Software Developer - DfT - SEO

We're looking for a Software Developer to join our team!

This is a Full Stack Software Developer role embedded within the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Portfolio & Project Delivery Directorate (PPDD). PPDD plays a central role in overseeing how DfT and its partner agencies deliver transport projects.

You will be part of the newly established Digital and Software Hub (DASH) team, which develops open-source software solutions to enhance ways of working across PPDD and DfT. As part of this innovative team, you will:

• Lead, develop, and maintain the codebase and IT infrastructure for the Central Project Register, an online reporting tool central to DfT project management.
• Contribute to other software projects based on demand and PPDD’s strategic priorities.

This role is an opportunity to make a tangible impact by shaping and supporting tools that drive effective project delivery across the Department for Transport.

Job description

The duties of this role will include:

• Developing and maintaining the CPR code base, written in Python, using the web framework Django.
• Managing deployment of CPR on the Google Cloud Platform, using app engine.
• Planning and managing your workload using agile methodology.
• Other coding opportunities depending on PPDD strategic requirements.

The role will be responsible for:

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver the CPR project. This includes some project management, stakeholder and user engagement, as well as representing the team in meetings and events.
• Maintaining and managing the project codebase using GitHub, with a focus on effective version control through branches, tags, and pull requests. Implementing and encouraging best practices for collaboration within the repository.
• Creating and maintaining thorough and up-to-date documentation, including the API specifications and project Readme files, to ensure ease of understanding and continuity. Documenting new features, workflows, and architectural decisions.
• Developing code using Test Drive Development (TDD). Writing, maintaining, and executing tests to ensure robust and reliable code.
• Ensuring the API is well-maintained, scalable, and secure. Supporting and engaging with users and applications that consume the API data, addressing queries, and implementing enhancements based on feedback.
• Designing, managing, and improving CI/CD pipelines to streamline development and deployment processes. Ensuring smooth and reliable delivery of updates to the production environment.
• Managing and maintaining the PostgreSQL database instance, ensuring its reliability, performance, and security. Optimizing database queries and schemas to improve application efficiency.
• Setting up and overseeing application performance monitoring and logging systems to detect and address issues proactively. Analysing logs and metrics to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal system health.
• Designing, developing, and maintaining intuitive and accessible front-end interfaces using modern web technologies (HTML and HTMX are used by the team).

Person specification

We’re seeking a full stack developer with the ability to develop and deploy high-quality code to industry standards. The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of or a demonstrable interest in building a delivering open-source software.
• Excel in collaborative environments, working effectively with others to gather evidence, define user needs, and produce clear, actionable documentation.
• Provide leadership in determining the best technical solutions to meet department objectives.

Additional Information

A minimum of 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another DfT workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. 

Occasional travel to other DfT offices will be required.

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.  

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Availability and capacity management (Skill Level : working)
• Programming and build (software engineering) (Skill Level : Practitioner)