Water Resources Data Specialists x2 - 29806

Job Description

Come and join our national water resources (WR) team within Operations Catchment Services! We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies.

There are 2 roles available:

WR Data Specialist – WR Planning x1

The role will involve working across the national team to ensure quality and consistency of WR planning data, working alongside our water company and programme leads. Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading on data quality and assurance to validate and collate Water Company data submissions for statutory plans and water company performance measures.
• Scope, develop and deliver data tools and products to allow colleagues to more easily interpret data.
• Using technical knowledge of WR planning, undertake national analysis to interpret and add value to datasets.
• Innovate and influence data approaches for future planning processes.
• Work alongside WR programme leads to ensure our approach to data meets national requirements and align with modelling activities.
• Provide active planning, communications, training and management to ensure effective delivery of datasets and analysis outcomes
  
  
  

WR Data Specialist – Sustainable Abstraction (SA) x1

The role will include the following work programmes and responsibilities. These will provide an opportunity to develop your technical skills, knowledge, and experience of different data handling and processing methods:

 Project manager and technical lead for the Abstraction Pressure Database (APD), a comprehensive PowerBI tool that consolidates data from various sources.

 Project manager for the Sustainable Abstraction Progress (SAP) dashboard. This is a PowerBI dashboard which brings together SA metrics, enabling us to monitor SA performance.

 National Key performance indicator (KPI) reporting on SA.

 SA data innovation and efficiency

 Horizon scanning for new technologies, programmes and software especially around automation and efficiency

The team

We are part of the national Water Resources department of Operations Catchment Services (OCS). Because our teams are widely dispersed, we predominantly use MS teams with occasional face to face workshops and meetings. You will receive training and support from technical specialists and be buddied up with a member of the team who will help you settle in. You will have access to a host of formal training opportunities through our training and development portal.

Experience/skills Required

• Excellent data management, analysis, and interpretation skills
• Experience of working with data processing tools i.e.: Excel, Access, PowerBI, Geographic Information Systems
• Independently identify and optimise opportunities for innovation and efficiencies
• Able to identify problems and find optimal solutions, especially in a data related context
• Proven delivery of data products, with attention to detail and a tenacious approach
• A confident self-starter, able to pick up new tasks quickly
• Works well with others networking, engaging and influencing key stakeholders, internally and externally i.e. Water Companies, Regional Groups
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills; a team player able to communicate technical issues in a clear and concise manner to different audiences
• Positive can-do, enthusiastic attitude
  
  
  

Desirable

• Knowledge/experience of coding using R, Power Query, Python or SQL
• Experience/knowledge of WR abstraction licence and permitting, and/or statutory WR planning
• Experience in handling environmental data
  
  
  

Contact and additional information

Applications close on 17/11/2024. There will be a 2-stage interview process, the first stage will involve a technical exercise and presentation, these will be held remotely from 2nd-11th December approximately.

As a category 1 responder the Environment Agency attends incidents such as flooding or pollution incidents and as a new member of the team you will play your part by taking on an incident response duty, more details can be found in the candidate pack.

Please note the role will require some travel to other Environment Agency sites, external meetings, and occasional overnight stays.

If you would like to know more about the role there will be an information session on 07/11/2024 11:00-11:45 – if you would like an invitation, please email [email protected].

Competence 1

Data and Information Management

Description

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

Question: Explain how you have used data tools in your current or previous role to find a solution to a data problem, please use an example.

• What was the data problem?
• What data tools and data did you use?
• How did you take personal responsibility to ensure the quality of the data?
• What analysis methods did you use?
  
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: We do not assess CVs, your answers to these questions will be used for interview selection - please draw out your personal skills and experience in your response. Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

Competence 2

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Description

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

Question: Explain how you have used your knowledge and experience of data tools to improve a process or approach?

• What opportunity did you identify for improvement?
• What improvements in efficiency did you achieve through your changes?
• How did you ensure that data quality and accuracy were not compromised?
• What motivated you to seek an improvement/efficiency?
  
  
  

You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

Competence 3

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

Description

Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives, and taking sound and timely decisions

Question: Describe a situation when you successfully resolved a technical issue and the steps you took to achieve this.

• What was the technical issue?
• What options did you consider?
• Who did you engage and consult with?
• How did you make your final decision?
• What was the end result/impact?
  
  
  

You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

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.