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Data Steward

A Data Steward ensures the quality, security, and consistency of data across an organization鈥攅specially 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鈥檚 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鈥攅specially geospatial data鈥攊s 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鈥攎aking your role vital in any modern data-driven environment.

Why your work matters

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

Here鈥檚 why your role as a data steward is essential:

  • Builds trust
    You ensure data is accurate and consistent鈥攇iving 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鈥攆ueling 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鈥檚 how geospatial information supports your role:

  • Maintaining spatial accuracy
    You ensure that geographic data is complete, correctly formatted, and aligned with coordinate systems鈥攅nabling 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鈥攃ritical 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鈥檚 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鈥檒l learn how to manage complex datasets, work with geoinformation systems, and apply analytical tools in real-world scenarios.

    After completing your training, you鈥檒l be ready to work with organizations across sectors鈥攆rom government agencies to engineering firms鈥攃ontributing to projects that rely on accurate, high-quality data.

    More Information?

    Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We鈥檙e happy to assist鈥攆eel free to get in touch.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We aim to make our courses accessible to as many people as possible. If the course fee is a concern, instead of registering directly, you can indicate on the registration form that you鈥檇 like to receive a quote tailored to your needs. In many cases, we can offer flexible solutions. For instance, we can adjust the course content for large groups, shorten the course based on existing knowledge, or offer daily rates to suit your requirements.

    Yes, you can reach out to the instructor with questions for up to 2 weeks after the course. Since the instructor is likely teaching other courses, we recommend emailing your questions to info@geo-ict.com. We鈥檒l forward your inquiry to the instructor, and you鈥檒l receive a response within 24 hours. After the 2-week period, we recommend using our Personalized Online Support聽for continued assistance.

     

    Yes, we offer on-site training regularly throughout the Netherlands. Our instructor will bring laptops for the participants, and all you need to do is arrange a suitable room at your location.

    Please send your requirements to info@geo-ict.com, and we will provide a customized quote, which will include travel and accommodation costs. Once the quote is confirmed, our course coordinator will reach out to schedule the training days.

    After each course, participants receive a link to our evaluation portal where you can share your feedback on what you liked and didn鈥檛 like. We strive to provide a great experience for all our participants, but if you have a complaint, please click on ‘Complaints Procedure’ in the portal. This document will guide you through the steps to take. Geo-ICT Training Center, Netherlands, is a member of the Dutch Council for Training and Education (NRTO), ensuring a fair and transparent process.

    Courses are typically scheduled according to the Dutch time zone, with sessions running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For participants in different time zones, we adjust the course times in consultation with you.