Application Developer

Think about your life and where you want to live it…

Ever wanted to be a scrum master and a product owner and a solutions architect and a software architect and a principal software engineer and a principal software architect and a database administrator and an application developer, all at the same time? The opportunity is here in Pitkin County (offices in Aspen and Basalt, Colorado) as the sole application developer. If you ever wanted to build an AppDev/DevOps system from scratch and do it right, this is your chance! Put your Certified Google Compute Engine Developer, ITIL, PMP, Six Sigma, and other certifications to use on Colorado’s Western Slope at Pitkin County, Colorado!

BACKGROUND

For more than 30 years the City of Aspen, Colorado had provided shared enterprise applications and infrastructure services to Pitkin County. But the County’s need for products and services different from those provided by the City had grown to the point that in 2014 Pitkin County created its own Business Information Technology Services department; the current FTE headcount is ten.

JOB

The Application Developer

• creates, codes, tests, and debugs custom software;
• plans and manages application development and integration;
• researches open software applications to develop enterprise solutions;
• reports to the Customer Service Manager.

GOVERNMENT

With the county seat in Aspen, Colorado, Pitkin County was established in 1881 and became a home rule county in 1978. A five-member board of County Commissioners, a County Manager, an Assistant County Manager, a Chief Operating Officer, and a staff of 250 run county operations.

GEOGRAPHY

Covering 975 square miles, Pitkin County is located in the heart of the White River National Forest, surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the central Rocky Mountains. Pitkin County includes the communities of Aspen, Meredith, Old Snowmass, Redstone, Snowmass, Thomasville, Woody Creek, and portions of the town of Basalt.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The population is 16,389 in the 2010 U.S. Census including 52% males and 48% females with a median age of 42.7. Ninety six percent of the county’s population has at least a high school education with nearly 60% college educated. At $64,381, Pitkin County has the fourth highest per-capita income of US counties.

ECONOMY

Best known for its four world-class ski resorts (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), tourism is the mainstay of the local economy with arts, cultural and recreational events providing year-round attractions.

TRANSPORTATION

There is only one major roadway in Pitkin County leading into and out of the Roaring Fork valley; the high elevation Independence Pass to the south is closed from late October to May. Public transportation is provided by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus and van service throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is one of the busiest in the state, trailing only the Denver International and Colorado Springs airports. There are over 1,100 miles of bicycle, equestrian, and hiking trails in the immediate area.

BENEFITS

The county provides a comprehensive benefits package; details are available at http://pitkincounty.com/documentcenter/view/11274 .

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, plans, executes, and monitors application development projects for County departments to improve business processes; works with clients and Information Technology (IT) Department staff to plan and manage custom software development projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: — Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works with clients to develop project requirements analysis; develops software design and architecture; monitors and manages development team. Duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Applies systems analysis techniques and procedures to determine software and system functional specifications.
• Develops custom software applications for users; plans and manages application development and integration into County network systems; researches open software applications to develop enterprise solutions.
• Develops, creates, encodes, tests, and debugs custom software and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) applications to enhance client’s capability to collect, share, and manage data.
• Develops, analyzes and modifies existing computer software program components.
• Develops application layout, design, and integration strategies to meet client’s needs; develops system and software modeling to design and deliver software components.
• Develops and troubleshoots application problems; develops programming solutions for application components; performs coding, testing, and debugging activities to check for faults and errors.
• Maintains and updates integrated software applications; designs application enhancements, interfaces, and revised functions; assures proper integration with other computer systems.
• Assures all application development issues are properly communicated, addressed, and resolved; manages software application development through all stages of the development life cycle.
• Identifies data and information sources for application development projects; interprets client concerns, defines desired results, and develops solutions.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field; AND four years’ application development experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Specific computer programming skills and languages may be required, including C++, C#, GIS, Windows OS, Linux OS, Python, Java, SQL, and integrated development environment (IDE) applications.
• County policies and procedures.
• Computer application development, implementation, and analysis techniques.
• Techniques and procedures for coding, testing, and debugging computer software programs.
• Networked computer system environments and device capabilities.
• Network hardware and software troubleshooting techniques.
• Design and maintenance standards for relational databases, network operating systems, and servers.
• Principles of organizational planning, research design, operations analysis and practices of public administration.
• Principles of design, modification, and integration of enterprise application software.
• IT project planning and management principles.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
• Organizational and community planning.
• Public policy processes.

Skill in:

• Defining needs of County departments, and developing solutions to meet their needs.
• Developing computer applications using different programming languages and operating systems, and managing complex system documentation.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating business requirements and new computer system methods, applications, procedures, and techniques.
• Solving technical problems involving integrated operating systems and hardware platforms as well as using specialized software applications.
• Managing and documenting application changes through all the stages of the development life cycle.
• Analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and recommending techniques for resolution.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Effectively communicating technical issues and procedures to non-technical staff.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Hiring Range:

$64,900 to $79,146 dependent on qualifications