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Water Quality Data Officer - Drinking Water Inspectorate
£25,500 pa (Executive Officer grade)
Based in Central London
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is one of three independent regulators of the water
industry in England and Wales. The Chief Inspector of Drinking Water acts on behalf of the
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and exercises legal
powers for the regulation of the quality of drinking water supplied by water companies in
England and Wales. Additionally the Inspectorate receives data relating to public supplies
from English and Welsh Local Authorities The jobholder would be part of a small busy team
that provides data support to approximately 40 technical staff.
Water Quality Data Officers report to the Assistant Water Quality Data Manager and carry
out the processing of data submitted by water supply companies in England and Wales and
Local Authorities. Other tasks include database management, the production of maps and
resolving general data issues.
The Water Quality Data Unit comprises four staff and is part of the DWI’s Science & Policy
Group. Together with the Business Performance Unit, the Unit provides technical, business
and data processing support to the Chief Inspector and 32 Drinking Water Inspectors. The
post is full-time and office based in London.
Specific responsibilities include:
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Checking and processing of regular data returns submitted to the Inspectorate (both
from water companies and local authorities).
Liaison with Inspectors and water company data staff to resolve any data issues.
Meeting Key Performance Indicator dates for the loading of data into the
Inspectorate’s data systems.
Provision of maps and data reports for Drinking Water Inspectors, to assist with
assessment of drinking water issues.
Involvement in testing new database developments
Querying and exploiting data for the purposes of :Responding to ad-hoc drinking water related data enquiries, including Freedom of
Information, Environmental Information and DEFRA requests.
Preparation of regular data summary reports and analysis as required by DWI
Inspectors or feedback to water companies.
Preparation of tables, charts and maps for inclusion in the ‘The Chief Inspector’s
Report’.
Assisting with the development of the Inspectorate’s database systems and liaison
with Inspectors and IBM for the detailed specification of enhancements.
Skills required:
Applicants should have a proven track record of working with large databases, and display
good numeric and accuracy skills. Attention to detail and an analytical approach is essential
as well as an interest in maintaining data integrity and quality.
You must also be able to communicate technical information to all key stakeholders,
including water company staff and colleagues.
Data Officers operate DWI’s bespoke data systems extract data from various databases,
consequently working knowledge of SQL and/or Business Objects reporting would be an
advantage as would a basic appreciation of data architecture and data modelling.
Applicants should also have experience working with Geographical Information Systems
(GIS) or working in an area which deals with spatial information or DEFRA’s SPIRE initiative.
Demonstrable Project Management Skills would be beneficial and experience of project
delivery under pressure is essential. Experience of working in a regulatory environment and
dealing directly with external stakeholders would be desirable.
You should have the ability to work flexibly and as part of a team, and will work closely with
DWI inspectors on specific projects. You will have good IT skills, be familiar with MS Office
software and be well organised.
Training in all aspects of DWI’s work will be provided and there will be opportunities to gain
experience and to develop your specific areas of expertise.
For further information about the work of the DWI, please visit www.dwi.gov.uk
Water Quality Data Officer – EO – Ref: 1438232
To apply for this post and complete the online test, please use the following link to
access the Civil Service website:
Link to Water Quality Data Officer
Please note we will not accept CVs and no agencies please.
Interviews will take place in London in March 2015 and will consist of two parts.
Candidates will be expected to complete a written assessment in addition to an
interview by a panel. Candidates should allow approximately three hours to complete
the process.
For any further information on the post, please contact the vacancy manager,
Suzanne Calmels, on 0300 068 6417 or at: suzanne.calmels@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Closing date: 9 February 2015
As an Equal Opportunities employer Defra welcomes applications regardless of gender,
race, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation. We operate a family-friendly policy
including flexible working patterns.