Computer Programmer / Analyst (GIS Programmer)

Main Purpose and Function

The position primarily supports the integration and sustainment of the Urban Forestry Division’s asset management software – an ESRI-based software referred to as UFO (Urban Forest Operations). The position may also be assigned to other projects to support Park Operations throughout the City of Vancouver.

The GIS Programmer develops and supports internally developed and 3rd party applications on a wide range of platforms including GIS, web applications, client server, mobile, cloud and externally hosted environments involving various office productivity tools, programming languages, operating systems, database products, middleware and other technologies.

This is complex analytical and programming work involving all phases of application development including software development, testing and implementation, systems analysis, feasibility analysis, and documentation and training. The position analyzes existing and proposed systems and procedures, designs and develops complex programs or segments of programs to solve problems, and performs related testing, debugging and documentation tasks

Specific Duties/Responsibilities
• Recommends, designs, documents, develops, and revises GIS computer solutions for requirements (and problems) of varying complexity
• Provides technical assistance and coordinates the development and integration of programs
• Plans, documents and executes software implementation, including rollback strategies, and coordinates activities with other IT teams and clients, following best practices for deployment and communication
• Develops queries, and advises team members on functionality, and provides instructions to locate and extract data
• Estimates time and cost of system development activities and reports progress against estimates to management, Program/Project Managers, and project team members
• Prepares and maintains detailed user and operations documentation to ensure service levels can be measured and achieved, and to meet audit requirements for safeguarding software, data and business continuity
• Evaluates the need for, and develops general-purpose routines, utilities and command procedures
• Prepares test data, test scripts and/or test environments, conducts testing (logic, usability, functional, integration, security), debugs programs, and supports user acceptance testing
• Provides training and guidance on the use of computer systems and software
• Provides technical direction to junior technical staff, clients or consultants
• Other duties/responsibilities, as assigned

Minimum Position Requirements
Education and Experience:
• Completion of a Computer Systems Technologies two-year diploma course at a technical institute plus sound experience in programming; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Thorough knowledge of GIS, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, GIS Python automation and web application development
• Thorough knowledge of programming technologies: .NET Core, React, JavaScript
• Thorough knowledge of .NET (4.7+) environment, Web API, RESTful API, MVC, Web Services
• Thorough knowledge of working with SQL Server, Oracle PL/SQL, ADO.NET, Entity Framework, and database reporting and integration frameworks (e.g. SSRS, SSIS)
• Considerable knowledge of deployment techniques, CI/CD continuous integration / delivery, deployment automation, GIT, DacPac
• Considerable knowledge of problem definition, requirements definition, analysis and solution techniques applicable to systems and procedures
• Considerable knowledge of writing Unit Tests, Functional tests, and test automation (e.g. Selenium, Telerik Test Studio)
• Considerable knowledge of API Management and Integration Platforms (API design, gateways, analytics)
• Considerable experience in the software development lifecycle, and common models (Agile, Kanban, iterative, etc.) with familiarity in best software practices including source code control, requirements gathering and unit testing
• Thorough working knowledge of office productivity tools (e.g. Windows, MS Office, MS Project, Visio, etc.), web development and client server coding languages, database tools and integrated development environment
• Working knowledge of information technology concepts for networking, and operating systems
• Ability to keep up to date with developments in programming techniques and languages, operating systems, and database management software
• Considerable knowledge of application design/development/deployment, user interface design, data integration, data extraction, data analysis, reporting, and database design
• Ability to use documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and security tools and techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Combination of strong technical and business skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills with ability to communicate to all levels of the organization
• Ability to manage projects, multiple priorities and respond to requests in a timely manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally with technical and non-technical staff
• Ability to handle business critical and sensitive information
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities and respond to requests in a timely manner
• Continuous improvement and continuous learning mindset

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation