Overview

NCEA Land Access Database Technical Lead - 31738

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.

As a technical specialist for the Land Access Database – a new database which stores landowner’s details of sites we want to monitor. You will provide oversight for all aspects of landowner access for the monitoring networks within the programme. In addition to this you will maintain landowner data, complying with Environment Agency and legal requirements. You'll work alongside specialists in operations to ensure delivery aligns with programme goals and timelines, while maintaining strong working relationships across teams.

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, initiative, and tenacity. We are seeking someone with experience of working with geospatial data, interacting with internal and external customers and managing datasets. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to gain hands-on experience in managing and governing a key dataset, while actively contributing to a culture of learning, adaptation, and continuous enhancement.

The team: The post will work with the EA’s NCEA Operations team who implement the 11 new monitoring networks. We have a strong team dynamic and believe in the development and support of our staff. The team work collaboratively with the wider Environment Agency and beyond and as such this is a great role to see the breadth of what the Environment Agency does.

Responsibilities

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

Experience / Skills Required

This would be a great opportunity for anyone interested in driving a data management project that will bring about transformative change in environmental management and decision making. It is a good opportunity to develop networks; develop skills of working in projects and programmes; and work with a range of colleagues and partners.

The successful candidate will

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

Competences

1. Decisions and Problem Solving

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

   Background: In this post, you could encounter a problem with no obvious solution; you will need to evaluate multiple potential solutions and make decisions in less than perfect conditions.

   COMPETENCY QUESTION: Describe a time when you have used your experience to identify potential problems and their root causes, come up with effective solutions and arrived at a sound decision.

2. Data and Information Management

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

   Background: You will be required to collect, record, manage and share data for a variety of purposes.

   COMPETENCY QUESTION: Describe a time when you have collected, managed and shared data or information and what steps you took to ensure the data was of high quality and stored safely.

3. Influences and Persuades Others

   Description: Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

   Background: You will be required to use your influencing skills to win over stakeholders.

   COMPETENCY QUESTION: Describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder round to your point of view. Outline your approach and the challenges you encountered.

4. Focuses on Customers and Partners

   Description: Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.

   Background: You will be required to work with customers and partners to achieve the aims of the programme.

   COMPETENCY QUESTION: Describe a time when you had to work with both internal and external customers whose needs or priorities were in conflict. How did you manage their expectations over time, and ensure you delivered what was promised?

Additional Information

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. 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. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.

We are flexible on working location; some travel and overnight stays will be required.

Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact mike.fraser@environment-agency.gov.uk or adam.akers@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Length of contract: Up to 2 years.