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
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Application & Sift
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
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at UKHSA, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ.
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
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.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
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.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary Information
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.
Qualifications and Registrations
For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
Future location
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
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers
International Police check
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 (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- 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) (opens in a new window)
- 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further information
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Timor Miakhel
- Email : timor.miakhel@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.ukIf you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for further information: Home - Civil Service Commission
http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8155756
Salary range
- £35,587 - £43,244 per year