HM Revenue & Customs
Application Operations Engineer
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Entry Level Database Operations Technician – Valuation Office (VO), HMRC
About the Role
Discover a purpose-driven career within HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)—a leader in digital innovation for the UK’s tax system. Join the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) Group, driving cutting-edge technology to develop high-quality digital services, enhance customer relations, and streamline tax administration.
You’ll work within the Valuation Office (VO) Delivery Group, focusing on database operations and IT services, maintaining availability, performance, and resilience across live operations. This entry-level technical role offers hands-on experience in database technologies, service operations, and full lifecycle development, supported with mentorship and structured professional development.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Support applications and database services to ensure performance, availability, and resilience
- Monitor systems, investigate issues, and assist in incident investigation and resolution
- Apply approved database updates following defined processes
- Collaborate with service and development teams to resolve issues and improve efficiencies
- Maintain documentation for changes, releases, and incidents
- Assist with environment management, deployments, and backup/recovery processes
- Contribute to out-of-hours support, on-call duties, and release activities as required
Person Specification
Essential Criteria (Required)
- Demonstrates a clear interest in database or data technology, backed by:
- Evidence of learning (e.g., coursework, self-study, personal projects)
- Practical exposure via work experience
- Basic understanding of data structures, queries, and relational databases, including:
- Tables, joins, and how data supports applications
- CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
- Ability to analyze problems systematically, using available data to identify root causes and guide resolution
- Experience collaborating in a team, communicating clearly to achieve common goals
- Strong attention to detail in technical/process tasks (adhering to instructions, diligent documentation)
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Desirable Criteria (Preferred)
- Certifications or formal qualifications in IT/computing
- Knowledge of ITIL processes or equivalent
Career Growth
HMRC’s Learning Pathway framework ensures proactive development, with structured mentoring, on-the-job training, and the potential to progress to Higher Officer (HO) level within ~18 months, subject to performance.
Working Arrangements
- Full-time role, but flexible working arrangements can be requested and considered where business needs allow.
- Must be willing to work from a valid preferred location—changes are not permitted post-offer.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £31,096
- Pension contributions: £9,008 to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
- Flexible/Hybrid Working: 60% in-office; up to 2 days remote work (where applicable)
- Leave: 25 days increasing to 30 as service grows
- Pension contributions: HMRC subsidizes Alpha pension plans at 28.97% of salary
- Family-Friendly Policies: Available for eligible roles
- Professional Development: Coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities
Selection Process
Applicants are evaluated against behaviours (Making Decisions, Quality Service, Working Together) alongside technical competencies like troubleshooting and collaboration.
Application Requirements
- A name-blind CV detailing work history.
- A 500-word personal statement addressing:
- How your experience aligns with the essential criteria for this role.
- Optional: A 250-word statement on desirable criteria (relevant qualifications/knowledge) where applicable.
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Process Flow
- Sift: Personal statements are screened for initial merit.
- Interview: Assessment via behavioural and strength-based questions (e.g., “How do you prioritize customer needs?”).
- Shortlisting: Offers made based on merit, location preferences, and availability.
Timelines & logistics
- Location Preference: Must select only one viable location; alternatives are not considered.
- Moving Notes: Certain sites (e.g., Telford Plaza) are transitional and require relocation in the future.
- Hybrid Working: 60% office attendance, with up to 2 flexible remote days meeting operational needs.
- Accessibility: Requests for adjustments (e.g., interview accessibility) must be communicated via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk before the closing date.
Security and Compliance
- Full criminal record checks and Fraud Database (IFD) checks for HMRC roles.
- New joiners permitted to initiate minimum pay-band rates.
Eligibility Check & Diversity
- The role is open to UK/EU nationalities under specific visa schemes or statutory work rights.
- Highlight disability/accessibility needs during the application process for appropriate support.
- Successful candidates may be notified about offering timeframes via merit lists.
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Visit HMRC Careers for further insight into what it means to serve in the Civil Service. Applications must apply directly via HMRC’s career portal.
This position adheres to Civil Service Commission guidelines on diversity, equity, and national eligibility requirements. For further queries: 📧 Recruitment Team: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk 📧 Specific Job Contact: Alex Crimini at alex.crimini@hmrc.gov.uk
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