Senior Programmer

Requisition ID: 40064 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

Senior Programmer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our software solutions. They collaborate closely with cross-functional IT teams to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, provide technical direction to other test automation team members, identify and document defects, and provide actionable feedback to improve the overall quality of our software.

They have a strong background in quality assurance methodologies, test automation, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

Senior Programmer performs advanced programming and test automation work which requires a very wide knowledge of subject matter, systems analysis, platforms, programming and test automation techniques.  It is distinguished from the Computer Programmer Analyst class by the greater complexity of the programming, test automation and analysis work performed.  An employee in this class may act in a work or project leader or supervisory capacity with other test automation staff or as a member of a team, e.g. showing leadership in the development of standards for the Branch which are consistent with IT standards.  Senior Programmer works closely with the analyst staff and other members of the Team to achieve the overall objectives of the Branch, IT and the City.  The employee in this position may have access to confidential information relating to a variety of proposals for changes in methods and procedures of operation which may affect wage or salary rates, workloads, working conditions, promotional opportunities, or changes in employment.  Senior Programmer exercises considerable independence of judgement in all technical aspects of work. 

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and executes comprehensive test plans and test cases to ensure the quality and reliability of our software solutions across multiple platforms: web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps, cloud and externally hosted environments
• Works with business clients, Enterprise Applications & Integrations Branch staff and project members in the development of acceptance criteria and testing requirements for new features and enhancements
• Provides technical direction and mentorship to other test automation staff, and promotes best practices for quality assurance
• Proposes and documents technical standards, guidelines, and architecture for test automation team, ensuring consistency and continuity with the City’s technology base
• Contributes to process improvements and initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the test automation process
• Designs and maintains automated test scripts using industry-standard tools & frameworks, while meeting test coverage requirements
• Performs automated testing to identify defects, verify fixes, and ensure adherence to quality standards
• Conducts root cause analysis of defects and provides actionable feedback to development teams for continuous improvement
• Documents test results, tracks defects, and communicates testing status and issues effectively to stakeholders
• Keeps up to date with developments in test automation and programming techniques, languages and software
• Assists in the training and development of other members of the Branch
• Keeps current on related technologies
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Position Requirements

• Diploma in Computer Systems Technologies or a Bachelor degree in Computer Science/ MIS or Commerce/with a minor in Computer Science or an equivalent combination of training and experience is preferred. 
• Must have at least 5 years proven experience in programming, software quality assurance and test automation in a project environment using industry-standard frameworks and tools
• Combination of strong technical, analysis and business skills is required
• Ability to collect, analyze and evaluate information required for testing purposes
• Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies, tools, and processes
• Extensive experience with industry-standard test automation tools & frameworks such as Selenium, Telerik Test Studio, or similar
• Thorough knowledge of programming technologies: .NET Core, Python, React, JavaScript
• Solid understanding of web technologies, APIs, and SQL database systems
• Experience in deployment techniques, CI/CD continuous integration / delivery, deployment automation, GIT, DacPac
• Experience in writing Unit Tests, Functional tests, and test automation
• Thorough knowledge of the application development lifecycle including approaches and practices, tools for design, requirements gathering, documentation and testing
• Knowledge of business practices and processes
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to develop and mentor others
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with a keen attention to detail
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills with ability to communicate to all levels of the organization
• Ability to develop, document, review and revise work and strategic plans
• 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
• Ability to handle business critical and sensitive information
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: IT, Digital Strategy & 311 (1070) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2024 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour

Application Close: April 21, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.