Data Scientist - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - SEO
Government Digital & Data -
Location
Southampton
About the job
Job summary
Are you confident when using applying data science techniques, such as optimisation algorithms, predicative modelling, or geospatial data science?
Do you have experience of using tooling such as Databricks and Azure?
Can you work effectively to deliver data science projects independently using Python and SQL?
If so, we are looking for a Data Scientist to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we'd love to hear from you!
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Find out more about what it's like working at MCA roles: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers
Job description
Data Scientists report to Head of Data Science and lead the programme of dataset utilisation to the agency. They work with senior managers and the Executive team to set priorities and conceptualise, build and deliver the way for machine learning, data insights, and AI utilisation.
Data Project Management: They scope, commission, and deliver high value data products for the benefit of the agency.
Data Modelling, Cleaning and Analysis: Their key role is to deliver the data products to the business, ensuring the quality, usability, and analytical readiness of the data products are completed to a high standard. They champion the adoption of these data, convincing senior stakeholders of the benefits, and driving forward the Data Strategy, to Inspire Innovation.
Data Insights and Data Uptake: They lead a team in demonstrating the value of data to the organisation through providing utilisation of data, enhancing data visualisation and promoting data science across a wide range of departments.
Data Standards and Data Quality: They inspire best practice for data analysis within the organisation through delivery of data products. They set the pace, MVP criteria, and standards for these data products working with Head of Data Engineering, Head of Data Insights, Head of Data Governance, Chief Data Architect and senior stakeholders to deliver data products.
Data Leadership: They have practitioner level analytics, coding, and reporting skills, and the ability to train, mentor and guide others to these skills. They build the data analysis capability by providing technical leadership for the data community across the MCA, and wider government.
Data Mentorship: They communicate with peers to convince them of and demonstrate the value of data science. They support the Data Communities across the business through training, mentorship, use of data, and delivery of guidance.
Problem Solving and Experimentation: They use cutting edge technologies in data science, and explore the role of data science in creating analytically ready data. They have working knowledge of cloud systems, coding, pipelines, and repeatable data cleaning.
Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Programming experience using a range of coding practices to build scalable data products for a range of users in Python and SQL.
- Understanding the variety data science techniques and how they can be most effectively applied to solve business problems, turning theory into practise. They are expected to remain current in their skillsets, and be aware of new trends in the wider data science industry.
- Influence stakeholders internally and externally to promote the MCA data strategy, and promote the adoption of data skills, techniques and tools within the Agency. They act as an ambassador and champion for data science, data exploration, and data skills, mentoring and leading the way for others to improve and interpret data across the MCA.
- Data Scientists are expected to work independently to deliver a wide range data science and visualisation projects that solve organisational problems and create valuable insights. Projects are delivered using Agile techniques, both independently and as part of a delivery team.
- They create compelling insights to share with stakeholders. The champion the art of presenting data and conclusions in the most appropriate format for users and bringing stakeholders on a journey.
For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Person specification
To be successful in this role, you will have experience and knowledge of programming (Python, SQL), data science techniques, and applied statistics.
You will have the ability to influence stakeholders internally and externally, building stakeholder relationships and acting as an ambassador and champion for data.
You can develop complex solutions using a range of data science techniques in databricks using pyspark as well as the ability to work out loud, and support capability building within the organisation.
As a data scientist, you have the capability of working independently or as part of a team to deliver a wide range data science and visualisation projects that solve organisational problems and create valuable insights.
Additional Information
The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.
The base pay is £44,241. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,756.
The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.
Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the largest and most diverse professional community across the Civil Service. Many of us will have an association with several professional communities or specialisms, ODP applies to all public facing roles / or a role that is primarily aligned to supporting the work of those with public facing roles. All critical to the delivery of UK public services.
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.
Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship – candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
