Applications Developer

General Statement

Under direction, works with departments to identify software application needs and is responsible for the development, installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of applications to meet those needs.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Writes, updates and maintains computer programs or software applications, including web applications, to handle specific jobs requested by users; assists applications analysts in performing similar tasks.
• Conducts testing of programs and software applications to ensure they will produce the desired information or results; identifies and corrects errors in the code.
• Generates statistics and prepares reports for management and/or team members on the status of the programming process.
• Performs revision, repair or expansion of existing programs to increase efficiency or adapt to new requirements; develops or modifies program code to improve software and/or system performance.
• Compiles and writes documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• Assists with the design, development and modification of software systems; installs and maintains system software; ensures proper access controls are in place on all systems.
• Acts as a project lead on more complex software implementations or application maintenance projects.
• Consults with applications developers and other technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems and recommend changes; confers with other technical staff to ensure that applications comply with system capabilities and limitations, performance standards and security requirements.
• Interacts with network administrators, systems analysts, and software engineers to assist in resolving problems with software products or District software systems.
• Evaluates user requests and performs feasibility studies considering time and cost constraints; develops a project plan or approves project plans submitted by applications analysts; evaluates available software products.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of user manuals and guidelines.
• Monitors vendor and industry bulletins for any known vulnerabilities and fixes; coordinates the implementation of any required patches/fixes.
• Provides technical support to other application developers; performs technical evaluation of consultant proposals or other technical documents.

Other Job Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of programming languages and software used in the development of computer applications.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics and limitations of common computer hardware and software utilized by the District.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the documentation of application development.
• Knowledge of open source systems software, protocols, components, and standards.
• Skill in writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Ability to analyze program and application failures and identify errors.
• Ability to coordinate and manage project teams and provide project oversight.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science or a closely related field and two years of experience as an applications or systems programmer.

Substitution

Graduate study in computer science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Additional professional experience in applications programming and/or development may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Certification as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience.

Promotional Requirement

• Two years of service with the District as an Applications Analyst or IT Support Coordinator or four years of such service as an IT Support Analyst II.
• Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.