IT Engineer, Carpenter PKC

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

IT Engineer (Fixed Term until 31 March 2027) – PKC
13372
£41,276 - £45,349
Carpenter House, Perth

Are you an experienced AI professional with strong coding skills and expertise in Azure AI services?

If so, we're seeking a talented person to join our AI & Automation Team and drive innovation in a forward-thinking council.

You'll play a key role in delivering our intelligent automation programme, with a primary focus on building scalable, custom AI solutions using Azure AI services while also leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform for rapid workflow automation.

You'll design and implement intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform service delivery for our communities, combining robust coding practices with Azure's advanced AI capabilities.

If you're passionate about emerging AI trends, custom development, and making technology accessible and impactful in a public sector context, we'd love to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Support AI initiatives by designing, developing, and deploying solutions using Azure AI services (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning) to create intelligent, data-driven applications that enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Extend and customise solutions through coding in languages such as Python, C#, JavaScript, or similar, integrating APIs, handling data pipelines, and building scalable components.
• Design, develop, and maintain automation workflows using the Microsoft Power Platform (e.g., Power Automate, Copilot Studio) to support and streamline business processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, translate them into technical solutions, and apply service design principles to ensure user-focused outcomes.
• Champion adoption and change by delivering demos, training, and guidance to help teams embrace AI and automation tools.
• Monitor emerging technology trends, assess opportunities for our automation strategy, and contribute to innovative pilots.
• Ensure governance, security compliance, and best practices, including version control, testing, documentation, and robust data protection.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong experience with Azure AI services:
  Proven hands-on work implementing solutions using Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, or similar, building custom, intelligent applications.
• Solid coding skills:
  Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C#, JavaScript, or equivalent, with experience extending AI solutions, integrating systems via APIs/JSON, and working with data pipelines.
• Experience with the Microsoft Power Platform:
  Familiarity with Power Automate, Copilot Studio, and related tools for automation and conversational agents (valuable but secondary to Azure and coding expertise).
• Technical aptitude with data and integrations:
  Comfortable with databases (e.g., SQL Server, Dataverse), APIs, and connecting diverse systems.
• Problem-solving and collaboration:
  An analytical mindset for troubleshooting, paired with strong communication skills to work effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• A people-focused approach:
  Commitment to ethical AI, cultural change, and ensuring technology delivers real benefits for communities.

A Degree, HND (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant IT, computer science, or digital discipline is required. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our…