How to apply for Interim Data Availability Lead

About Environmental Resources Management

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a global sustainability consultancy that partners with leading organizations to accelerate their net-zero and ESG goals. Working here means contributing to meaningful environmental impact while leveraging cutting-edge data systems to drive change.

About the role

As Interim Data Availability Lead, you will ensure the reliability and performance of critical SQL databases, data models, and Power BI reports that underpin ERM’s sustainability analytics. Your work directly enables data-driven decisions for low-carbon transitions and ESG reporting.

A typical day

Start by monitoring database health dashboards and resolving any overnight alerts. Then collaborate with IT managers to prioritize data integration requests, followed by building or tuning ETL pipelines in ADF or SSIS. Afternoons might involve optimizing Power BI reports and documenting data models for the team.

Who Environmental Resources Management is looking for

• A seasoned DBA with 5+ years of hands-on SQL, MDX, DAX, and M (Power Query) expertise, comfortable with both Microsoft and open-source databases like Postgres.
• An ETL and data pipeline specialist experienced with Fabric, ADF, or SSIS, who can design robust analytics pipelines from diverse sources.
• A proactive problem-solver who can independently ensure maximum uptime while also collaborating with IT managers and functional teams.
• A strong communicator who can translate technical data concepts for non-technical stakeholders and document processes clearly.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your CV to highlight specific uptime achievements (e.g., 'Achieved 99.9% database uptime over 12 months') and quantify impact.
• In your cover letter, mention your experience with sustainability or ESG-related data, even if tangential, to show alignment with ERM’s mission.
• Showcase expertise with Power BI report optimization and data model performance tuning, as these are critical for the role.
• Include examples of ETL pipelines you’ve built using Fabric, ADF, or SSIS, and describe how they improved data accessibility.
• Research ERM’s recent sustainability reports or case studies and reference them to demonstrate genuine interest in their work.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your proven ability to maintain high database uptime and resolve performance issues quickly.', 'Experience with integrating diverse data sources (finance, H&S, etc.) into centralized datasets.', 'Familiarity with ERM’s industry (sustainability consulting) and how your data skills support their mission.', 'Your collaborative approach to working with IT managers and functional teams to ensure data availability.']

Research before applying

• Read ERM’s latest sustainability report and note their key ESG metrics and data sources.
• Explore ERM’s client case studies to understand the types of data integrations they handle.
• Look up ERM’s technology stack (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Azure) and recent IT initiatives.
• Check ERM’s LinkedIn page for recent posts about data-driven sustainability projects.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you resolved a critical database outage. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach designing an ETL pipeline for a new data source? Walk us through your process.
• Explain how you would optimize a slow Power BI report that uses complex DAX measures.
• How do you prioritize competing demands for data availability when multiple teams need access?
• What experience do you have with Postgres and how does it compare to SQL Server for this role?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application without referencing ERM’s sustainability focus or specific data tools.
• Overlooking the 'interim' nature – be clear about your availability and willingness to start quickly.
• Focusing only on SQL without demonstrating Power BI and ETL skills, which are equally important.