Cool Farm Modeller

Job Description

The role will focus on developing models of carbon stocks and flows across agricultural systems, including crops and livestock, using the latest peer-reviewed evidence, open source and procured data, initially focused on soils. These models will support our work in building a scientifically credible and robust cool farm tool GHG assessment pathway.

The ideal candidate will have a background/education in mathematical modelling with experience in ecological and/or climate science. You will have strong analytical skills and be experienced in handling and presenting data concisely, and accurately. You will report to Cool Farm Alliances Science and Methods Manager and be supported by the full Cool Farm secretariat.

If you have a background in science, are smart, fun, love numbers, have outstanding attention to detail and organisational skills and a solid work ethic we would love to hear from you.

The role will focus on developing models of carbon stocks and flows across agricultural systems, including crops and livestock, using the latest peer-reviewed evidence, open source and procured data, initially focused on soils. These models will support our work in building a scientifically credible and robust cool farm tool GHG assessment pathway.

The ideal candidate will have a background/education in mathematical modelling with experience in ecological and/or climate science. You will have strong analytical skills and be experienced in handling and presenting data concisely, and accurately. You will report to Cool Farm Alliances Science and Methods Manager and be supported by the full Cool Farm secretariat.

If you have a background in science, are smart, fun, love numbers, have outstanding attention to detail and organisational skills and a solid work ethic we would love to hear from you.

• Individuals from ethnic groups that are underrepresented.
  
• Individuals with care experience.
  
• Individuals who have been recognised as refugees in the UK.
  
• Individuals estranged from both of their primary caregivers (for example, both parents or carers).
  
• Individuals who were eligible for the 16-19 Bursary/Pupil Premium and/or those who received Free School Meals.
  
• Young carers, who are the main caregiver for a parent or sibling.
  
• Individuals who have faced disruptions in their education due to factors such as health issues, family circumstances, or homelessness.
  

As this role can be fully remote, the position can be adapted to your requirements for example allowing flexible hours, or to be fully based working from home. We aim to create flexibility in the role to suit our colleagues' needs.

• Reviewing different modelling options and advising on approaches to take, working with the product team to enable delivery in our online tool.
  
• Delivery of greenhouse gas assessment methodologies, including GHG calculations, emissions estimation modelling and uncertainty assessments. Likewise managing projects and supporting/leading working groups associated with this task.
  
• Supporting our team with technical and project management queries
  
• Contributing to testing and providing recommendations on new features for our online tool
  
• Working with our Cool Farm team to maintain our database of emissions factors and statistical data
  

• Must be based in and eligible to work in the UK. We are not a licenced work visa sponsor and therefore we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Eligibility checks will be undertaken.
  
• Experience in modelling and programming with Python or similar language to construct models of environmental change
  
• Have carbon modelling experience and knowledge of relevant methodologies, including IPCC tier 1 to 3 approaches
  
• Be able to appraise the relevance and accuracy of modelling approaches critically
  
• Be extremely attentive to detail and rigorous
  
• Excellent research & data analysis skills, including manipulation of large datasets with strong verbal and written communication skills, which can simplify complex science
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite or equivalent
  
• Strongly motivated, self-starter willing to take the initiative to ensure that solutions are delivered on time.
  
• Fluent in English
  

Desirable Criteria:

• Be familiar with or have experience in GHG reporting and GHG reporting standards and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the standards
  
• Experience of carbon modelling to contribute to GHG inventories
  
• Supported the development of decarbonisation plans or strategies
  
• Knowledge about climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation and familiarity with emerging narratives around natural capital and nature-based solutions
  
• Bring creative, practical solutions and common sense thinking to solve real-world problems
  
• Be confident and comfortable in learning new skills within a fast-paced environment
  

• Interested candidates should continue with this application form. Deadline is May 12th. 
  
• Two people will read the applications and the first page of the application will be hidden from those selecting candidates for interview.
  
• We aim for the interviews to happen in May, with the position filled by mid-June.
  
• Interviews will be virtual and approximately 1 hour long. We will send the main questions before the interview so candidates can prepare.
  
• Once the candidates have been shortlisted a modelling test will be provided, and candidates given one week to complete.
  

We actively invite applications from individuals represented by the criteria for broader participation outlined below, reflecting our dedication to enhancing diversity and inclusion and expanding opportunities in sustainability and environmental science careers.

• Individuals from ethnic groups that are underrepresented.
• Individuals with care experience.
• Individuals who have been recognised as refugees in the UK.
• Individuals estranged from both of their primary caregivers (for example, both parents or carers).
• Individuals who were eligible for the 16-19 Bursary/Pupil Premium and/or those who received Free School Meals.
• Young carers, who are the main caregiver for a parent or sibling.
• Individuals who have faced disruptions in their education due to factors such as health issues, family circumstances, or homelessness.

As this role can be fully remote, the position can be adapted to your requirements for example allowing flexible hours, or to be fully based working from home. We aim to create flexibility in the role to suit our colleagues' needs.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Reviewing different modelling options and advising on approaches to take, working with the product team to enable delivery in our online tool.
• Delivery of greenhouse gas assessment methodologies, including GHG calculations, emissions estimation modelling and uncertainty assessments. Likewise managing projects and supporting/leading working groups associated with this task.
• Supporting our team with technical and project management queries
• Contributing to testing and providing recommendations on new features for our online tool
• Working with our Cool Farm team to maintain our database of emissions factors and statistical data

Essential Criteria:

• Must be based in and eligible to work in the UK. We are not a licenced work visa sponsor and therefore we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Eligibility checks will be undertaken.
• Experience in modelling and programming with Python or similar language to construct models of environmental change
• Have carbon modelling experience and knowledge of relevant methodologies, including IPCC tier 1 to 3 approaches
• Be able to appraise the relevance and accuracy of modelling approaches critically
• Be extremely attentive to detail and rigorous
• Excellent research & data analysis skills, including manipulation of large datasets with strong verbal and written communication skills, which can simplify complex science
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite or equivalent
• Strongly motivated, self-starter willing to take the initiative to ensure that solutions are delivered on time.
• Fluent in English

Desirable Criteria:

• Be familiar with or have experience in GHG reporting and GHG reporting standards and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the standards
• Experience of carbon modelling to contribute to GHG inventories
• Supported the development of decarbonisation plans or strategies
• Knowledge about climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation and familiarity with emerging narratives around natural capital and nature-based solutions
• Bring creative, practical solutions and common sense thinking to solve real-world problems
• Be confident and comfortable in learning new skills within a fast-paced environment

Application Process: 

• Interested candidates should continue with this application form. Deadline is May 12th. 
• Two people will read the applications and the first page of the application will be hidden from those selecting candidates for interview.
• We aim for the interviews to happen in May, with the position filled by mid-June.
• Interviews will be virtual and approximately 1 hour long. We will send the main questions before the interview so candidates can prepare.
• Once the candidates have been shortlisted a modelling test will be provided, and candidates given one week to complete.
  

We are striving to make this application process as accessible as possible. In the interest of accommodating diverse backgrounds and abilities, if you require any accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Additionally, as we would like to assess your writing skills, this application is written-based.For more information about Cool Farm, please see our website (https://coolfarm.org/) or contact us methods@coolfarmtool.orgJoin us in making a difference in the world of sustainable farming!