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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Information Technology
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About the job
Job summary
To design and develop hardware and accompanying software (both embedded and desktop) for use in new generations of intelligent instruments and sensors to be used for oceanographic, survey and fisheries applications. The role will also include support, maintenance, and enhancement of systems already in production. This is a development post where we expect the successful applicant to undertake further training to develop their skills towards senior engineer level. This will include on the job training under the mentorship of a senior engineer. The engineering facility (workshop etc.) is only available at the Lowestoft site, therefore on-site working is compulsory.
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 design, development, and commissioning of electronic microcontroller-based embedded systems to interface sensors and instruments for data analysis and capture.
- Analogue and digital circuit design.
- Component level debugging.
- Developing autonomous monitoring systems to take measurements in ocean-influenced environmental conditions.
- Use of standard laboratory test equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analysers etc.
- Designing and developing embedded firmware in C & PC (.NET) application software, to control instruments and displays.
- Assisting with project and team management by providing detailed and realistic estimates for project tasks.
- 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 and 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:
- Excellent problem solving and communication skills and the ability to be an effective team member.
- Having enthusiasm about your own work.
- Self-motivated and able to prioritise workload effectively.
- Innovative and capable of considering the wider implications of the task being undertaken.
- Experience and an aptitude for working in workshop environments.
- A degree or equivalent qualification in electronic engineering, however equivalent relevant work experience (as stated in this section) will be accepted.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- An understanding of low-power and battery powered circuitry.
- A working knowledge of sensors and measurement techniques.
- Experience of Integrated Development Environments, compilers and debuggers etc.
- A basic understanding of:
– circuit design and the functions of common standard electronic components;
– digital circuits and data transmission methods;
– the concepts of microcontroller-based circuits, including power supply, memory and the connec
Benefits
£8,185 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), a 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Working Together.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what youll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Behaviours
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. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Working Together.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
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, technical skills and strengths.
You will also be expected to conduct a practical exercise as part of the interview process. You will receive further information with your invitation.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Working Together, will be used by the panel.
The interview will be undertaken on site and in person at our main site location in Lowestoft. Date to be confirmed.
Location
Please be aware that this role is based at the Lowestoft Laboratory.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
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.
