Nils - Data Architect
My job may seem very technical, but it is primarily a position where you interact with people. You need to hear what is going on. So I like to walk around the organisation and listen to what people have to say.
‘There are many passionate people here.’
Data management
I am responsible for data within Noorderzijlvest. This involves policy, frameworks, and architecture. How do you monitor data and develop a vision? Where do we want to go with our water authority? That's what I'm working on. I also help people with their data issues every day and provide advice within projects.
One of my tasks is to make the available data more accessible for business processes. That requires a technical solution, and as an organisation we need to learn to manage data more effectively. We want to share more data with each other and collaborate more effectively. That is a worthy aim, that goes without saying, because it allows us to better understand each other's work and better assess the consequences of our choices.
'Listening to people is just as important as the latest technologies'
Control over data
On the way to this data-driven approach, it is important to gain a better understanding of the data we have within our organisation. What data is available, what is its quality and definition, and who owns it? These are important questions, which I am investigating together with colleagues.
As a data architect, I could work for any organisation, but at the water authority we have a social purpose. What we do matters. Many passionate people work here on building dykes or treating water. I love that. My colleagues often have a practical approach; we are thinkers and doers. We all want to get things done.
Look ahead
The water world is dynamic. And so are the methods and technologies we have at our disposal. I can't tell you what tomorrow's methods and technologies will be. Things are changing rapidly. In this profession, you have to be prepared to look ahead and, at the same time, find out in practice what works and what doesn't. It's a job with multiple speeds.
Will it be water-management work for you too?
We work together to get the water balance just right. But we think a good work-life balance is just as important! When you work for us, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and great terms of employment.
