Job title: Expert Java Software Engineer
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £38,125 - £42,000 with the possibility of an RRA of up to £3,900
Closing date: Ongoing
Opening statement
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a world-leading agency providing the most comprehensive
range of marine geospatial information across the globe. This information is supplied to commercial shipping,
defence navies and maritime organisations for the primary purpose of safe navigation and global trade efficiency.
It also supports other marine activities including economic development, environmental protection, resource
exploration and utilisation, scientific research and security and defence.
Software engineering is a core activity within the business. We use agile to deliver, running multiple collaborative teams
to create customer focussed digital services, data solutions and software for desktop, web and mobile with cutting edge
technologies. We emphasise quality and have high standards for design, test automation and continuous delivery.
Main purpose of role
The Expert Engineer works as part of an Agile team, hands-on coding in Java and other open source and ‘big data’
technologies. They deliver high quality software, supported by automated tests and documentation. They will be an
expert in one or more core technologies, and will spend time investigating new tools and techniques and mentoring
others.
As well as having very strong core Java skills, the ideal candidate will have experience of some of the following:
Automated system testing, distributed computing on Hadoop, geospatial technologies or data science.
Tasks, expectations/deliverables
› Work in an agile team, designing and crafting software solutions
› Use automated testing and deployment to build and support a continuous delivery environment
› Influence the development community, identifying good practices we can adopt and sharing experiences
› Influence the wider team, both developers and non-developers, to adopt tools and techniques
› Continually develop your own skills as part of a programme of continuous professional development
› Take part in the support of applications and platforms
Full brief of the core competencies, knowledge, skills and experience required
Essential:
› An expert understanding of core Java
› Commercial experience of crafting good quality code, typically with at least three years’ experience in Java
› An expert knowledge of design principles and patterns
Civil Service Core Competencies or Key Skills or Experience – Level 3
› Able to work collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with
colleagues and stakeholders. (Collaborating and Partnering)
› Able to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm (Leading and Communicating)
› Have a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation (Building Capability for All)
› Open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, in order to work in smarter,
more focused ways (Changing and Improving)
› Effectively plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service
(Managing a Quality Service)
Short-list
You will be short-listed against the following criteria:
› Commercial experience of crafting good quality code, typically with at least three years’ experience in Java
› Have a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation
Interview
Please note if you are invited to interview, the process will consist of the following:
One-hour technical test
One-hour technical interview
30-minute competency interview
How to apply and interview process
Please send CVs to [email protected]
Other information
This role is a non-reserved post and is open to full-time and part time staff with job share arrangement. Please note
the role on occasion may require on call working, this will be agreed with you up front.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability, whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By
‘minimum criteria’ we mean that the evidence you provide in your competency statement must demonstrate that
you meet the minimum pass mark, set by the short-list panel, for each criteria listed in the ‘short-list’ section,
above. The short-list panel will not be made aware of any individual that has applied under GIS; this information
will be processed solely by HR, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
If you would like to apply under the GIS, please complete the GIS Declaration Form and send it to
[email protected], along with the required documents listed at ‘How to apply and interview process’.
Civil Service Recruitment
Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in
the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a
complaint, please contact Human Resources, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Admiralty Way, Taunton,
Somerset TA1 2DN.
The Civil Service Code forms part of the terms and conditions of every civil servant.
Candidate referral scheme
If a member of UKHO staff has personally recommended that you apply for this position, please complete the form
below.
If a member of UKHO staff has personally recommended that you apply for this position, please complete
the form below
Job title
Recruitment number
Applicant name
UKHO employee name
Capacity under, which the UKHO employee is
known to you