Technical Lead Infrastructure - Joint Border Analytics

Exciting and meaningful work that makes a difference to Aotearoa

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa protects New Zealand's border using world class tools, world class people and innovative approaches. The Joint Border Analytics group (JBA) applies data science to help the NZ Customs Service make the right decisions to protect the New Zealand border.

We work at all levels, supporting tactical, operational and strategic decision making. We have three main methods for delivering data science products to decision makers: a real-time enterprise decision engine, web apps hosted in a Kubernetes cluster and a PowerBI server. All methods are established and working, but we need someone to take the user experience they provide to the next level.

About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is an exciting new role where you will be the technical lead for JBA's analytical environments. You will ensure that the development and deployment of JBA applications and other outputs is done with best practice techniques/methods and complies with all relevant security frameworks. You will lead the establishment and running of JBA's operating environment in the Cloud. You will also be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the JBA software engineer.

You will identify, promote and apply best practice deployment methods for our three deployment channels: R and Python applications deployed in Docker containers in a Kubernetes cluster; R and Python models deployed in an enterprise decision engine and a Power BI server. This includes the development and oversight of unit-testing frameworks and regular code reviews to ensure accuracy and performance.

While a core function of the role is to develop and promote best practice in building and maintaining user applications in R and Python, you will also have responsibility for how JBA continues to improve or resolve resource allocation, data contention issues, application monitoring and application security. You will also lead the development and maintenance of JBA's network and security architecture, cybersecurity practices and processes (e.g. security scanning of code, managing processes for dealing with vulnerabilities) and general systems administration work relating to JBA's development and deployment infrastructure.

The key to the success of this role will be the ability to work in partnership with NZ Customs IT specialists and JBA business analysts, data scientists and data engineers.

About you | Ko wai koe

You will have:

Proven ability to work well in and across multiple teams in a highly collaborative manner.

Proven ability to model software development best practice and to upskill and mentor others.

At least eight years of relevant experience of software engineering, preferably in a business intelligence and analytics context.

Deep experience with developing front end user applications, preferably with R Shiny, Python, and javascript experience.

Excellent problem-solving skills.

The ability to manage staff, delegate tasks/oversee delivery and remove blockers for staff.

Experience managing and maintaining Kubernetes clusters, both on-premise and in the Cloud.

A good understanding about cyber-security vulnerabilities, with the ability to identify which issues are more and less important given the environment we work in and how they should be mitigated or solved.

Ability to secure and maintain a CONFIDENTIAL security clearance.

Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono

You will need to obtain Confidential level national security clearance. In order to obtain this clearance, you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application;

OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past 5 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Confidential clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online. Please submit a CV and cover letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this role, along with a brief work history. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience in data science and a few competency-based questions along with why you are interested in the role. The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work - specific questions are asked in the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing which includes a personality and leadership growth profile that will be used to aid your career development.

If you have any queries, please contact recruitment.centre@customs.govt.nz.

Applications close on 5pm on Thursday 21 November 2024.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.
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