Job Description

Reference:
25-28645
Job title:
Software Development Engineer
Directorate:
Finance
Service:
Information Technology and Transformation
Closing date:
29/08/2025 10:00
Job type/Hours:
Permanent | 37 Hour
Salary:
36,124 - 37,938 a year
Pay Scale:
S4
Location(s):
Caernarfon

Gwynedd Council offers an attractive employment package, for more information please click on this

Information Pack

Gwynedd Council operates internally through the medium of Welsh, and offers all its services bilingually. The applicant will be required to reach the linguistic level noted as one of the essential skills in the Person Specification.


We encourage everyone who applies for a job with Gwynedd Council to submit job applications in Welsh or bilingually.


(Applications submitted in English only or Welsh only will always be treated equally, but we ask applicants to consider carefully what the linguistic requirements of the job in question is and if it would be more appropriate to submit an application in Welsh.)


For further information about this post please contact Elfyn Evans (01286 679237), Emyr Williams (01286 679118) or Gwyn Jones (01286 679605)


Application forms and further details available from Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH


Tel: 01286 679076


E-Mail: Swyddi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

CLOSING DATE: 29.08.2025

If you are successful to be short listed for an interview you will be contacted by E-MAIL using the address provided on your application form. You need to ensure that you check your email regularly.



PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS


ESSENTIAL

Proactive in continuing to learn about the latest in a complex and rapidly changing industry. Being able to gain skills as the industry progresses. Needs to be independent and able to make decisions alone and as part of a team.

DESIRABLE



QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT TRAINING


ESSENTIAL

Hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate field.

DESIRABLE



RELEVANT EXPERIENCE


ESSENTIAL

Experience of supporting and/or developing software applications Experience in systems analysis and design.

DESIRABLE

Experience of Geographic Information Systems

SKILLS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE


ESSENTIAL

Knowledge and ability in software development and with knowledge of peripheral technology and working practices. Be aware of developments in the area of expertise Be able to communicate in a technical and non-technical manner Be able to solve problems logically. Good documentation skills Knowledgeable about the systems development cycle


DESIRABLE

Knowledge of the ITIL model. Information of relevant standards e.g. BS7799. Information from one or more of the following:

Microsoft SQL Server


Java


JavaScript


VBScript


.NET technology e.g. C# , web services, MVC


HTML Usage


XML


IIS


Web Design


Security


Developing mobile applications e.g. Android, iOS



LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT


ESSENTIAL


LISTENING AND SPEAKING - FOUNDATION LEVEL


Able to maintain a simple conversation through the medium of Welsh and English in the everyday context of the post, using specific vocabulary that arises regularly, in order to present information.


Able to present simple information through the medium of Welsh and English that hasn't been prepared beforehand and respond to questions.


READING AND COMPREHENSION - FOUNDATION LEVEL


Read and understand simple messages and information leaflets associated with the post through the medium of Welsh and English, and understand short and simple reports on familiar subjects.


WRITING - FOUNDATION LEVEL


Able to complete simple forms and compose a letter or short e-mail through the medium of Welsh and English by using a number of familiar phrases in order to convey a simple message.



Purpose of Post.

To ensure that the people of Gwynedd are central to everything we do. To provide the necessary skills and to develop, implement, maintain and support software solutions that meet business objectives. Ensure that Gwynedd Council's Systems Development Methodology is adhered to each time and to ensure that all work packages are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with specification. Identify where ICT can be used to create efficiencies and savings opportunities and improved Customer Care. To be responsible for ensuring the continued operation of the Council's ICT infrastructure.

Responsibility for Resources. . . .e.g. staff, finance, equipment


Staff:

Can be the technical lead for technology-focused project teams. Be a mentor to junior programmers/analysts. Can be a line manager for other junior programmers/analysts. Develop other junior staff by supervising work to ensure accuracy and quality, as well as mentoring to support the individuals and develop skills as required

Finance:

Be aware of budget structures and project/contract constraints of support. Explore small/medium sized enterprises.

Data/Equipment/Software:

Will have input into the technical aspects of projects that have an impact on the Council as a whole and have a direct impact on the public (and make decisions within it). Provide support for applications that are essential to the Council's day-to-day work and also to applications used by the public. This include analysing, solving and avoiding problems. Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data which is essential to the Council. Liaise with external parties to resolve issues Ensure that all relevant documents are updated when changes are made to any part of the applications. Responsible for ensuring that appropriate security messures are in place to protect sensitive data (by ensuring that appropriate mechanism exist to allow the Council to comply with data protection policies)

Main Duties.


Decision making, organisation and innovation:

Making decisions where complex and varied choices have to be assessed. To use technical skills in a number of specialist and complex disciplines to meet the needs of Council users. Provide technical assistance to others. Regularly educate junior members of staff and provide them with guidance. Provide input to new ideas/efficiency savings on how ICT can create efficiency improvements, improve customer care or create new opportunities within its own function and within the projects it is currently working on. Responsible for making decisions to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget and to expected standards. Manae expectations and challenge users within the projects he's currently working on. Manage own highly complex and technical workload in order to exceede or achieve targets. Input into the decision-making process in terms of supplier and product selection. Input to policies and procedures, he/she may be required to document them. To be able to strike a balance between project delivery requirements and large and adhoc pressure support work to ensure that the Council's ICT systems have high-availability. Input into the business planning process. Contribute towards ensuring that performance targets and improvement measures are achieved, or exceeded.

Communicate:

Excellent communication skills in order to communicate with users across the Council up to the senior management. Clearly document user requirements through coordinating with users in meetings and workshops. Develop conceptual and technical specifications. Prepare and deliver training to users. Represent the ICT department at meetings across the Council and externally from time to time. Give advice and guidance to users across the Council up to senior management.

Other:

Ability to solve problems in multiple areas of expertise. Responsible for coding and designing complete applications and offering advice and training to others in this regard. Make recomendations to resolve complex and technical issues. Can advice the business in order to improve applications and develop new ones. Work on multiple tasks at the same time. Responsible for coding and design. Responsible for identifying risks in line with the ICT risk management framework and ensuring that they are taken accountable. Responsibility for information management in accordance with Council information management standards and guidance. Ensuring that personal information is treated in compliance with Data Protection legislation Undertake any other corresponding and reasonable duty commensurate with the level of pay and level of responsibility of the position.

General:

Responsibility for self-development. Ensure compliance with Health and Safety at work rules in accordance with the responsibilities set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council's Health and Safety Policy. To act within the Council's policy and procedures in relation to equal opportunities and equality. Responsibility for information management in accordance with Council information management standards and guidance. Ensuring that personal information is treated in compliance with Data Protection legislation A commitment to reduce the Council's carbon emissions in line with the Carbon Management Plan and to encourage others to take positive action towards reducing the Council's carbon footprint. Undertake any other equivalent and reasonable duties commensurate with the level of pay and level of responsibility of the position.

Special circumstances. . . . e.g. need to work unsocial hours, special work arrangements, etc.


As the Council's computer function operates on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week, there will be a contractual requirement to change working hours/days as required by the service. You will also have to work non-social hours and on weekends from time to time and payment for these will be in accordance with the County's Conditions and terms of employment. Emergency calls will be the subject of specific discussion.