Data Scientist Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Job description
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
About the job
Job summary
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. The environment, food production, and farming practices increasingly occupy centre stage in public and policy debates.
About the Environment Strategy Directorate
In the Environment Strategy Directorate we sit at the heart of the Environment, Rural and Marine Group, delivering on the ambition for the environment to be a healthy and a beautiful place to live, work and enjoy. We are a diverse, multi-site team leading the delivery and policy thinking across a wide range of issues. Our teams are focused on the 25 Year Environment Plan, Land Use, Rural Policy, Green Finance, Climate Adaptation and Net Zero, and Environment Science and Analysis.
About Environment Science and Analysis
Environment Science and Analysis (ESA) is a multi-disciplinary team of around 40 statisticians, social researchers, economists, natural scientists, data engineers, and spatial data scientists based in Environmental Strategy Directorate.
As well as working across Environment Strategy, we also work across Natural Environment, Trees and Landscapes Directorate – providing the Lead Analytical Function for both directorates.
We lead on environmental analysis for Defra by undertaking high quality cross-cutting analysis and evidence, for example:
- ensuring the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment responds to policy need
- production of official environment statistics and indicators, including for the 25 Year Environment Plan
- producing the evidence base for valuing our natural capital (Enabling a Natural Capital Approach)
- leading on spatial data science with a focus on land-use and land change
- managing the natural environment and rural research programme
- providing cross-cutting social research and leading evaluation, and
- providing professional leadership to embedded evidence specialists across Environment Strategy and Natural Environment, Trees and Landscapes
Defra is dedicated to promoting equality and valuing diversity. We have strong staff networks and the department places significant emphasis on talent programmes that help everyone to achieve their full potential. The Civil Service as a whole is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Your personal qualities will be as important as your professional experience; and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you believe you have the skills and qualities we are looking for, then we would like to hear from you.
Job description
Defra has an ambitious remit to transform the use of data held across the organisation to improve decision-making in environmental policy. The Environment Science and Analysis (ESA) division’s Spatial Data Science (SDS) unit is at the forefront of this work, developing novel data sources and utilising new tools and techniques to support departmental priorities.
This role is in the core Spatial Data Science unit, and as a team, our work feeds into some critical policy areas, for example the development of new Environmental Land Management schemes and the implications of new policy on land use. Working across policy teams, our work is often fast-paced, and provides an opportunity to work with a range of teams, looking for opportunities to improve the impact of our analysis. We also work to champion the use of geography and spatial data science across government, promoting good practice and developing innovative ways of working with large and complex spatial data.
This role will contribute by developing and championing innovative approaches to the development of analysis, data models, products and solutions. A key function will be exploring how newer technologies and ways of working might help the department draw and communicate robust and reproducible insight from large datasets.
We are looking for someone that will bring strong, rigorous, and innovative data science and engineering skills to help the team provide high-quality analytical support to a diverse range of projects.
Person specification
In delivering this role, you will be:
- Leading the technical development of public-facing data visualisation products, such as the Outcome Indicator Framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan website
- Working with analysts, natural scientists, policy and evidence specialists to develop and integrate land use data into a land use change modelling framework, interpreting, and evaluating the impact of different scenarios
- Developing and improving big data infrastructure and analytics within the team e.g. the spatial data science data model
- Exploiting new and novel data sources, including administrative data, Earth observations, and social media, to generate new insight on subjects such as environmental change, people's engagement with the environment, and rural socio-economic deprivation
- Exploring new and novel tools and techniques to support scalable and effective spatial data science
- Working with policy, delivery, and natural science stakeholders across Defra group and beyond government to design and deliver evidence that supports business outcomes
The successful candidate will have the support of a senior data engineer and senior data scientist who will help develop their skills. They will be expected to work on a diverse and challenging set of projects from across the team including land use modelling for priorities such as Net Zero, modelling to support environmental outcomes from the Department's new Environment Land Management Scheme, and analysis of rural and environmental statistics. There may also be opportunities to get involved in wider work of the division depending on experience and priorities.
We would like to hear from you if you have the following essential experience:
- Data manipulation, analysis, and visualisation, including experience of working with various types of data
- Technical experience using Python/R including experience of improving the quality and reusability of code using version control (e.g. Git), package development, and automated tests and checks
- An understanding of /experience working with spatial data formats
- Planning and undertaking analytical projects to answer operational, business, or policy questions
- Experience of agile or iterative management of a data science/engineering project
- Ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team culture that helps others to build their technical capability in analysis and data science
- Explaining technical approaches and results to non-technical audiences
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Data engineering, programming and code development.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a CV and Personal Statement (750 words max).
With reference to your CV, the job description and responsibilities (especially the essential experience criteria) please explain why you are well suited to undertake this role. The personal statement does not need to be in STAR format
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on 3 Behaviours, Experience and 1 Technical skill (Data Analysis) . You will also be required to complete a presentation in preparation of the interview. .
Interviews will be carried out via video link.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Candidates applying for these roles will be based at one of the Defra hubs as advertised.
For information, our core Defra hub locations are:
- York – the Kings Pool
- Newcastle – Lancaster House
- Bristol – Horizon House (Please note that space at this office is limited and it may not be possible for all Policy roles to be recruited to this location)
- London – 2 Marsham Street
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations.
Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive an additional pay supplement of £3,000 upon appointment (pro rata). In addition to this, there is a further pay supplement of up to £3,000 (pro rata) which may be offered based on candidate's annual competency assessment.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offenses. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
