Integration/System Engineer

Job Description

Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!

The city’s Information Technology (IT) Department is looking for someone with demonstrated expertise in integrations development and Azure DevOps experience, coupled with a drive for continuous improvement.

The person selected for this role will support the needs of applications developers in setting up and deploying projects through Agile, CI/CD pipelines as well as fully manage the development and support of integrations between SaaS and on-prem systems using C# and Python based APIs and MFT solutions.

This position will also focus on the analysis, design, documentation, and implementation of future changes in these spaces.  To that end, strong diagramming and documentation skills are required. A passion for serving customers, IT staff, and City officials is a must, all while maintaining a great sense of humor and a positive can-do attitude.

This is a full-time benefited position that is not represented by a union. 

** A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  

Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

This position is open until filled, with an initial review of applications occurring on June 1, 2023. The selection process for this position may consist various steps to better determine skills followed by a panel interview. Dates for these steps have not yet been determined, but candidates with the desired qualifications will be informed once scheduling is confirmed.

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

SALARY:

$9,217.00- 11,229.00 monthly, depending on experience

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Division Manager or designee, perform the duties of a Integrations/Systems Engineer on assigned projects within assigned functional areas of responsibility. Lead and assist in technology planning, introduction and implementation of server and release management tools for integrations and DevOps, hardware platforms and technology solutions. Analyze, procure, implement, document and maintain various computer software, programs and network-based/cloud virtual servers; assist the Applications Development team, Information Technology (IT) staff, and City officials in meeting technological needs in the area of automation; coordinate work in conjunction with City departments, officials, IT staff, vendors and consultants.

Work is characterized by often technical and complex projects and the incumbent’s leading technical role in the administration and support of integrations management and DevOps systems; responsible for the technical aspect of complex projects from development through completion including but not limited to, extensive analysis of existing software systems and databases, systems and technologies available on the market, formal or informal procurement processes, coordination with software vendors for implementation, assisting users in specifying changes, and deployment of software and computer systems which best meet the current and future needs of the City. The incumbent must demonstrate technical leadership and excellent analytical skills; ability to make decisions under broad guidelines, represent the City’s technical needs to vendors and potential vendors, explore and evaluate future technical directions that are favorable to the City, expand on technical skills quickly, and effectively train others in the use and application of technology standards in support of City systems.

Work is performed under limited supervision. Supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. Incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. Incumbent is responsible for the

work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain a leadership role in conducting needs analysis & support for users that rely on integrations between other business systems or utilize the GoAnywhere platform; determine server requirements; communicate with users to facilitate discussion and study of the use, application and enhancement of servers/systems; provide technical expertise and input.

Provide data related and systems admin support for the Applications Development and GoAnywhere environments, including overseeing the requirements and requests needed through Microsoft Support.

Establish proper Change Control and Release Management for integrations and DevOps development environments for the Applications Development team, including: C#/ASP.net customized web, Python and database scripts, using available deployment tools (e.g. Octopus Deploy, Azure DevOps).

Administrate the code repository servers (e.g., TFS, GitHub) for applications and integration development in C#/ASP.net.

Working with the Enterprise Solutions Architect and Data/Systems Engineer, architect plans for servers, application version upgrades, and preparation for the implementation/support of DevOps environments.

Communicate with officials, business community representatives, City department personnel, etc., on automation-related activities or projects.

Provide assistance to the Division Manager; research new equipment and applications; research new server options and features; assist with future growth plans; and provide recommendations and justification as requested.

Provide reliable solutions to a variety of technical challenges using sound technical problem-solving techniques.

Perform technical root cause analysis and outline corrective action for given problems.

Estimate level of effort, evaluate new options of similar technology, offer suggestions to improve processes, and provide comments on other design aspects.

Apply continuous technical quality standards through the entire system lifecycle.

Work collaboratively and professionally with other cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Apply technical expertise to developing solutions in a timely fashion.

