IT Application Technician (SETSU) Kidlington, England
Job description
Department: SETSU
Location: Kidlington & Home Address (Hybrid)
Salary: £43,239 plus 5% on call allowance
Closing date: 22/08/2023
Our South East Technical Surveillance Unit (SETSU) provides a comprehensive technical capability to the South East regional forces, specialist investigative teams and law enforcement partners.
SETSU have an opening for an IT Application Technician to act as the subject matter expert for a number of IT applications and services, as well as acting as an escalation point for 2nd line IT service related enquires locally, regionally, and nationally. This person will be responsible for the service management of the lifecycle of IT based technical surveillance applications and platforms, including installation, upgrading, user management, data retention and futures planning to ensure efficient and effective operation of technical equipment infrastructure.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual that has strong interpersonal and customer service skills, as end user support is provided both over the phone and via email. The right person will have the ability to explain complex information to different audiences and to be able to think logically in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
You must be familiar with computers and have a good understanding of the principles of an IT network and infrastructure.
Please note that this role is part of a national, regional and local network and as a result, you may be required to travel for business purposes mainly across the South East region and occasionally throughout the UK. Therefore, the successful candidate will require a full UK driving licence.
Due to the nature of our work, security is of paramount importance to us and therefore it will be necessary to pass and maintain vetting level SC. In order to achieve this, you must be a British National andhave resided in the UK for the past five years. Exemptions apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government), and studying abroad.
Responsibilities
- Service manage the lifecycle of IT based technical surveillance applications and platforms, including installation, upgrading, user management, data retention and futures planning to ensure efficient and effective operation of technical equipment infrastructure.
- Configure, test, maintain and repair all SETSU IT Systems and IP network devices. (Additional training will be given to maintain the required level of expertise. All staff are expected to look for opportunities, through the development of technologies, to improve the effectiveness of what the unit can deliver*).
- Provide guidance, technical support and training in the use of SETSU IT applications and platforms. Installations of technical equipment will be undertaken by technical officers; however it may be necessary for IT Application Technicians to teach others how to consume product from the underpinning IT Network.
- Use available software or specialist monitoring tools to maintain awareness and control of hardware /software to maximise capacity and availability for the business. Proactive in ensuring personal development through internal training and extracurricular self-study.
- Proactively ensure all systems are documented and comply with disaster recovery requirements to provide the Forces with the best operational protection.
- Ensure all work is carried out within the requirements of the legal framework. Facilitate the means to procure expert and professional evidence from technical surveillance equipment. Handle and prepare the product so that it is suitable for use in a court of law and attend to provide expert testimony if required.
- Analyse and assess all Authorities received to verify the correct level of endorsement for the equipment requested. Liaise with ACPO, Regional Confidential Units and Force Authority Bureau to ensure compliance with current legislation and in relation to the equipment used.
- Complete administration procedures – records, input to databases, etc. to ensure compliance with RIPA and national standard operating procedures.
Additional comments
*There is an ongoing requirement for research and development to maintain minimum SETSU standards, TSU college of police licence and enhance their professional ability to carry out operational tasking.
Further comments
1. Main categories of equipment used are as follows:
- End user devices – fixed and mobile workstation terminals, as well as mobile devices such as tablets and phones.
- Video surveillance equipment – IP cameras, NVRs, etc.
- IP Network equipment – routers, switches, firewalls, RF networks, etc.
- Audio surveillance equipment – microphones, encoders, recorders, etc.
- Tracking equipment.
- A range of other specialised electrical, electronic, and engineering tools.
2. Activities are determined by the operational imperatives, defined as major incidents, serious organised crime and counter terrorist operations requiring specialist support. The range and scope of role will require engagement across local, regional, national and international problem profiles. The response times for a task are determined by operational imperatives and the post holder will be expected to meet all reasonable deadlines to maintain departmental and organisational effectiveness and reputation. All operations will be conducted in compliance with the relevant TSU Minimum Standards, SETSU Standard Operating Procedures and the relevant Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) professional practice guidance.
3. There will be a requirement to travel outside of the force area and a need to stay away from home.
4. Working in an operationally challenging environment under circumstances that may only offer a limited opportunity to secure the necessary evidence.
5. The demanding and varied scope of the role will require both technical and procedural knowledge to remain current at all times.
6. Excellent problem solving skills with local accountability will have a significant impact on maintaining reputation both locally and nationally, particularly in the event of a procedural failure.
7. The work of the Unit is very specialised and sensitive, and by definition the existence of the service is limited to a ‘need to know’ basis.
8.In addition to covert technical surveillance activities, the TSU may be required to provide technical surveillance to assist with the policing of special events.
Required knowledge/skills
Essential
- Proven ability to work in a secure and confidential environment with the highest standards of integrity; able to recognise sensitive information and maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.
- HNC qualified in Electronics, Radio or Telecommunications (or equivalent), as well as in-depth knowledge of IT systems and techniques, including wide area networking, mobile data backhaul and data security.
- Post education training in industry technology (e.g. Cisco CCNA, Microsoft training, etc.)
- Proven ability to work remotely, with excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively liaise with a wide range of people, at all levels, and across other Forces.
- Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of Information Communication Technology and be able to evidence provision of successful practical technical solutions to complex problems.
- Proven ability to work on own initiative and experience of working effectively within a team.
- Ability to provide concise presentations (use of PowerPoint, demonstrations, scenarios, request for authorisations) to a variety of specialist audiences along with proven ability to provide specialist technical advice and guidance to Senior Investigating Officers (SIO) and other police managers in operational situations.
- Must have capability to travel to different locations across the SETSU region (Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley) and any other part of the UK and Europe as directed and undertake all assignments in a timely manner. Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working; public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason a full UK driving licence is considered essential as is the requirement to undertake and pass the Police Basic Driving Assessment to enable the use of a police authorised vehicle*
- Previous experience of working in a TSU environment where the working environment is demanding, and as such, physical fitness is critical with an ability to become qualified to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous environments.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
Additional comments
*At interview, candidates will be asked to confirm their willingness to undertake this Basic Driving Assessment, which in turn will enable the use of a police authorised vehicle.
An ability to become part of an “ON CALL” rota covering the SETSU region.
An ability to work shifts and at weekends when operationally required, often at short notice.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £43,239.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kidlington, OX5
Reference ID: 20629
