Digital and Data Officer

Cheshire East; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Crewe is seeking a Digital and Data Officer to develop geospatial data and support the Local Plan. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and extensive experience with GIS and consultation platforms. The role involves hybrid working arrangements and offers numerous benefits including enhanced annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave

Flexible working pattern

Salary sacrifice green car scheme

Enhanced public pension

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of GIS, databases and digital consultation platforms.
• An understanding of planning policy and processes.
• A flexible approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, interrogate and present complex mapping to communicate spatial information.
• Monitor developments, manage and interrogate data from multiple databases.
• Support preparation of the Local Plan and other planning policy documents.

Skills

Extensive experience of GIS

Excellent ICT skills

Effective communication and analytical skills

Ability to interpret and manage large volumes of data

Knowledge of local government procedures

Good time-management skills

Flexibility in work approach

Education

A degree level qualification in geography, computer science, data management or a related subject

Job description

Are you passionate about mapping, data and technology? An exciting opportunity has become available to join our Strategic Planning Team as the Digital and Data Officer.

The Strategic Planning Team is responsible for developing the council’s Local Plan and other policies and guidance, to facilitate and manage sustainable development in Cheshire East. We are looking for someone who is excited about the planning service and information and communications technology, helping us to improve access to data, reach out to stakeholders and plan for the future of Cheshire East.

About you

You will specialise in the development of geospatial data, its visualisation, analysis and processing, alongside management of the council’s consultation and engagement platform.

The role includes preparing, interrogating and presenting complex mapping to communicate spatial information, alongside the management and maintenance of underlying datasets, and preparing detailed plans for spatial planning purposes including the local plan policies map.

Responsibilities

Monitoring of developments, managing and interrogating data from multiple databases, researching and assisting with digital improvement, leading GIS training within the Strategic and Environmental Planning teams, supporting preparation of the Local Plan and other planning policy documents, and providing technical support to manage and deliver consultation events.

Cheshire East is a large planning authority that offers a diverse range of experiences and opportunities. Accordingly, the role is both demanding but interesting, with no two weeks being the same. To find out more about our essential and desirable criteria for the role, please view the ‘In this job you will’ section within the attached job description specification document.

The Strategic Planning Team follows a hybrid working pattern, working flexibly from the council’s offices in Crewe and Macclesfield, as well as from home. Following the initial period of induction and training, the postholder will be required to work from an office for a minimum of two days per week.

Qualifications

• A degree level qualification in geography, computer science, data management or a related subject
• Extensive experience of GIS, databases and digital consultation platforms
• An understanding of planning policy and processes
• Excellent ICT skills
• Effective communication and analytical skills
• The ability to interpret and manage large volumes of data
• A flexible approach to work
• Knowledge of local government procedures and data management legislation
• Good time-management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines

To find out more about the essential and desirable criteria for the role please view the attached job description specification document.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave - Start with an impressive 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service.
• Purchase of annual leave – Want more time off? You can purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Flexible working pattern - Enjoy a 37‑hour standard full‑time work week with the added perks of flexi‑time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible. Your work‑life balance just got a whole lot better.
• Salary sacrifice green car scheme - Drive green and save green! Lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme. There’s no credit checks, no deposits, just significant savings and exclusive offers on a three‑year lease.
• White goods salary sacrifice scheme - Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme, spreading the cost of big‑ticket purchases like appliances, computers, and tech gadgets directly from your salary.
• Enhanced public pension - Secure your future with our career average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay.
• Cycle to work scheme - Save up to 25‑39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings. Get fit and save money!
• Employee assistance programme - Access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life.
• Discounted gym membership - Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
  • Gym, swim and group fitness at all 16 facilities
  • Off‑peak racket sports
  • Athletics tracks
  • Sauna/steam/spa

Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you!

Application process

Applicants should ensure all sections of the application form are completed as failure to do so will result in their application being rejected. Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly, as we will use this to contact you regarding your application. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however, please do not be discouraged from applying again.

Further information

For any technical enquiries please email [e-mail]. For further information about the role, please contact Tom Evans / Stewart House via email: [e-mail] / [e-mail]. Please quote the job reference number in all correspondence.

PLEASE NOTE: We review applications on a rolling basis which means we may close vacancies earlier if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, early applications are advised.