Environmental Scientist (Data Analysis)

Do you have an interest or background in environmental water quality monitoring data? Do you have the skills and curiosity to review, analyse and interpret time series datasets?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Smart Rivers team as an Environmental Scientist focusing on data analysis and related investigative work.  

The Smart Rivers programme is an exciting new programme that requires the installation of circa 2,000 continuous water quality monitors upstream and downstream of our outfalls into rivers and coasts across our region. 

This will mostly be an office-based role, but over time, as more monitors are installed, fieldwork will also be required to help characterise the monitoring sites to develop an understanding of the behaviour of the sites during events. 

Office-based work will rotate between our Bath office (Claverton) and Smart Rivers hub (Trowbridge).

What you'll do

In this role, you'll be reporting to the Principal Environmental Scientist, you will mainly be responsible for the review, quality checks and interpretation of the data from the continuous water quality monitors. 

As this is a new programme, there is also the opportunity to help identify, develop and embed data analysis methodologies, tools and procedures. You will also be responsible for generating the required regulatory reporting for the Smart Rivers programme.

The data collected will help create an evidence base to help us make informed decisions to reduce harm from our assets and to help others to do the same. The data insights will need to inform our investment strategies and opportunities for operational efficiencies. 

We must also develop and implement a public-facing dashboard by 2027 to communicate a clear message to the public and stakeholders about the water quality of the water environment and what happens when storm overflows operate.

You will also help identify, develop and implement creative ways to automate data cleansing and analysis to understand what the data means and how best to visualise it graphically (and geospatially, working alongside a geospatial technician) to convey the appropriate and succinct messages to enable effective decisions that lead to positive environmental and stakeholder outcomes.

Initially, this will entail:

• data review of water quality, hydrometry and storm overflow time series data
• interpretation of environmental and wastewater process data
• sample collection and site assessments
• cleaning data
• detecting anomalies (e.g., pollution spikes, sensor drift)
• trend analysis to assess long-term changes
• correlating water quality data with rainfall, discharge events, or land use
• generating reports
• supporting calibration validation by comparing field and lab data
• helping to develop standardised procedures
• using the data to inform operational and investment.

The role will require engagement with other departments to ensure we identify and maximise potential data analysis synergies with existing projects and the available data sources.

Data engineering support will be provided by the IT department, presenting a significant opportunity for development.

What you'll need

Relevant graduate qualification in natural sciences with a few years' experience in environmental water quality data analysis and interpretation.

You will be able to plan your workload and work efficiently alone and as part of the Smart Rivers team.

You will also need:

• good data management, listening and interpretation skills with an appreciation of technical objectives
• the ability to translate and present data insights to all levels
• understanding of water quality parameters (eg, ammonia, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen)
• knowledge of the UPM FIS standards is desirable
• proficiency in a range of Microsoft packages, specifically Excel
• knowledge of using R-Studio or Python for data processing is preferable
• an understanding of environmental issues relating to the abstraction and discharge of wastewater and other sectors influencing environmental water quality
• an understanding of conservation and other environmental legislation, but this is not essential
• a basic understanding of catchment hydrology or integrated water/catchment management
• understanding of the data from water quality monitoring equipment and lab data
• problem-solving abilities
• experience working with time-series data
• understanding of environmental datasets and standards
• data visualization (eg, dashboards, heatmaps, interactive charts)
• attention to detail
• strong written and verbal communication
• experience writing technical reports and documents
• knowledge of wastewater processes.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350 acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community.
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors.
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space.
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.  

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.