Geographic Applications Branch - GIS Developer

Job summary

As an important part of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Intelligence (DI) provides intelligence analysis, specialist outputs and advice that supports decision making across government. At the heart of DI is the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI). The Defence Geographic Centre (DGC) is a unit within NCGI, which delivers geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and geospatial information (GEOINF) to Defence and is committed to providing comprehensive global geographic support for operations, planning, training and international co-production programmes.

The Geographic Applications Branch (GAB) supports how the Defence Geographic Centre uses mapping and location-based technology to deliver intelligence for Defence. We build and improve the tools and services that people rely on to make important decisions.

Our team focuses on solving real-world problems and improving the way work gets done. We use a mix of commercial, open-source, and in-house tools to create practical, innovative solutions.

We’re looking for motivated individuals to join us as GIS Developers and take the lead on small projects from an early stage. In this role, you will:

• Lead small-scale projects, shaping ideas and delivering real outcomes
• Take ownership of tasks and see your work through from start to finish
• Work closely with experienced colleagues while building your confidence
• Apply your skills to meaningful challenges that make a difference

If you’re hardworking, curious, and excited about using technology to solve problems—and ready to step up and lead early in your career—this could be the perfect role for you.

This role is advertised at 37 hours per week (unless part time).

Job description

Main Responsibilities:

GAB’s prime role is to enable DGC users to operate our geospatial platforms and ensure they have the technical capability to perform data capture, manipulation, curation and provision of Foundation GeoINT to Defence customers and Partners delivering Requests for Information on time, every time.

We do this by working to a continuous integration / continuous deployment (CI/CD) approach ensuring DGC staff have the tools and technical skills by researching commercial software and solutions or developing custom made processes and providing end to end technical support. You will design, build and maintain workflows combining COTS software, Low Code / No Code tools and custom scripts.

The successful candidates will be required to have or develop a working knowledge of DGC’s Geospatial technology stack (including but not limited to, Esri Enterprise and ArcGIS Pro, SAFE FME), Python programming language, SQL, and AI technologies for increased automation of business processes.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Providing technical support to DGC users, maintaining in service systems as requested by user originated Service Desk calls.
• Collaboration with external software vendors.
• Supporting the development of new data exchange formats & metadata requirements.
• Developing new and enhancing existing capabilities employing CI/CD methodologies incorporating modern software engineering practices and tools.
• Meet evolving requirements ensuring that DGC solutions are optimised for the latest technological developments and software.

There may be the opportunity for international travel to attend meetings.

In Defence Intelligence (DI) our people solve problems, create understanding and give perspective to the diverse and complex Defence threats and challenges in a rapidly changing world. Together our civilians and military personnel inform decision making in Defence, manage complex finance programmes and develop new technology.

In DI we believe your unique experiences, view and understanding of the world could provide a vital perspective and contribution to our work. We recognise that great minds do not think alike and are striving to increase our diversity representation at all levels. As an equal opportunities employer we hire, train and promote people based on merit and inspire to create an inclusive workplace free of discrimination. We also offer flexible working arrangements such as flexi-time, job share and compressed hours.

All jobs advertised in DI are subject to fair and open competition.

Person specification

We’re after someone who is self-motivated, has an inquisitive approach to problem solving, eager to learn, and has a keen eye for detail. You will bring technical skills to continuously improve processes and best practice.

Essential criteria:

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to address issues and find innovative solutions for geographic problems with positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn or adapt.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify inefficiencies in workflows.
• Apply industry standards and best practice for scripting and software development.
• Working knowledge of programming languages including Python, html, SQL, JavaScript and development principles.
• Understanding of relational databases and data storage.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge and/or experience in geospatial data, production, analysis and cartographic products.
• Proficiency using desktop and web GIS software (ideally ESRI and SAFE).
• A broad knowledge and understanding of the GEOINT and/or wider intelligence communities.

Desirable qualifications may include any of the following.

• GIS certification
• IT or Computer Science certification
• Python coding language
• Chartered Geographer (RGS).
• Awareness of the ITIL Framework and/or AGILE Project Management.

Candidates are not expected to hold any or all listed qualifications, as relevant experience will be considered equally and training can be provided where required.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Web Enabled Dissemination (DG8.2)
• GIS Development and Support (DG9)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

We offer a range of excellent benefits including but not limited to the following:

• All successful candidates will be eligible to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Leave entitlement - 25-day annual leave allowance per year increasing by 1 day per year (maximum 30 days per year). In addition, 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day per year.
• Complementing our generous annual leave allowance, we also have a flexible working scheme.
• Additional working pattern options – we have a strong culture of flexible working and encourage all employees to have a healthy work/life balance. We offer a wide range of potential working patterns, including part time, job share and compressed hours. These need to be balanced with business needs so they will vary from job to job. If you would like to know more, please speak to the Recruiting Line Manage