Review product and/or application information including manuals, white papers, help files and brochures for technical accuracy.

Participate in product and/or application activities including feature analysis and system tradeoffs

Actively support the mission, vision, values and goals of the City and department.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Fundamental and advanced techniques of programming and experience with programming languages, integration/workflow tools, SQL, Visual Studio, etc.
• Windows IIS administration and support including Application Pool configuration, Authentication, HTTP Redirect, ISAPI Filters, Host Headers, and SSL Certificate installation/configuration
• Server and database High Availability and Disaster Recovery options
• Windows server, including Active Directory and proper disk configuration
• Web-enabled database applications
• Principles    and    techniques    of    analysis, design, development, and implementation of complex computer and communications systems
• Technical issues management, techniques, and documentation
• Fundamentals of business needs analysis and requirements gathering
• Standard software development lifecycles
• Principles and concepts regarding development and maintenance of system documentation
• Multi-user/multi-tasking computer systems capabilities
• Computer operating systems
• Capabilities and operations of computers and peripheral equipment including, but not limited to, minicomputers, PCs, terminals, printers, software, operating systems
• Current literature, trends, developments, and technical aspects in Information Services
• Effective oral and written communications skills
• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Supervisory principles and practices
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment
• Record-keeping techniques

BE SKILLED IN:

• Architecture of servers for the hosting of business applications, with special attention to performance and future growth or consolidation
• Assessing, building, testing, and supporting various ETL processes and workflows
• IIS Administration including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Using research and analytical methods, practices and procedures to define and resolve issues
• Data management, processing, and flowcharting techniques
• Application of computer and communication systems analysis, design, and implementation practices and techniques to best meet the City’s and users’ needs
• Application of integration/workflow tools, SQL, Visual Studio, etc.
• Application of sound ITIL best practices (e.g. configuration management)
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Using effective interpersonal skills with tact, patience, and courtesy
• Documenting systems design, procedures and applications
• Advanced level of MS Office products

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Assist the Lead Application Developer with scheduling deployment of increments into each subsequent environment (Dev, Int, UAT, Prod)
• Perform   Change   Control   and   Release Management         for         systems          and integrations development (e.g. C#, ASP.net, Python)
• Perform systems maintenance through monthly patches to assigned servers
• Evaluate user needs, system requirements, and cost effectiveness to develop cost-saving alternatives and improve customer service
• Provide technical expertise and assistance to the Division Manager, peers and user departments
• Learn computer software package implications to the servers they will be running on and adapt for specific user application quickly and effectively
• Develop and maintain clear and concise server level documentation
• Plan for future growth and expenditures in City systems
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work effectively on several projects concurrently
• Work independently with minimal direct supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines
• Plan and organize work to meet project schedules and timelines
• Work in a team environment to solve complex problems
• Mentor and provide work direction to others

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, CIS, MIS, or related field; and

Experience:

A minimum of three (3) years of increasing responsibility and experience in DevOps, systems administration, engineering, technology and system evaluation, systems analysis and integration

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and/or application experience with both a client-server or Internet-based applications and familiarity with server operating systems and environments
• Three (3) years’ experience with server operating systems/environments
• Three (3) years’ experience with SDLC and release management concepts/tools
• Preferred: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Certification (or higher)
• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment
• Municipal government business computer systems experience is desirable

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computers, printers, scanners, telephones, fax machines, copiers and mobile devices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The incumbent frequently is required to type on keyboard for extended periods of time. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical Information Technology environment, which includes an office, a technical workstation, a computer room with a controlled environment, as well as working with users on site. Incumbent in this position is expected to be generally available after normal work hours on evenings and weekends to provide support for the various key business systems supported by the Systems Division.

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile; may occasionally work in high, precarious places while stepping on ladders or stepping stools; and is occasionally required to work in a cold, controlled environment in the computer room. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in the office and loud in the field or the computer room. May be required to operate a City vehicle to travel to and from user sites.

The City of Kent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.