National Lead for Data Science (Governance and Infrastructure) - 29792

Job Description

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We also welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.

Are you working in data and information and interested in leading how the Environment Agency safely governs and pushes the boundaries of data-driven innovation? If so, this could be the opportunity for you!

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment. We work with government, local councils, businesses, civil society groups and communities to make our environment a better place for people and wildlife. Data and information underpin every decision we make on protecting and improving the environment. We are on a journey to maximise the benefit of being fully digital, having the right innovative technologies, skills, capabilities, and services to fully exploit data.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Data Exploitation Team in a strategic data exploitation and artificial intelligence lead role. You will work across the Defra Group and help leverage technologies to transform how the business operates. You will help harness the power of data to drive growth, consistency and efficiency and push the boundaries of data-driven innovation. You will lead on governance, ensuring high standards, quality and compliance across our organisation and help to integrate scalable solutions that support business objectives, working closely with cross functional teams to design solutions the solve complex business challenges and deliver substantial value.

We’re looking for a tenacious, well organised leader who can engage and bringing others with them.

The team

The Data Exploitation Team is part of the Data and Information department, within the Strategy, Transformation and Assurances Directorate. Our department has a fundamental role to ensure the Environment Agency manages and uses data and information appropriately. You’ll work with business leads across the organisation and Defra.

We’re a national team providing technical services, advice and guidance to the wider business, ensuring the organisation manages and uses data and information appropriately.

Experience/skills Required

• A minimum of degree level or equivalent in Data Science or related field.
• Strong experience with working in data exploitation and AI roles
• Strong understanding of data governance principles
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to turn business needs into technical solutions
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Interpret and present data science outputs clearly and be confident in engaging and persuading people.
• Demonstrate experience in building communities of data users; managing data; and undertaking data analytics
• Demonstrate the ability to seek continuous improvement and stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and data exploitation technologies to continuously improve models and processes
• Experience using programming tools like in Python, R, or other relevant languages would be an advantage
  
  
  

Contact and additional information

Your response to the competency questions will be used to blind sift your application for interview. Please consider use of the STAR technique to structure your response using examples.

Interviews are anticipated to take place in November and will be via MS Teams.

Base location is flexible. We are a dispersed team but do require travel for some meetings in Bristol/Birmingham and undertake some national travel when needed.

Please contact Chris Hall – [email protected] if you would like to discuss the role further.

Competence 1

Data and Information Management

Description

Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

Question - Describe your approach to establishing a governance framework within your technical area of expertise

Competence 2

Scientific Knowledge

Description

Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

Question - How do you stay current with new developments in data science and Artificial Intelligence

Competence 3

Builds and Sustains Relationships

Description

Develops and maintains effective working relationships

Question - Please give an example of how you have built and sustained relationships in order to help you achieve a goal? How did you do this and what was the outcome?

Competence 4

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Description

Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.

Question - Can you describe a project where you used data exploitation to uncover business insights or drive innovation?

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.