Radon Database Development Officer

The Radon Group is a mix of both scientific and administrative staff working across four teams: Dosimetry, Programmes, Services, and Data and Information (RDIT). This position is for a database development officer within RDIT. The main objective of RDIT is to plan, develop and maintain the data and information systems for the commercial and research activities within the Group., Radon Group maintains the National Radon Database that holds over 700,000 records of indoor radon measurements made in the UK and is used on a daily basis. It is a Microsoft SQL Server database with a Microsoft Access front end. The post holder will help with the administration, development and maintenance of this valuable asset and will:

• be involved in all aspects of, and responsible for, development and maintenance of the data systems used to support the range of services and research areas
• manage various projects independently and be responsible for planning, through development, testing and system usage and support
• Identify, implement and test new software to improve and update systems
• design, develop and maintain a suite of data systems used extensively by the Group
• be expected to develop a good working relationship with users
• be eager to take on new challenges and have the motivation to succeed

Other key skills should include the ability to work to deadlines, flexibility, commitment to high standards, the ability to work alone or as part of a small team and effective communication skills.

Working for you organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all., The majority of the work will involve the development of bespoke database systems that meet the needs of users. A significant part of the role will be communicating with users during initial planning stages and during system roll out when user training and support will be required.

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the data systems used by the group
• Contribute to the development of existing and the introduction of new data systems
• Liaise with users to discuss future needs to support system development
• Provide demonstrations of, and training in the use of, new systems
• Work independently and take responsibility for own standards of work and time management
• Identify and test new/updated software
• Provide resilience in the role of SQL Server database administrator
• Receive and act upon feedback from users
• Provide technical support to the data system users
• Analyse and prepare data for research and programme support purposes
• Receive and process external data for use within the group
• Respond to ad hoc queries and information requests from a range of people
• Disseminate information through the production of maps, reports, posters and presentations
• Contribute fully to effective information management including PII in compliance with Information Governance and DPA

The post holder will be expected to act independently on day-to-day issues and to use own judgement where circumstances fall outside the available guidance and there is no precedent to follow.

The above is not exhaustive

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, technical and non-technical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal

• Line Manager
• Radon Group members and Team Leader
• Group Leader
• Department Head
• IT Group
• Press and Information Group
• GIS Group

External

• Members of the Public
• External Suppliers
• Research Partners
• Professional Bodies
• Government Agencies and Departments
• Stakeholders, You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 13 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
• Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Educated to Bachelors degree level in a STEM based subject or equivalent level qualification, or equivalent experience working at a similar level in a database development and administration role
• Experience of database development and administration within Microsoft SQL Server and development in Microsoft Access environments
• Active participation in the development of new systems or services including optimization and practical applications, * UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

• Educated to Bachelors degree level in a STEM based subject or equivalent level qualification, or equivalent experience working at a similar level in a database development and administration role
• Experience of database development and administration within Microsoft SQL Server and development in Microsoft Access environments
• Considerable experience in using SQL and VBA languages
• Active participation in the development of new systems or services including optimization and practical applications
• Demonstrable abilities in data manipulation, processing, extracting and reporting
• Good understanding of Information Governance, DPA and handling PII
• Experience in project management, coordinating multiple activities across a complex and challenging environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organization and time management skills
• Good problem solving/lateral thinking skills and ability to follow and carry out complex instructions
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work on own initiative and as part of a busy team
• Able to work independently, under pressure and to tight deadlines and to take responsibility for own standards of work and time management
• An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships
• Experience in data handling, manipulation and visualisation using a GIS

Desirable criteria

• Active participation in the maintenance and improvement of quality
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills, Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Pulled from the full job description

• Pay rise
• Company pension, Alongside your salary of £35,587, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,309 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .
• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%, If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms., If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton (Didcot). We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at our campus., UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK