Radon Database Development Officer

Job summary

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.

Job description

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

Person specification

Essential criteria

• 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

Benefits

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 (opens in a new window).

• 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%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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