Overview

NCEA Land Access Database Technical Lead - 31738

We promote an inclusive culture and welcome all applicants, including disabled, LGBT+ or Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in delivering an operationally vital part of the Environment Agency’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme — a flagship initiative shaping how we understand and manage the water environment. The Programme supports Defra's wider NCEA programme in building a groundbreaking evidence base on the state and value of our natural environment and ecosystems to transform environmental decision-making in England.

The role provides oversight for the Land Access Database, a new database storing landowner details for sites monitored by the network. You will maintain landowner data, comply with Environment Agency and legal requirements, and work with operations teams to align delivery with programme goals and timelines while maintaining strong cross-team relationships.

We are looking for someone with energy, initiative, and tenacity, with experience in geospatial data, stakeholder engagement, and managing datasets. This is a hands-on opportunity to manage and govern a key dataset while contributing to a culture of learning, adaptation, and continuous improvement.

The team sits within the EA’s NCEA Operations team, which implements the 11 new monitoring networks. The team collaborates with the wider Environment Agency and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the best possible access arrangements for monitoring networks.
• Maintain landowner datasets and perform spatial analysis for NCEA networks, using strong data management and GIS skills.
• Provide expert technical leadership through training, guidance, and optimization of data management processes.
• Work independently and with others to troubleshoot access and programme delivery challenges.
• Be adaptable and proactive, responding effectively to evolving priorities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in data management and GIS; ability to manage landowner datasets and perform spatial analysis.
• Ability to interact with internal and external customers and manage datasets in a monitoring-network context.
• Proven capability to lead data management initiatives and guide teams through processes and improvements.
• Comfort working in projects and programmes with a range of colleagues and partners.

Additional Information

• Location: Flexible working location with EA office base; some travel and overnight stays required.
• Contract length: Up to 2 years.
• Disability and workforce inclusion: Guaranteed Interview Policy; we welcome flexible working patterns and diverse applicants.
• Contact: mike.fraser@environment-agency.gov.uk or adam.akers@environment-agency.gov.uk for questions.

Experience questions for interview

• Competencies include: Decision making and problem solving; Data and information management; Influences and persuades others; Focus on customers and partners.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and to delivering value through government frameworks where applicable.