Lead Software Developer GIS - DEFRA - G7

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