JOB DESCRIPTION Post Details
Post Title Software Developer / SEED
Faculty/Department Computer Science
Reporting to SEED Manager
Duration Continuing
Job Family Specialist (IT)
Pay Band Band 5
Benchmark Role Profile Specialist (IT) Band 5
CRB Disclosure Requirement N/A
Vacancy Reference FS0211
DETAILS SPECIFIC TO THIS POST
Background and Context
SEED (Software Engineering Experience Development) was established in 2005 with help from Microsoft and the European Social Fund, as a centre within the Department of Computer Science. Since then, it has developed into a
highly-regarded business that has also helped many students and graduates on their way to successful careers.
SEED provides students with opportunities to gain experience of the software industry via internships and the MEng options on degree programmes within Computer Science.
The most successful of these is the BRIGID command and control, and
communications gateway, which is deployed in several Fire Services across the UK. SEED strives to maintain its position at the cutting edge of software development, by investing in the latest technologies: C#, .NET framework 4, WPF, WCF, Cloud
computing, SharePoint, Android, iPhone and Windows 7 mobile platforms.
Job Description
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post
Development of software, according to an accepted methodology, that is delivered on time and fit for purpose
Installation, commissioning, maintenance and support of products/services both at the University and at customer sites.
Mentoring of Interns and MEng students
Assisting SEED Manager with other product related activities.
Overall scope of the Role
The role holder will undertake professional software development in-line with the ACM Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. The role holder will have specific responsibility for a clearly defined section of
work and will use initiative within the boundaries of the role in line with University policies and procedures.
The role holder will have discretion to deal with non-routine queries and/or issues but more complex situations will be referred to senior colleagues. The role holder will plan and prioritise own work and may be required to
delegate work to others within agreed objectives.
Main Work Activities
Teamwork
Mentors students and Interns, providing advice and guidance Participates in structured code reviews with other team members.
Liaising and Networking
Liaises with staff and customers to develop, deploy and maintain existing services/products
Liaise with other sections of the University, external agencies, government services and the commercial sector.
Service Delivery
Develops software that is delivered on time and fit for purpose.
Installs, commissions, maintains and supports products/services both at the University and at customer sites.
Identifies emerging technologies for new services / products
Adapts existing services / products to meet customer requirements
Decision Making
Software and hardware design and implementation issues
Planning and Organisation
Plans and prioritises own work in order to meet deadlines. Project planning for development of new products and services
Analysis/Reporting
Fault diagnosis, test and maintain software and hardware
Technical analysis and research within the following problem domains: o .Net software development
o Mobile communications
o Server and database administration
Knowledge of current software development tools and techniques
Knowledge of emerging software development tools and techniques and possible opportunities they present
Additionally the post holder will be required to
Undertake all duties in line with the University Health and Safety Policy Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory
COMPETENCY SPECIFICATION Specialist (IT) Band 5
To fulfil your role, you will need certain knowledge, skills and competencies. The following competency specification provides a framework within which your performance will be assessed. The interview assessment may include, for example, testing on IT skills.
COMPETENCIES HOW IDENTIFIED
The competencies below are assessed from the application documentation at the short listing stage and any candidate who fails the requirement will not be taken forward to further assessment.
Essential skills and knowledge
Degree in computer science or related discipline
Software development experience, including testing strategies and version control. Object oriented software development expertise
C# and.NET framework software development experience IT Skills, including Word and Excel
Desirable skills and knowledge
Relevant MSc or MEng degree
Commercial software development experience Familiarity with PRINCE2 and Agile (Scrum) UML
Mobile communications software development experience Java software development experience on Android
Application /Interview
Teamwork and Motivation
Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Is willing to provide cover for colleagues and acts in a supportive manner.
Liaison and Networking
Can demonstrate the ability to work with others outside the immediate area to ensure that accurate information is passed on promptly to the most appropriate people to improve working practices. Can communicate effectively with customers.
Service Delivery
Has knowledge and understanding of services available to users of this and related areas of work and ensures that the experience of each customer is positive and satisfactory.
Planning and Organisation
Can demonstrate the ability to create realistic plans to achieve own deadlines and objectives. Monitors progress of self and/or others and can prioritise tasks/activities effectively. Suggests ways of
improving working practices and use of resources.
Initiative and Problem Solving
Can demonstrate the ability to use initiative to recognise problems and offer solutions.
Analysis/Reporting
Can demonstrate the ability to use appropriate sources of data to answer questions, gather data systematically and carry out basic analysis accurately and methodically.
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Each competency (below) has a heading and guidance to help you provide the information we need to assess your competencies at the interview stage. Communication (Oral)
Please describe and give examples of how you communicate with others. You may find it helpful to think about who you communicate with, why it is necessary and what type of information it is.
Communication (Written)
Please describe and give examples of what type of writing have you done. You may find it helpful to think about: who you write to; why is it necessary; what type of information is it; how do you decide what to write.
Team work and Motivation
Please describe and give examples of how you have previously worked as part of a team. You should explain how you contribute individually to the team, offer mutual support to colleagues and demonstrate flexible approaches.
Liaison and Networking
Please describe and give examples of liaising with others. You may find it helpful to think about whom you contact on a regular basis and why, giving details of the purpose and outcome of the liaison.
Service Delivery
Please describe and give examples of the services you provide and how you respond to customer needs. You may find it helpful to think about what service you provide and to whom. Do you actively offer the service or does the customer come to you?
Planning and Organisation
Please describe and give examples of how you plan and organise. What resources are involved (e.g. people, equipment, money etc)? What may impact on the plan? What else do you have to take into account and how is progress monitored?
Initiative and Problem Solving
Please describe and give examples of problems that you have dealt with or initiative you have used. You may find it helpful to think about how often this type of problem occurs? What do you do about them? What options do you consider and how do you select the best course of action? Do you have to generate new or creative approaches?
Analysis and Research
