Senior DevOps - Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
Home Office
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 2nd February 2025
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Salary
You may be eligible for an additional non-pensionable allowance, pending a Capability and Skills Assessment, with a value of up to £20,100. New entrants to the Civil Service will start their role on the pay range minimum.
Job grade
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Engineering
Information Technology
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About the job
Job summary
Job description
The Senior DevOps (SRE) is responsible for improving the reliability of our platforms and services. Your role is not only to work with existing platforms and services, but also contribute to the reliable design and build of new ones, working with our architects and standards. You will also consider the security of platforms and services, monitoring as necessary.
You will support long or short-term discovery within teams and with developers, helping them understand design constraints, and workforce/cost implications. You will advise on CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Delivery) pipelines, ensuring those new users are able to deploy with appropriate speed. You will help teams use observability tooling effectively to ensure highly available systems. As necessary you may be working with a team long term to ensure effective working and maintain overall workflows.
The Senior DevOps (SRE) will be expected to mentor and lead other engineers in technical tasks, as well as support recruitment and assessment activities.
Tools and Technologies we use:
We are keen for Engineers to continue learning new technologies, we have a large range in the Home Office including:
- Backend: Java, Node.js, C#, Python, PHP, Scala, Power Platform
- Frontend: React, JavaScript, Typescript, Angular
- Data: PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB, Apache Kafka, Neo4J, Amazon Athena
- DevOps: AWS, Kubernetes, Azure, GitHub, Docker, Ansible, Terraform, Dynatrace
What you will do
Your main day to day responsibilities will be:
- supporting teams to effectively build, improve and deploy reliable and secure services
- leading the build of new or improved shared tooling to help teams automate and maximise reliability
- spotting instances where teams are not using best practice and advising on how to improve
- supporting engineers in service topology discovery; helping to define QA and deployment pipelines
- helping teams improve their integration approaches; increasing reliability and the value delivered to users
Like many organisations we need to maintain our services 24/7, therefore, on occasions there may be a requirement to work out of hours, for which you will be paid an additional allowance.
Person specification
UK residency and security requirements - You need to have lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
Essential Criteria
As a Senior DevOps, you will have experience of:
- Advising teams on the reliable design and implementation of complex cloud solutions using AWS or Azure according to best practices (SWDN - Software Design)
- Leading the implementation of automated testing, scanning and code analysis tooling, and advising on best practices (TEST - Testing)
- Specifying and ensuring good use of processes, procedures and tooling for application monitoring, maintenance, and incident response (ASUP - Application Support)
- Devising and leading implementation of data management processes and standards for cloud resources such as naming, tagging, metadata, backups, and documentation (DATM - Data Management)
- Designing, coding, testing, maintaining and documenting scripts and infrastructure-as-code definitions to automate build and deployment activities. (PROG - Programming/Software Development)
- Specifying, implementing, and promoting use of CI/CD pipelines according to best practices (SINT - Systems Integration and Build)
SFIA capability framework
Skills for the Information Age (SFIA) is the technical framework that sets the standard capability and development of all engineering levels in the Home Office. This is a link to the capability framework: All skills A–Z — English (sfia-online.org)
We use set SFIA technical skills to form our interview questions and we will assess you against these technical skills during the selection process.
SFIA levels of responsibility – Use the SFIA Levels of responsibility to understand what would be expected for each Technical Skill listed below.
SFIA Technical Skills
The essential technical skills listed above are reflective of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession Career Framework. Please see below for the relevant skills required for your role.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Software design (SWDN) - Level 4
- Programming/software development (PROG) - Level 3
- Testing (TEST) - Level 3
- Systems integration and build (SINT) - Level 4
- Data management (DATM) - Level 4
- Application support (ASUP) - Level 4
Benefits
Why work for us...
- A highly competitive pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave on appointment rising 1 day per year up to 30 days, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King’s Birthday.
- Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work life balance that is right for you including; Full time, part-time, flexi time, compressed hours and job sharing.
- A hybrid working model of a minimum 60% of your contracted hours in the workplace and 40% remote.
- Training and development opportunities tailored to your role, including access to technical and professional accreditations.
- Access to funded qualifications (subject to approval)
- A capability allowance reviewed annually.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- Enhanced parental leave schemes.
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards.
