Principal Geospatial Data Analyst
Principal Geospatial Data Analyst
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Job Description
Are you passionate about using geospatial data to drive innovation and improve outcomes across Scotland
The Geographic Information Science and Analysis Team (GI-SAT) sits within the Data Division of the Digital Directorate. Their vision is one where the Scottish Government uses geospatial data systematically and innovatively to improve outcomes in Scotland: saving time money and lives.
GI-SAT forms part of the corporate GIS specialism within the Scottish Government providing a dedicated geospatial information support service and robust analytical evidence to support all policy areas within the Scottish Government and the wider Scottish public sector. The team also manages the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) on behalf of all Scottish public sector organisations and drives the use of corporate geospatial data analysis and software ensuring it effectively supports collaboration and strategic decision-making across the organisation and its partners in the wider Scottish public sector. As a Principal Geospatial Data Analyst you will be specifically tasked with providing analytical support to the Planning Architecture and Regeneration Division.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of high-profile geospatial analysis to support planning policy working closely with senior officials and providing direct analytical advice to ministers.
- Act as the principal geospatial advisor for planning policy translating complex spatial data into actionable insights and ensuring alignment with strategic policy objectives and key data processes within the Scottish planning system.
- Lead strategic-level meetings and workshops related to data analysis matters.
- Produce written and verbal thought leadership output on data analysis matters.
- Represent the data analysis function in management meetings with technical and non-technical colleagues.
- You will be actively involved in the wider data community within the organisation and influences/works with their peers to co-develop best practice.
- Lead data quality management data linkage data visualisation and a portfolio of data analysis projects and allocates and develops resources as necessary.
- Apply your IT and mathematical expertise to ideate and advise on new data analysis methodologies and tooling.
- Foresee areas that can generate data issues and proactively develops problem-solving capabilities.
Responsibilities
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of experience skills and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience:
- You have represented the strategic data and analytics perspective in challenging meetings with senior stakeholders including ministers enabling holistic decision-making incorporating data and analytics impacts within a Scottish planning context.
- You have led geospatial planning data related projects according to agreed requirements and standards for the delivery of quality digital services using both specialist geospatial software such as ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro as well as programming languages like R or Python.
- You have expertise in the broader field of geospatial data management in order to be able to set up a function delivering data & analytics services to the organisation.
- You have active involvement in the wider geospatial planning data community influencing and developing others in order to co-develop best practice.
Experience is assessed at sift along with a more in-depth assessment at interview.
Technical Skills:
This role is aligned to the Principal Data Analyst job role within the Data Job Family.
You can find out more about the skills required here.
These skills are assessed by technical assessment designed to represent the role. Candidates reaching this stage will receive a Technical Assessment Candidate Pack which outlines the specific skills to be assessed plus the method of assessment.
Behaviours:
- Delivering at Pace (Level 4)
- Making Effective Decisions (Level 4)
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.
Behaviours are assessed at interview. Full details will be shared in advance with all candidates invited to this stage.
How to Apply
Apply online providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750words) which provides evidence of how you meet each of the 4 Experience criteria listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by artificial intelligence and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see ourcandidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment this will consist of an interview and DDaT Technical assessment where the behaviours experiences and technical skills outlined in the Success Profile will be assessed.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 15th September however this may be subject to change.
Qualifications
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including education health the economy justice housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week we offer flexible working including full-time part-time flexitime and compressed hours depending on the needs of the role.
From October 2025 the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time either in an office or other agreed work location.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for please contact
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks Identity Right to work Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
DDaT Pay Supplement
This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital Data and Technology (DDAT) profession as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system. This post currently attracts a 5000.00 annual DDAT pay supplement applicable after a 3-month competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information
Find out more about our organisation what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply Before (Sunday 7th September 2025 at 11.55pm)- This role is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
