Sr Applications Developer

JOB SUMMARY

Conducts analysis, design, evaluation, modification, testing and implementation of enterprise-wide systems across functional areas. Provides product usability, evaluation and support to development teams, including the analysis and investigation of applications/systems, security concerning applications, graphics, web, multimedia, voice response and conversational user interaction. Creates, evaluates and modifies prototypes to support evolving software application development. 

Leads internal and external clients with Internet, intranet, or extranet-based applications, multimedia applications, database interactions and data modeling tools. Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. 

Manages, develops, integrates and implements related applications components, including front-end development, server-side development and database integration. Plays a direct role in programming, maintenance, technical support, documentation and administration of the applications. Establishes and communicates standards to manage cost and ensure continuity of applications. Develops and applies software design/usability processes in the investigation of technical and application security problems.

Developers in a security role provide direct support to business and IT staff on application security issues. Works with management to develop and implement security for a variety of IT applications which may include data, data warehouses and systems across HISD. Regularly monitors security compliance within assigned application, prepares status reports on security matters and responds to breaches. Maintains and may assist with the development and implementation of application security policies and procedures (i.e., user log-on, authentification rules, security breach escalation procedures, and security auditing procedures). Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Works on only the most complex application security issues with majority of time spent working with management to develop and implement security strategies and managing security projects. 

Use of this job family outside of centralized IT requires approval from the Chief Technology Information Officer.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and directs studies of applications and prepares design proposals to reflect cost, time and alternative actions. Develops test plans and protocols for evaluation of system performance. Develops design documents, test plans and documents results. Conducts analysis of systems specifications and uses analysis/diagramming tools to represent business/technical processes. Develops conversion and system implementation plans. Prepares and obtains approval of system and programming documentation. Recommends changes in development, maintenance and system standards. Coordinates system upgrade activity. Trains user personnel in the conversion and implementation of the system.
• Develops, analyzes and maintains tools that support and automate processes for software product releases. Works with project teams to determine an appropriate build process and schedule and then initiates the build and packaging process. Manages source code control. Ensures software registry and delivery. 
• Provides technical leadership in developing web service applications and analyzing business requirements for intranet and external Internet related systems. Builds applications using Internet and Windows Development tools. Develops web page infrastructure and applications related to pages with more advanced graphics and features. Assures web server and site technical performance.
• Develops, assesses and communicates website usage and security policies and standards. Provides technical assistance to site administrators. May assist in the planning of overall company strategy involving Internet usage. May make hardware and/or software purchasing recommendations or decisions regarding web development. May perform overall administration of sites at a company-wide level. 
• May develop user profiles, including application security with emphasis on human error control, display issues, visual interaction, physical manipulation, and task and objective analyses. May assist in developing design concept and implementation, providing input on user design considerations. May produce specifications describing user requirements and internal structures for product in development. May provide insight use of internal controls and industry best security practices during application implementation.  

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, relevant work experience of four years in addition to the minimum experience requirement of 7 years.  Master’s Degree or some graduate coursework preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

7+ years 
Needs to be fully versed on how to use code generation technologies, enterprise application integration, service oriented architecture, ETL tools (extract, transform, load) and application infrastructure technologies. 
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Has completed all levels of certification. Works to develop industry-level knowledge on new enhancements and developments coming in the next 1-5 years. Requires advanced knowledge of commercial Internet/web tools and protocols. Is actively working on a certification level in a related field. Over time, works from learning one technology/language/application (e.g., SAP, Chancery, PeopleSoft, C++, Java, XML, HTML, SPSS, VB, SQL, Access, ASP) method, and approach to being fully versed on all including emerging technologies, methods, and design considerations. Formal software engineering and system engineering skills acquired. Expected to be able to complete business system analysis.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. Senior level positions are expected to provide work guidance, technical advice, training, and mentoring to other employees. These positions are expected to share information with less senior positions as they help them develop their skills. 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Compiles and organizes data and figures.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence – interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Repetitive motion: Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, fingers, and/or upper body for sustained periods of time, including using extremities to drag, push, pull or grasp. Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Work is normally set to specified shifts. This position is expected to be goal and customer service focused. During times of emergencies, outages and project planned work; employees are expected to be on call and available until the event is addressed. During system conversions, extra effort may be required in order to ensure the roll out of the system is successful.