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Data Steward

A Data Steward ensures the quality, security, and consistency of data across an organization—especially when working with geospatial information. You oversee the entire data lifecycle, from collection to use, making sure data is accurate, accessible, and aligned with strategic goals. Whether it’s for energy transition, sustainability, or public services, your work lays the foundation for trustworthy, data-driven decisions.

What does a data steward do?

Geo-ICT Training Center, The Netherlands - Job Description Data Steward

As a data steward, you play a key role in managing the data lifecycle. You make sure that all data—especially geospatial data—is handled consistently, safely, and with maximum value to the organization.

Your work goes far beyond quality control. You help teams access trustworthy data and support strategic initiatives by aligning data with key business goals.

Your core responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring data standards and protocols
    You make sure all data follows agreed formats, structures, and guidelines.
  • Maintaining and securing data
    You protect data from unauthorized access and ensure it meets legal and ethical requirements.
  • Supporting data-driven policy
    Your data contributes directly to important themes like environmental planning, mobility, and the energy transition.
  • Collaborating with analysts and engineers
    You work closely with data scientists, GIS professionals, and IT teams to ensure smooth and effective data use.
  • Improving data processes
    You use tools like Python, SQL, and data modeling techniques to analyze and enhance the flow and quality of information.

Your work helps organizations shift from reactive to proactive decision-making—making your role vital in any modern data-driven environment.

Why your work matters

In today’s world, data is one of the most valuable assets an organization can have. But data is only powerful when it’s accurate, secure, and well-managed. That’s where you come in.

Here’s why your role as a data steward is essential:

  • Builds trust
    You ensure data is accurate and consistent—giving decision-makers confidence in the information they rely on.
  • Protects data integrity
    You enforce security policies and compliance with regulations, keeping sensitive information safe.
  • Enables innovation
    Clean, accessible data supports new insights and ideas—fueling better services and smarter solutions.
  • Drives impact
    You help link data to real-world outcomes, shaping better policies in areas like climate, infrastructure, and mobility.

Your efforts enable organizations to make informed choices, respond to change quickly, and build a reliable foundation for future innovation.

The role of geospatial information in your work

As a Data Steward, geospatial information is a key part of the data ecosystem you manage. From spatial datasets to metadata standards, location-based data requires careful handling to ensure it is usable, trustworthy, and aligned with organizational goals. Here’s how geospatial information supports your role:

  • Maintaining spatial accuracy
    You ensure that geographic data is complete, correctly formatted, and aligned with coordinate systems—enabling reliable mapping and analysis.
  • Standardizing and documenting data
    You apply clear rules and metadata standards to geospatial datasets so they can be easily understood, shared, and reused across teams.
  • Linking data to real-world locations
    By managing the connection between spatial features and administrative information, you make data actionable for use in policy, planning, and reporting.

Whether you’re supporting infrastructure projects, sustainability goals, or spatial planning efforts, your stewardship of geospatial data ensures it’s accurate, secure, and ready to drive meaningful decisions.

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    What does the job involve?

    Your day-to-day responsibilities as a data steward are diverse but focused on one goal: maintaining high data integrity. Here’s what your work typically includes:

    • Monitoring data quality
      You ensure data is accurate, consistent, and up to date—critical for maintaining trust and effectiveness in business processes.
    • Maintaining data security
      You manage access controls and security protocols, helping the organization comply with data privacy laws.
    • Classifying and tagging data
      You categorize datasets and apply metadata so that data can be easily found, understood, and reused.
    • Documenting datasets
      You maintain detailed records of where data comes from, how it’s used, and any changes it undergoes.

    These tasks make you an essential part of the organization’s data ecosystem. Your work supports better decisions, smoother operations, and stronger outcomes across departments.

    What do you need to get started?

    To thrive in this role, you need a strong educational background and practical training in both data science and geospatial systems. At the Geo-ICT Training Center, we offer specialized programs designed to help you build both the technical and strategic skills needed to succeed as a data steward. Recommended courses include:

    Our programs combine theory with hands-on experience. You’ll learn how to manage complex datasets, work with geoinformation systems, and apply analytical tools in real-world scenarios.

    After completing your training, you’ll be ready to work with organizations across sectors—from government agencies to engineering firms—contributing to projects that rely on accurate, high-quality data.