Tech Ops Specialist Support Officer SSO

National Crime Agency.; Brompton; On-site; GBP 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a G3 Specialist Support Officer to lead technical operations and manage covert surveillance activities. You will oversee a team, liaise with inter-agency partners, and develop operational standards. Ideal candidates must have experience in risk management and legislative knowledge on intrusive operations. This role offers a competitive salary, substantial allowances, and various employee benefits including flexible working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years

Recruitment and Retention Allowance

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing covert deployments in high-risk environments.
• Knowledge of legislation affecting intrusive surveillance operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team for Technical Operations.
• Represent the department at national and international events.
• Develop operational standards and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Mentor apprentices in the team.

Skills

Operational experience in risk management

In-depth understanding of legislation for surveillance

Knowledge of SOPs and tactical options

Surveillance training and rural deployment officer

Full DVLA driving licence

Job description

Overview

We are looking to fill two G3 Specialist Support Officer vacancies. You will work as part of a close-knit covert operational team supporting NCA operations in demanding and hostile environments, delivering covert technical & intrusive surveillance activity and planning the covert activity to meet Type E requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of SMEs, command, control and delivery of Technical Operations across the UK and potentially internationally.
• Represent the Technical Operations department at national and international fora, liaison with inter‑agency partners and deliver joint training events.
• Develop and manage SSO operational standards, data returns and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor apprentices and support the Apprenticeship Team as required.

Qualifications

• Operational experience in risk management and planning/executing complex high‑risk covert deployments.
• In‑depth understanding of the relevant legislation affecting intrusive surveillance operations and technical operations.
• Knowledge of the legislation, policy, SOPs, tactical options and evidential requirements for intrusive surveillance and technical operations.
• Type E training or recognised equivalent, surveillance trained and rural deployment officer (CROPS) or recognised equivalent.
• Full DVLA driving licence (includes full EU licences).

Assessment Process

The assessment will include an interview, a technical test, a manager/senior leader briefing exercise and a practical/technical task assessing Type E skills and experience. Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal. Successful candidates will be placed on a reserve list for 12 months if a role is not immediately available.

Salary and Benefits

£55,575 plus a London weighting of £4,218 per annum. The post qualifies for a Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,000 per annum and a Special Duty Bonus Payment (SDP) of £1,400 per annum (pro‑rata). The NCA contributes £16,100 toward the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

New entrants receive 26 days annual leave (31 days after 5 years) and 8 bank holidays. Other benefits include flexible working, family‑friendly policies, learning and development opportunities, interest‑free loans, housing schemes, discounts and savings across a wide variety of services, staff support groups/networks and participation in the Civil Service Sports Council. Further information is available on the NCA website.