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) – PKC13372
£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.

Skills & Experience Required

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.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

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 team!

Here's what we can offer you:

A generous annual leave package
6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
Eligibility to join our pension scheme
Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
Flexi time
Access to a range of benefits

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

For purposes of connection and collaboration with colleagues and with the community we serve, our full-time employees work on site for a minimum of 2 days per week with the arrangements for part time employees being agreed on a basis which will ensure that they benefit to an equivalent degree.

Our FAQs on hybrid working can be found here Hybrid working FAQs

We are committed to being a more inclusive employer - to ensure we can consider any reasonable adjustments, please either contact the recruiting manager to discuss any individual circumstances, discuss at interview or, if you prefer, after any conditional offer is made.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Chris Wright at CWright@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

To comply with Baseline Personnel Security Standard, you will be required to complete a Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.