AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra we are looking for a QA Tester (Inside IR35) for a 3 month contract. Remote working. 

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

We are seeking a detail-oriented QA Tester who can validate and analyse large volumes of data and can work with structured and unstructured data, including extracts from PDFs, reports, and databases. The role requires strong analytical skills, precision in handling complex datasets and the ability to identify inconsistencies, errors and patterns in results.

The ideal candidate will possess a methodical approach, strong analytical skills, precision in handling complex datasets and the ability to identify inconsistencies, errors and patterns in results.

As a QA Tester your main responsibilities will be to:

• Design and execute test cases to verify accuracy of large datasets.
• Validate data extracted from PDFs, reports, and other unstructured sources.
• Identify anomalies, inconsistencies, and gaps in data.
• Produce clear test documentation, defect logs, and validation reports.
• Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and compliance with business rules.
• Document test results and provide detailed defect reports.
• Recommend improvements to testing processes and tools.
• Collaborate with developers, analysts, and business teams to resolve issues.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders in a structured and actionable format.
• Support UAT (User Acceptance Testing) and production validation.

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience of manual software testing methodologies.
• Experience in data testing, validation, and analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle large datasets and perform data profiling.
• Familiarity with data extraction techniques from PDFs and reports.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Public Sector experience.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".