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. 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 details for sites we monitor – you will provide oversight for all aspects of landowner access for monitoring networks within the programme. You will maintain landowner data, ensuring compliance with Environment Agency and legal requirements, and work with operations specialists to align delivery with programme goals and timelines while maintaining strong cross‑team relationships.

We’re looking for someone with energy, initiative and tenacity, with experience in geospatial data, engaging with internal and external customers, and managing datasets. This role offers hands‑on experience in managing and governing a key dataset and contributing to a culture of learning, adaptation and continuous improvement.

The Team

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

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 with strong data management and GIS skills.
• Provide expert technical leadership through training, guidance and optimisation of data management processes.
• Work independently and collaboratively to troubleshoot access and programme delivery challenges.
• Be adaptable and proactive, responding effectively to evolving priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with geospatial data and interacting with internal and external customers.
• Strong data management and GIS skills; experience maintaining landowner datasets and performing spatial analyses.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and guide data management processes.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team to resolve issues and deliver outcomes.
• Adaptability, initiative and a proactive approach to changing priorities.

Additional Information

• Location: Flexible working location with EA office base; some travel and overnight stays required.
• Length of contract: Up to 2 years.
• EEO and inclusion: We promote an inclusive culture and welcome all applicants, including disabled, LGBT+ or Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities. We offer flexible working patterns and a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support disabled applicants.
• Contacts: For queries, please email mike.fraser@environment-agency.gov.uk or adam.akers@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Notes

The Environment Agency is a Non‑Departmental Public Body; continuous service details vary by status. If applying from Civil Service or local government, please check your eligibility. This vacancy is national and location is flexible with an office base required.