Lead Software Developer GIS - DEFRA - G7
Government Digital & Data -
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.
We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Find out more about DDTS:
Defra digital, data and technology blog
Job description
We are the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
As a Lead Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Software Developer you will design and develop GIS Solutions, making sure the most appropriate technology is selected, and that code is maintainable, performant and secure. You will be working on the integration of multiple systems and technologies whilst at times working with stakeholders and suppliers, providing direction and challenge to find the most appropriate solutions.
With demand for GIS services across DEFRA growing and the opportunity to work in an expanding and exciting team across Defra and its ALBs (Arms Length Bodies), now is an exciting time to join Defra's DDTS Software Development Team!
Please note for this role you will require SC Clearance which is a higher level of clearance than our standard checks. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful SC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
Person specification
Responsibilities
- Guiding developers on the team, including both permanent staff and contractors
- Translating requirements into viable system designs
- Putting users first, identifying needs based on evidence, developing services to meet those needs, and engage in meaningful interactions and relationships with users
- Create code that is open by default and easy for others to reuse
- Applying knowledge and experience to investigate and resolve issues
- Providing technical leadership in the use of GIS services within Defra, being an active member of our development community
Skills and experience
- Expertise in JavaScript and Python
- Proficient in GIS concepts such as: spatial data representation, projection/coordinate systems, and geoprocessing
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience
- Work management including refining and breaking down tasks and defining acceptance criteria
- Proven experience of leading developers in a team environment
- Expertise in working with ESRI GIS technologies
- Experience or awareness of FME Server
Selection process
The Civil Service marks each element of the selection process on a merit basis. You can visit the gov.uk website for further information on the Civil Service rating scale.
Ensure you have tailored your CV and Personal Statement to the 'skills and experience' section of the job advert by providing examples on how you are suitable for the role using the STAR method. Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your personal statement, how you meet these requirements, as the information you provide will form a key part when the panel is scoring your application.
For further information on STAR, you can check out our Hints and Tips document.
Application process
As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your Experience and will be asked to complete:
- A CV
- A 500-word Personal Statement: "Referring to the 'skills and experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples."
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment or interview.
Interview
If successful at sift, you will be invited to an interview where you will be required to prepare and present a short presentation which will be assessed against the behaviour 'Managing a Quality Service' and the technical skills 'Programming and Build (Software Engineering)' & 'User Focus'. Further information on this will be provided if successful at sift. You will also be assessed on the Behaviours and Technical skills listed below.
The technical skills are aligned with the DDaT framework for the Lead Developer profession. To find out more about them, please visit the website.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. Please note that these may be subject to change.
Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
For further information on Success Profiles, you visit the links below and watch our videos on DefraJobs.
Behaviours
Experience
Technical
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Development Process Optimisation
- Modern Standards Approach
- Programming & Build (Software Engineering)
- Systems Design
- User Focus
- Information Security
- Prototyping
