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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Information Technology
Other
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About the job
Job summary
As part of a small team, the main duties are to build, calibrate and fault-find electronic devices that are designed by the in-house engineering team. The role will also include support and maintenance of systems already in production and contribute to solutions and improvements to existing products and systems. This is a development post where we expect the successful applicant to undertake further training to develop their skills towards technician level. This will include on the job training under the mentorship of a senior engineer. An enthusiastic approach, with excellent problem solving and communication skills and proven team player experience is also expected.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
The main duties and responsibilities for this position are:
- Working with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers in the assembly development and commissioning of electronic and mechanical products.
- Handling and soldering miniature electronic components.
- Basic circuit-level debugging.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of products and systems.
- Use of standard laboratory test equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analysers etc.
- Assisting with project and team management by providing detailed and realistic estimates for project tasks.
In addition to the criteria above, the post holder will also be required to carry out trials and commissioning of instruments at sea from research vessels and small boats, carry out fieldwork in support of geophysical and biological projects, handle instruments and assemble on moored platforms. High-level soldering of miniature components is a requirement of this post and will be taught via senior engineers.
There is also the expectation that the position will entail some potential travel in the UK and abroad.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Being self-motivated, and demonstrate being able to effectively prioritise your workload;
- Capable of considering the wider implications of the tasks being undertaken;
- Competent user of standards Windows/ Office products;
- Demonstrate a willingness to develop engineering skills and learn new concepts; and
- ONC/BTEC level 3 or equivalent qualification in electronic engineering, however equivalent relevant work experience meeting the essential criteria within this person specification will be accepted.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Basic competent soldering skills.
- A basic understanding of electronic circuitry.
- Understanding of basic engineering processes.
- Knowledge of the use of basic engineering tools and measurement techniques, including the use of test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes;.
Benefits
£6,997 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Generous annual leave entitlement Cefas offers 25 days’ annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen’s birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), and a 500-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and personal statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section.
Sift and interview dates are to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your previous experience, behaviours and technical skills.
You may also be required to give a presentation. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, will be used by the panel.
The interview will be undertaken in person or remotely.
Location
Please be aware that this role is based at the Lowestoft Laboratory.
Blended Working
Using a blended working framework, we can have some choice over when, where and how we work to deliver our outcomes to meet customer and business needs. For many people, this will mean working some of the time in a Cefas workplace, fieldwork, and some from home where this is possible to do so.
In summary, we encourage colleagues to work face-to-face (office, laboratory, vessel, field, etc.) at least 40% of Cefas work time, and the expectation is for everyone to spend a minimum average of one day per usual working week at one of our sites.
The remainder of the working week may be located by personal choice to best meet Cefas business need: at home, another Cefas base, field work, vessel, visiting a Defra site or other customer base.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.co.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
