Data Engineer

Environment Agency; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the UK is seeking a Junior Analytics Engineer to support the development and deployment of data products and analytics tools. The role involves managing large datasets and building reliable ETL pipelines while promoting an inclusive culture. Candidates should have strong Python and SQL skills, experience in data organization, and the ability to solve complex data problems. This position is hybrid, offering flexibility in working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing and analysing large datasets.
• Experience in organising data in STAR-schema data models.
• Experience building and maintaining reliable ETL pipelines.
• Strong Python expertise for production-quality solutions.
• Solid knowledge of SQL Server and data warehousing practices.
• Proficiency with analytical tools for actionable insights.
• Ability to solve complex problems innovatively.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds.

Skills

Data management

Data analysis

Python programming

SQL expertise

ETL pipeline development

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

The Environment Agency is undergoing modernisation of systems and IT infrastructure and moving towards Microsoft Azure cloud computing and Microsoft analytics tooling and technology such as Synapse Analytics, Fabric and PowerBI. This represents a new and exciting opportunity for the Water Quality Digital Services team to become a pioneering group delivering new ways to do reporting and analytics. To prepare for this challenge we are recruiting a Junior Analytics Engineer to support the development and deployment of data products and analytics tools to enable the Water Quality user community to efficiently leverage data from various sources and, in turn, better inform business insights and drive effective policy changes. The team is part of the Digital Services team within National Evidence and Business (E&B). We focus on building innovative products that improve origination efficiency and enhance our ability to transform data into meaningful insights for effective decision‑making. We are a dispersed team and work with teams across the country. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance delivery. You will have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. Appropriate training will be given. You will have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel and overnights may be required. If you have any queries, contact [e-mail]. Applications are "blind" assessed purely using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within four weeks of the closing date. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we will hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Competency Interviews

• Competence 1 – Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality: Describe a time when you implemented a new innovative approach to satisfy a specific data reporting requirement. Describe the approach and what you did to ensure the process was resilient, repeatable and quality assured.
• Competence 2 – Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Give an example of when you had to solve a complex data analysis problem that involved diverse data sources. What data did you use? What was the problem and what decisions did you take to solve it?
• Competence 3 – Data and Information Management: Provide an example of a complex data‑management task you have undertaken. Explain how you approached this and provide details on the data, tools and techniques used.

Legal and Equality Information

For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc.) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. 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, so please include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.

Applicant must have:

• Extensive experience managing and analysing large datasets from multiple sources to support varied reporting and analytics needs.
• Experience in organising data in STAR‑schema data models that effectively represent business entities and relationships and support efficient querying and analysis from relational data warehouses.
• Experience building and maintaining reliable ETL pipelines to integrate data from diverse sources.
• Strong Python expertise, including development of clean, reusable functions and object‑oriented code for production‑quality solutions.
• Solid knowledge of SQL Server, database management, and data‑warehousing best practices.
• Proficiency with analytical tools and programming languages to transform raw data into actionable insights.
• Ability to solve complex problems and formulate efficient and innovative solutions using sound data‑management and data‑analysis practices.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds while promoting inclusion and collaboration.

Diversity Statement

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.