Spatial Data Support Specialist

Job Description

Want to work in an exciting and innovative role supporting the use of geospatial data in Scotland?

The Improvement Service is looking to recruit a Spatial Data Support Specialist to help local authorities take a collective approach to managing and publishing geospatial information.

The Spatial Information Service delivers the Spatial Hub, which provides a single point of access to quality-assured Scottish local authority geospatial data. The role entails supporting and promoting this critical resource to a variety of stakeholders and in identifying opportunities for its growth, innovation and business development. This includes engaging with local authorities across Scotland to ensure that relevant local government colleagues are adequately informed in their roles and are able to provide quality and timely data to the Spatial Hub.

The role also provides bespoke and flexible support to local authorities and partners as part of maximising the role of location data. This requires subject matter knowledge and technical understanding of geospatial datasets and processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering technical support and guidance to councils and partners relating to geospatial information
• Expert data processing of large volumes of geospatial information from a wide variety of sources
• Explore opportunities to add value to national Spatial Hub datasets and increase the usage and benefits of Spatial Hub data sources
• To work with partners and stakeholders in promoting and supporting collaborative and partnership working across local authorities and other public sector organisations, both at a local and national level.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven record of ability in demonstrating a range of project management skills, with particular emphasis on collaborative working
• Experience of delivering technical support to colleagues or external organisations and of delivering geospatial analysis
• Organisational skills required to work with many organisations with large amounts of complex datasets
• Data analytical skills

Find out more about the benefits of working for the Improvement Service on our website

Information

Location West Lothian Council Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6FF

It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working (with occasional travel within Scotland).

Duration 24 months, with the option to extend. Secondments will be considered.

Hours of contract  36 hours

Advert closing date Monday 3rd February

Interview Date

An in-person competence based interview will take place on Monday 17th February (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email 7 days in advance of the interview).

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'. You may also find it useful to read our current Business Plan.

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services. 

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities. 

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy. 

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.