HYDRA Technician (Headquarters, Chelmsford)

Essex Police and Kent Police; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and development

Local Government Pension Scheme

23 days annual leave (pro rata)

Staff associations and support

Job summary

Essex Police and Kent Police in Chelmsford is seeking a Hydra Technician within the Crime Training team to design and deliver computer-simulated training scenarios for all staff levels and to support incident management, under the guidance of the course director. The role requires strong IT/system experience, excellent communication, and a flexible, professional approach.

You will maintain computers, AV equipment and peripherals, and produce NCALT/DevelopMe reports for ongoing training

Qualifications

• Proven track record in programming environments and design analysis.
• Ability to gather reliable information for organisational objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of network environments; diagnose and resolve faults.
• Expert in Microsoft Office applications to improve work processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and produce computer simulated training scenarios.
• Support Hydra facility and assist course director during incidents.
• Ensure computers, audio/video and peripherals are maintained and available.
• Produce regular NCALT and DevelopMe package reports.

Skills

Programming environments

Information gathering

Network troubleshooting

Microsoft Office

Tools

NCALT reports

DevelopMe reports

Job description

Location of Role: Chelmsford

Advert Closing Date: 04/09/2026

Starting Salary: £33,603.00(pro-rata for part-time vacancies)

Part/Full Time:Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Mon-Fri

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake the role of Hydra Technician within the Crime Training team at Essex Police. Applications are invited from those with experience in IT systems and have imagination around product design and development.

This is a challenging role that requires the successful candidate to be able to facilitate the development, design and production of computer simulated training scenarios for all levels of staff, both internal and external, assisting and supporting the course director involved in the management of a variety of incidents, ensuring the scenarios are realistic and relevant and providing support to the Hydra facility as required.

You will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills as well as a flexible and professional attitude to changing demands.

You will ensure that all computers, audio/video, multimedia equipment and peripherals are installed and maintained in good working order, ensuring maximum availability at all times throughout the duration of a course.

You will be required to produce regular package reports from NCALT (National Centre for Applied Learning Technologies) and DevelopMe.

This opportunity would suit a highly motivated and dynamic individual with a strong sense of service delivery who can bring their wide experience to the college. The successful candidate will also need to be organised and flexible as the college supports their operational colleagues during critical incidents and can be called upon outside of their normal working hours.

What we are looking for:

At shortlisting we will be looking for essential evidence of:

• A proven track record in programming environments with an ability to undertake detailed analysis and design of material.
• An ability to gather sufficient valid, reliable and consistent information towards organisational objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of one or more network environments with an ability to diagnose and resolve performance and fault issues.
• Be expert in the use of Microsoft Office applications, making the best use of them to improve how work is undertaken.

In addition, it would be desirable if you could provide evidence:

• An ability to manage data quality and adhere to established rules and protocols when dealing with information management and technology.
• A background in training and utilizing IT to support various methods of doing so.
• Some prior knowledge of Police environment and policy.

Our Location:

The Hydra facility is based at Essex Police College within the Headquarters site in Springfield, Chelmsford. The location is easily accessible by road and public transport and there is some parking available on site on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Successful applicants for this role will be defined as an:

Office based Agile Worker:

Office based agile working with designated team area. Works predominantly (60% or more) in one office space. The rest of the time works at home or at other police site locations.

Essex Police offer agile working which designates that certain roles can offer flexibility in terms of place of work, including some home working. The specific requirements of this role will be discussed during the interview stages with candidates. The extent of flexibility will be agreed through individual assessment with the line manager to assess operational requirements and individual’s suitability for home working. In the event that home working is agreed for the successful candidate, there will be a requirement to regularly attend the contractual workplace, as agreed with the line manager.

What we offer in return:

As a member of Police Staff, the role offers similar opportunities as other positions within the organisation and in line with the Code of Ethics and Essex Police Standards. These include:

• Ongoing training, development and promotion opportunities.
• A unique and dynamic working environment that encourages learning and development.
• Training to achieve qualifications in adult education delivery.
• The potential to work flexibly within the requirements of planned training deliveries.
• 23 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part time) increasing with service.
• Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Support and advice from our staff associations

Depending on your current vetting level and security clearances, you may be required to complete additional vetting information during the recruitment process.

Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.

Please let us know if you require extra support at any stage of the application process, or for further information regarding this position, please email us at [e-mail] stating ‘Application Support and Adjustments’ in the title of your email. Alternatively, you can call us on 01245 452833. Where appropriate we will make adjustments to the selection process, working arrangements and/or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all the circumstances to do so.

If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.

As a Disability Confident Leader we:

• Have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation.
• Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusionare central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.

Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.