This link is to a short guide to employee benefits: Benefits - Home Office Careers
Why join our Engineering Community in the Home Office?
This is a huge opportunity to be a part of our growth journey and build your capability and expertise. Below is what you can expect from us as part of your role:
- Dedicated time for personal development and strong coaching/mentoring culture at all levels – Engineers love to give back to others!
- The ability to quickly progress and further yourself in your career with tailored career development plans to improve your capability
- Opportunity to learn new programming languages and technologies
- One of the largest technical estates within the UK and an opportunity to explore many different projects in a modern, agile digital environment
- An inclusive environment where everybody's thoughts and opinions are valued
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and 1000 word personal statement.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please note your CV and personal statement should include all relevant experience that relates to our essential skills criteria listed in the advert and role description. Use STAR format in your examples.
Remove information that identifies you (for example your name, age or place of education) so that you will be judged on merit alone and not your personal background, circumstances, race or gender.
(Do NOT include e-mail addresses or links to online profiles, resumés, or prior work, either personal or business. Active links or e-mail addresses will result in your application being rejected)
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. All applications are screened for plagiarism, copying, and generating of examples/ answers from internet sources including Artificial Intelligence. If detected, the application may be withdrawn from the process.
Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving civil servants. Providing false or misleading information would be contrary to the core values of honesty and integrity expected of all civil servants.
Sift Stage
The sift will be held on the CV and Personal Statement. Please read the Essential skills for this position carefully. We will only consider those who meet the listed requirements.
Interview Stage
Candidates reaching the required standard will then be invited to attend a final interview. The interview will assess your Technical Skills (SFIA Framework) and experience using technical and experience-based questions.
You will be assessed on the core behaviour skills listed above.
At the beginning of the interview, you will be assessed on your technical capability through a technical problem-solving exercise. We will provide you with the information in the interview and you will be asked to share your screen with the panel, so you can point out various aspects.
Sift and interview dates
Sift will be conducted week commencing 3rd February 2025.
Interviews will be held week commencing 24th February 2025 (Subject to the Panel’s operational requirements/priorities)
Interviews will be conducted remotely via MS Teams.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
Further Information
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.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office. Applicants can raise any queries to the email address at the bottom of the advert.
Please read the Essential skills for this position carefully. We will only consider those who meet the listed requirement.
If you have previously made an unsuccessful application for a role with the same essential skills and are not able to demonstrate how you have developed these skills since your last application please reconsider applying as your application is unlikely to be successful.
Reserve list
A reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
UK residency and security requirements
Please note that this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years.
However, in exceptional circumstances security clearance applications for candidates who have been present in the UK for at least 3 of last 5 years may be considered. Failure to meet this residency requirement will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity.
You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up.
For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers
Visa Sponsorship
We are unable to sponsor any individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas as we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License.
Capability Allowance
The advertised role is part of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession. This role has access to a Digital Capability-Based Allowance. Applicants who are successful at interview will be invited to complete a Capability and Skills Assessment post-interview. Any allowance awarded will be based on the assessment of your capability against the six skills advertised for this role. Please see the attached candidate pack for more information.
The allowance values are set by the Home Office, subject to remaining in a qualifying role, and are non-pensionable. This allowance is non-contractual, subject to an annual review and could be withdrawn at any time.
For both new entrants and existing civil servants, the total compensation offer is a combination of base salary and, if applicable, a capability-based allowance. New entrants to the Civil Service will start on the pay range minimum. For existing civil servants, our policies on level transfer and promotion will apply.
Job offers to this post are made on the basis of merit. We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same competencies and essential skills.
Working at the Home Office
Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.
We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and area Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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 applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
For further information please see the attached notes for candidates which must be read before making an application.
Existing Civil Servants should note that some of the Home Office terms and conditions of employment have changed. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the Terms and Conditions they will adopt should they be successful in application and should refer to the notes for candidates for further details.
Transfer Terms: Voluntary.
If you are invited to an interview you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks.
Please see the attached list of Home Office acceptable ID documents.
Any move to the Home Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is 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 HOrecruitment.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 you're deaf, a language service professional
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Feedback
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Ruth Christy
- Email : ACRecruitment@homeoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
principles, and wish to make a complaint, then you should contact in the first instance
HORecruitment.GRS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
