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Job Description We are fully committed to having an 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 have an exciting business improvement opportunity to resolve data quality issues and identify enhancements in our Water Quality regulatory IT systems.
We are looking for an individual who has a good understanding of data auditing, and who is able to identify and resolve data quality issues. You will work alongside the data quality team, producing data quality audits to identify data quality issues, their underlying causes and keep track of progress resolving them. You’ll also need to be able to utilise your knowledge of data auditing to develop reports and power bi dashboards, as well as responding to data requests.
You’ll work closely with data experts in establishing efficient processes/methods to resolve problems. This will mainly be by cross-referencing records and documents. You will be expected to visualise workload/progress using tools such as PowerBI based reporting.
You’ll be working across the Water Quality regulation teams such as permitting, compliance and reporting in close collaboration with the Regulatory Services Programme, to ensure Water Quality regulation is underpinned by good quality data sets.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll have the option to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available to support you with your incident role should you choose to have one.
The team
The Digital Services team sits within the national Water Industry Regulation function of the Environment Agency. We steer the direction, set the priorities and shape our organisation’s approach to delivering environmental outcomes and better regulation.
We work closely with colleagues across the Environment Agency, with Government, delivery partners and customers to help create a better place for people and wildlife and demonstrate value for money.
Experience/skills Required
Educated to degree level or equivalent work experience.
Demonstrable experience carrying out data quality checks, audits, or validation activities within structured datasets, with the ability to identify inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or missing data. Experience investigating data quality issues to understand root causes and supporting actions to resolve them, rather than applying short-term fixes. Confidence working with data held in spreadsheets, databases, or business systems, ensuring findings are accurately recorded and auditable.
Proficient analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail and a methodical approach to reviewing data against agreed standards and rules. Ability to communicate data quality issues clearly and constructively to a range of colleagues, including non-technical users, and work collaboratively to agree improvements. Good problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance data quality requirements with operational needs. Well organised, able to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, and contribute positively to improving data quality practices across teams.
Contact and additional information
Your base location will be any Environment Agency office. Remote working/meetings is the norm but some national travel is expected. We use technology to full effect to keep in touch/enable a good work/life balance.
The assessment process will be undertaken remotely in May.
If you are interested and would like to know more please contact Tom Sale, Chris Buckley or Rob Paddison for an informal chat.
thomas.sale@environment-agency.gov.uk 07769363745
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
Question: Please describe a situation where you identified a significant data quality issue and what you did to resolve it.
How did you diagnose the root cause, communicate the risk, and drive the solution to completion?
We will use your answer to this question to do an initial sift, if we get a high volume of applications.
Competence 2
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
Question: Please can you describe a time when you identified an opportunity to improve a process or way of working to deliver a better experience for customers. What changes did you make, and how did you ensure quality and accuracy were maintained during the change?
Competence 3
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
Question: Please can you describe a time when you had to deliver a demanding piece of work or meet a tight target, despite obstacles or pressure. How did you prioritise your work, track progress, and ensure the results were achieved?
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements 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, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.