Job Description

Technical Architect (Data Storage) - 31474

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Technical Architect (Data Storage) - 31474

Number of jobs available
1
Region
National, South West
City/Town
Bristol
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA HORIZON HOUSE, BS1 5AH
Grade
Staff Grade 6
Post Type
Fixed Term
Role Type
Architecture and Data, Digital, Information Technology
Working Pattern
Full Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum
52,929 Pro-rata
Closing Date:
06/08/2025, 23:55 hours


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Candidate pack
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Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency (EA) are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.



Data is central to our mission to protect and improve the environment. This new role will help shape how we store and manage data to support business and wider transformation. This is a new role within our Data Management team, as part of the Chief Data Office, driving the transformation of how we manage, govern and leverage data across the organisation.



As a Technical Architect, you will:

Work with teams to understand strategic data storage needs and translate them into technical roadmaps. Define and maintain architectural principles, policies, and standards for data storage. Ensure technical designs remain coherent and high-quality through change. Help us to optimise storage solutions across the data lifecycle and different use cases. Contribute to key projects including data basics, trustworthy data, and FAIR principles. Be able to monitor industry trends and assess their impact on our data storage strategy. Build a case and identify benefits to support for investment to implement improved data storage

You'll play a vital role in delivering data excellence across the organisation.
The team
The Data Management team is a centre of excellence within the Data and Information department, part of the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance directorate. We specialise in data architecture, integration, standards, and quality. Our mission is to empower the Environment Agency to create trusted data, enabling smarter decisions and better outcomes. By delivering expert services, leadership, and best practice, we help teams across the organisation work more efficiently, confidently, and strategically with their data.
Experience/skills required
You can demonstrate:



Essential Skills:

Experience leading, developing, documenting and delivering technical architecture strategies and work packages. Proven ability to design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient data storage solutions. Understanding and collating business requirements and use cases. Able to explain complex technical topics to non-technical audiences. Ability to identify and manage architectural risks and maintain design integrity. Experience aligning with enterprise architecture and collaborating with other technical professionals. Awareness of emerging technologies and ability to assess their relevance. Experience refining technical designs based on feedback and evolving needs.

Desirable Skills:

Relevant architecture qualifications or equivalent experience. Experience with cloud storage platforms (e.g. AWS S3, Azure Blob, GCP Storage). Familiarity with data governance, metadata management, and FAIR principles. Knowledge of data lifecycle management and archiving strategies. Understanding of security, compliance, and data protection in storage design. Contact and additional information
This role requires UK Security Check (SC) clearance. To be eligible, you must:

Have lived in the UK for the past five years Provide a verifiable employment history

We are unable to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applications.



Bristol is the preferred location to support hub-based working, though other locations may be considered based on office capacity. We support blended working, you'll have a formal office base, with flexibility to work from home. Occasional travel may be required. Remote collaboration via Teams and Outlook is expected.



We pay a 19% employer contribution into your pension pot. This role includes incident response duties. Further this and benefits are outlined in the candidate pack.



Interviews will be held in mid-September via Microsoft Teams.



Contact: susan.macleay@environment-agency.gov.uk
Length of contract
Up to 24 months
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
Description - Anticipates and understands data and information needs across the organisation. Identifies and applies the tools, technologies, and skills required to put in place designs and maintains scalable, secure data storage architectures that meet organisational needs. Ensures data is accessible, high-quality, and reusable. Applies technical expertise to optimise storage solutions, support integration, and enable data-driven decision-making.



Question


Can you use an example to show how you validate that your data storage architecture design and implementation met business requirements?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.



If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Competence 2
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
Description - Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy



Question

Tell me about a time when you identified inefficiencies in a data storage system. What steps did you take to improve it, and what was the result?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
Description
Description - Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.



Question

Describe a time when you had to persuade stakeholders to support your recommendation. What communication strategies did you use?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
Competence 4
Achieves Results
Description
Description -Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.



Question


Tell me about a time when you were under significant pressure to deliver a complex technical solution on a tight deadline. How did you prioritise tasks, manage resources, and ensure the final outcome met expectations?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know

for more information.