Programmer Analyst II - Vancouver, Canada - The University of British Columbia

Description

Job Summary

The Programmer Analyst II designs computer application solutions for existing complex or enterprise-scale computer systems.

Organizational Status

The Programmer Analyst II will be part of a team that provides the Faculty of Arts with web services and application support for the administrative, teaching, and research needs of approximately thirty departments, schools, and units, supporting over 1000 faculty, 600 staff, and 16,000 students across the Faculty of Arts. The incumbent integrates these services with university-wide practices on the analysis, design and delivery of computer programs, web, systems and related technology services.

Reports to the Systems and Development Manager, Arts Instructional Support and Information Technology (Arts ISIT); interacts directly with Heads of departments, faculty, staff and students, as required in order to fully understand client needs and departmental procedures; liaises and collaborates with external commercial consultants and technicians as well as additional UBC service partners.

Work Performed

- Develops and modifies web application modules using disciplined software development processes, quality standards and procedures.

- Provides technical support and troubleshooting in the use of web application products and services.

- Provides project management and leadership to implement new projects and processes.

- Consults with faculty and staff to carry out business process assessments utilizing a structured requirements process (gathering, analyzing, documenting, and managing changes) to identify priorities.

- Documents business requirements and the definition of business rules.

- Prepares functional, system and program specifications.

- Makes recommendations on the sizing and capacity planning for web services and products.

- Runs analytics reports, analyzes information, and recommends changes to applications as a result.

- Has an awareness of security exploits and ensures that applications are updated and patched accordingly.

- Develops test cases and validates test results during user acceptance testing and system acceptance testing stages.

- Documents all code developed, and performs quality assurance testing throughout the design and pre-production stages.

- Participates in the assessment of new technologies to support the institution goals. Provides suggestions on technology improvements, services, guidelines and procedures.

- Develops training materials and provides training for users/trainers in the use and configuration of software, hardware and peripheral equipment.

Core Duties:

- Designs, develops and programs custom software, defines detailed application specifications, standards, and diagrams and develops coding logic flowcharts.

- Develops overall systems design, researches and evaluates vendor supplied applications, provides customize or develop recommendations, and implements accordingly.

- Analyzes and reviews existing or proposed system features and integration, security, scalability and performance requirements with clients, business analysts, and team members.

- Manages small to medium sized projects and related budgets.

- Packages in house developed applications for production or integrates vendor supplied applications.

- Provides technical expertise, training, and consultation to other staff. Develops or modifies software application design and specific modules.

- Conducts testing of new or customized application modules to ensure application meets specifications.

- Documents functions and changes to new or modified modules, tests activities/results, error handling and backup/recovery procedures.

- Provides ongoing maintenance and operational support for applications.

- Supports software development lifecycle and applies and follows appropriate programming/development methodologies and best practices.

- Maintains appropriate professional designations and up-to-date knowledge of current information technology techniques and tools.

- Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Must be able to exercise a high level of judgment and tact when dealing with clients and data. Makes decisions regarding the programming and technical support through the application of basic information processing principles, theories and concepts. Errors in judgment could lead to work disruption, lost productivity, unnecessary costs and interfere with the ability of faculty members and departments to function effectively. Information must be kept under strict confidentiality because of the nature of the data stored in the systems.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Systems and Development Manager, Arts ISIT and under the daily direction of a Project Manager as assigned, with minimal supervision. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of desired results.

Supervision Given

Supervises student staff and provide technical guidance and training to full- and part-time staff.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

Working experience with software, web and database development.

Demonstrated working knowledge of programming and scripting languages.

Work experience administering, developing and implementing websites, themes and custom plug-ins in WordPress.

Thorough knowledge of PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, and a programming language such us Python.

Experience with Git, GitHub, and/or GitLab.

Experience with learning technology standards is highly beneficial e.g. Caliper, xAPI, LTI

Experience with containers and microservices e.g. Docker, AWS is beneficial.

Ability to keep current with advancements in technology and tools.

Strong communication skills written, oral and listening.

Ability to take initiative and handle competing and often conflicting demands under conditions of severe resource restraints.

High level of organizational and time management skills.

Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects in order to meet deadlines.

Exhibits a strong attention to detail including accurate documentation.

Must be flexible and perform well under pressure.

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

Ability to organize and provide basic training and tutorials to faculty, staff, researchers, and students.

High level of motivation and enthusiasm about contributing to the learning environment of the University.

ITIL training and/or certification is preferred.