The successful candidate will join the IT Development team, contributing to a diverse range of projects that support services across the organisation. The role will primarily focus on the Microsoft technology stack, including Windows, SQL Server and .NET, while also providing opportunities to work with web-based and other emerging technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing digital transformation of the Service, helping to develop and support innovative solutions that enhance and modernise IT services across KFRS. Working within a collaborative development environment, the post holder will contribute to the delivery of high-quality software solutions using Agile methodologies, continuous integration and deployment practices, and automated testing. What you'll do

• Develop, enhance and maintain a diverse portfolio of in-house software applications, services and system integrations, supporting both existing business-critical solutions and the delivery of new development projects.
• Analyse complex technical challenges, breaking down problems into manageable components and delivering effective, scalable solutions that demonstrate strong software design principles, coding standards and industry best practice.
• Translate business requirements and technical specifications into high-quality, maintainable code, using a range of modern programming languages, scripting tools and technologies. This includes Microsoft .NET technologies, web development frameworks and database technologies to deliver robust and reliable solutions.
• Produce clear and accurate technical and non-technical documentation, ensuring information is tailored appropriately for a variety of audiences, including developers, support teams, stakeholders and end users.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the development team, actively participating in quality control reviews, code reviews, team meetings, Scrum ceremonies and other Agile development activities to support continuous improvement and successful project delivery.
  
  Software Engineering HND or equivalent
• C# programming language and a broad knowledge of at least two other languages and/or data description/markup languages (e.g. json, XML, etc).
• Good knowledge of software engineering methods and techniques and best practice.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work autonomously and creatively; sharing thoughts, ideas, designs effectively to colleagues
• Shows enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI, and a commitment to staying informed of developments within the software industry to support innovation and continuous improvement.
  
  Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We know that great minds don't think alike, so we rely on diverse thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and backgrounds to create the best working environment that we can possibly offer.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service, its employees, and volunteers are committed to safeguarding, protecting, and supporting children, young people, and adults at risk. As part of our safer recruitment process, we will undertake pre-employment checks to verify your suitability for the role. These checks will include your references and a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Enhanced DBS check with barred lists are carried out for roles with direct and unsupervised access to children, young people, and adults at risk. Risk assessments will be undertaken on any disclosures identified as part of the pre-employment checks. As a Public Sector organisation with added responsibilities under the Equality Act, 2010 the candidate must demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and how this fits in with their everyday work.

Location: Service Headquarters, Tovil, Maidstone, ME15 6XB - Hybrid working with minimum 3 days per week in the office Hours: Full Time - 37 Hours per Week, Pension: Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - career average pension scheme with 16.5% employer contribution Holidays: In addition to bank/ public holidays you will receive 32 days holiday Base Salary: £44,575 - £50,423 per annum depending on experience Reference: R001082 Being a part of Kent Fire and Rescue Service Everyone is unique. Everyone has value. Everyone helps to make Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) a great place to work. We are one team. Together with our customers we are creating a safer future for Kent and Medway. Our vision is for a connected, resilient and intelligence-led service: one that understands risk earlier, makes confident decisions and equips our people to deliver outstanding outcomes for our customers. Joining us at this defining point offers the opportunity to turn strategic ambition into practical, lasting change. We are looking for talented, purposeful people who can connect strategy with delivery, bring clarity to complexity and build trusted relationships across the service,
• Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement
• Annual Salary increase - Increase of 1 scale point per year within Grade to the top of the Grade.
• Blue Light Card discount scheme supported by a number of high street retailers
• CSSC Card - Discount provider for civil servants and public sector workers
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Confidential support service designed to help manage personal or work-related issues that may affect health, wellbeing, or job performance.
• A range of family friendly policies promoting work-life balance
• Free to join internal clubs and colleague forums
• Access to health and wellbeing services and advice
• Access to Gym Facilities
• Free parking
• Above all you'll become part of a service that is committed to the safety of our community