Interviews will be held in-person and will consist of:

1. A short MS Excel and species ID test
2. A formal face to face interview

For an informal chat about this role in more detail, please contact Phil Simpkin, Ecology & BMERC Team Leader on 01494 421829 or [email protected]

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/