Environmental data analyst

Published on by for Cyfoeth Natural Resources

Environmental data analyst

Job Summary

Job title:

Environmental data analyst

Post Number

202691

Grade

6, £34,427 rising to £37,656 over four years

Location

Flexible

Directorate

EPP

Team

Monitoring Analysis

Reports to

Monitoring Analysis Team Leader

Direct Reports

0

Welsh Language requirements

Essential Level 1 able to pronounce Welsh and use basic phrases

Please note  if you do not meet the Welsh language requirements specified i.e. ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Contract type

Fixed term appointment to 31 March 2022

Work pattern

37 hours/week

 

Application information

Application closing date

22nd November 2020

Interview to take place on and where

To be confirmed. Via Skype.

To apply send your completed application form to

recruitment@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

If you have any queries, contact

David.Allen@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Job context

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the principal adviser to Welsh Government on issues relating to the environment and its natural resources. We aim to underpin all our advice and actions with robust evidence. In addition to making use of evidence generated by others, NRW itself gathers evidence, notably through the environmental monitoring we carry out.

NRW runs a variety of environmental monitoring programmes across Wales, including an extensive water quality programme in both freshwater and marine environments. This involves the routine collection and laboratory analysis of water quality samples and the analysis, interpretation and reporting of data generated by the programme. We also receive and analyse similar data provided to us by external partners. Alongside data collection and sample analysis, we operate quality assurance processes to ensure that the data collected is fit for purpose.

We are looking for an environmental data analyst to join our Monitoring Analysis Team and help optimise the quality control of data from our water quality monitoring programme. You will work as part of an enthusiastic team that includes environmental data analysts, data managers and remote sensing specialists, working within the field of environmental monitoring. You will need to understand what it is that influences data quality and have good experience of setting up and running efficient data handling and analytical routines using modern analytical software. As part of this, you will need to develop an understanding of the relevant NRW databases and be able to track the flow of data between them.

Applying for this post

The following categories will be used to assess the quality of applications both at sift and interview. Please read the whole of the Role Description to ascertain at what level this information needs to be presented.

Other information relevant to the job:

  1. out of hours, working patterns

 

Role Description

Job Purpose:

To undertake strategic and complex programmes of data analysis and data validation, to inform and implement NRW’s risk-based approach to monitoring, to optimise performance of monitoring networks, and especially to provide quality-assurance of our monitoring data. You will work with technical experts across the organisation and with a range of stakeholders and partner organisations involved in monitoring and analytical work.

 

Key Job Accountabilities:

The post-holder will:
Carry out complex data analysis and interpretation (with a specific focus on data quality) to inform and influence NRW’s strategic direction for monitoring, implementation of risk-based monitoring programmes, and to provide quality-assured outputs for inclusion in national environmental reports and indicators including SoNaRR, WFD and Habitats Directive Article 17.
 

Commission and manage complex technical projects across a broad range of environmental themes, working with specialists and technical staff from across the organisation, and with external contractors and partners.
 

Develop and apply approaches to validate key data sets to ensure that the quality of NRW’s monitoring data is fit for its intended use.
 

Interact with a range of government, agency and partner bodies working on analytical projects relating to monitoring and environmental reporting at Wales and UK levels.
 

Provide specialist advice and guidance on monitoring analysis to staff across the business.
 

Contribute to the development of new and innovative monitoring and analytical methods to drive forward efficiency and improvements to NRW’s monitoring and environmental reporting.
 

Mentor less experienced colleagues within your team.

 

Key Job Qualifications or Knowledge:

You will have significant experience and knowledge in one or more areas of data analysis, evidence synthesis, and data management, and a sound understanding of statistical methods and use of statistical applications (including R).
 

You will have previous experience of leading and managing technical projects.
 

You will be a good communicator.
 

You will have well-developed problem-solving skills, with the ability to extract key information and present this in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences and in both written and oral forms.

 

Working Pattern:

37 Hours (FTA until 31/03/22)

GRP Reference:

B6.2

RD Reference:

B6.2

Date/Version:

26/10/20

 

What you will do

You will provide specialist advice and input to your team and function that supports the development and implementation of strategy and plans.

You will undertake practical and technical tasks requiring specialist knowledge and expertise on a range of matters relating to your profession.

You will analyse and interpret a range of complex information relevant to your specialist area and communicate this to others, contributing to the development of strategy and policy.

You will be responsible for leading and managing specific areas of work which may include the implementation of plans.

You will undertake research as required and produce documents that provide advice, guidance or opinion which others will use and act upon.

You will be involved in the development of organisational strategy and policy and will have some autonomy in relation to implementation of organisational policy.

You will influence the work of others through your actions and decision making, the impact of which will be both internal and external.

You will be responsible for a budget, which will be a delegated part of a larger budget managed by a more senior employee.

You will review the validity of documentation relating to the procurement of good and services.

Who you will be working with

You will collaborate with people across the organisation engaging with key stakeholders for the efficient delivery of policy and work plans.

You will be build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and provide specialist input and influence on the implementation of policy and strategy.

You will facilitate and deliver presentations for internal and external meetings, providing advice, as required.

You will work with other specialist/technical staff and will lead them through specialist/ technical programmes of work, through a matrix management approach.

You may work in situations where individuals become angry and upset and which are challenging emotionally, requiring you to stay calm under pressure when resolving the issues presented.

You will mentor less experienced colleagues.

Where you will be working

Your role will be primarily office based but may entail travel between different NRW locations, as well as working at partner organisations and other premises.

What knowledge and skills you need

You will have a recognised qualification, degree or equivalent experience.

You will have substantial experience working in the field relevant to your role with experience across a range of roles or in different roles within an organisation.

You will have specialist/technical knowledge in a range of subjects within your field.

You will have proven involvement of working in a variety of functions and remain up to date with developments in your technical or specialist field.

You will have good inter-personal skills and able to develop and maintain good relationships and networks.

You will have analytical skills enabling you to analyse and interpret a range of complex information in relation to your specific area of specialism.

You will have the skills to manage your workload and prioritise tasks in relation to conflicting objectives and targets.

What other information is relevant to your job

You will realise your contribution by applying the principles of SMNR to your work; in how you think, plan and deliver activities.

You will be expected to work with teams and individuals from across NRW, sharing your expertise and insight to solve complex problems. You will support collaborative working with partners and sector organisations, focussing on shared priorities.

You are responsible for complying with the policies, procedures and processes that relate to your role.

You are responsible for ensuring that all financial transactions undertaken by yourself represent value for money and meet the requirements of the organisation.

NRW is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004), and this means we have a duty to work with partners to prepare for and respond to emergencies and incidents covered by the Act.  All staff may be required to undertake activities, at a level commensurate with the skills and experience required by their role, to assist in ensuring this duty is undertaken.

This role description sets out a broad indication of the role, where it sits within the overall NRW structure and indicative expectations of the post holder. It is not intended to provide a detailed description of all tasks and activities. This document should be read in conjunction with the job specific Personal Development Plan which sets out the specific activities and projects to be delivered during the year.

Before applying for this role please read the candidate guidance

Natural Resources Wales embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunity. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. We welcome and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented including women, black and ethnic minority groups and people with a disability and we have a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We are an employer of choice because we put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity and respect at the heart of our values.

Information

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 5 to 10 years

Taxonomy