Solutions Architect

Salary : $76,841.44 - $99,607.04 Annually
Location : Toledo, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-00365
Department: Information Technology
Division: GIS
Opening Date: 01/04/2024
Closing Date: 1/10/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Solutions Architect - Custom Applications & Support is responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of complex software systems. They work closely with project managers, users, and stakeholders to ensure that software solutions meet business needs, and are scalable, reliable, and efficient. Duties include determining the technical specifications of a project through interviews, creating technical blueprints, planning complete solutions, creating technical documentation, and development.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Designs and implements software architecture that aligns with project goals and business requirements.
• Approaches all users and stakeholders with a customer service orientation; always meeting or exceeding their expectations.
• Assists users in seeing the "Big Picture" objectives and how they can be deployed through a phased implementation.
• Assists other developers, analysts, and designers in conceptualizing and developing new software applications.
• Directs solutions for critical challenges involving software and hardware interfaces and oversee the solution from start to finish
• Liaise with network administrators, systems analysts, and software engineers to resolve problems with software products or company software systems.
• Trains and oversees the activities of the members of the development team
• Provides technical leadership on complex projects
• Identifies technical risks in projects and develop mitigation strategies accordingly.
• Leads software development projects including scheduling, and performing software improvements and upgrades.
• Researches emerging application development technologies, industry trends, languages, and standards.
• Analyzes user requirements, define system objectives, and devise solutions that are efficient and cost-effective
• Plans, tracks, and schedules software deliverables along with ongoing monitoring and reporting on usage, performance, and data to support recommendations for enhancements.
• Evaluates, identifies, and develops software solutions including administering critical analysis of test results and delivering solutions to problem areas.
• Assists in the preparation and documentation of software requirements, workflows, and technical specifications
• Creates various diagrams, flowcharts, and models that illustrate the type of code needed for a solution.
• Documents and records every aspect of an application or software including developing and maintaining technical documentation, user manuals, and guidelines.
• Generates statistics and prepare and write reports for management and team members on the status of the programming process.
• Improves data integrity by adding custom rules and validations in new and existing applications.
• Creates custom algorithms allowing the comparison of dissimilar items.?
• Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a closely related field. If a candidate does not possess a Bachelor's degree in any of the above-referenced areas, consideration will be given to individuals who possess an additional 3-4 years of directly related experience.
• Three (3) years of software development integration and implementation. Specific skills SQL scripting and other related coding language OR three (3) years of experience with custom development or other related software implementation

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Experience with reporting and analytics solutions, ERP, work orders, and asset management is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Software Architecture - the design or creation of software system structures.
• Software development.
• Software development methodologies and models designed to alter or develop software products
• Project and workload planning and management.

Skill in:

• Solutions Architecture - designing, describing, and managing the solution engineering in relation to the specific problems of a business.
• Developing computer or mobile device applications.
• Consolidating several developers' code into a shared repository in order to detect potential bugs or problems before deployment.
• Tools and technology such as:
• NET: A back-end software framework developed by Microsoft. .NET encompasses an array of software development tools.
• Visual Studio: Integrated design environment (IDE) used to develop computer programs, mobile apps, web apps, and more.
• APIs: Skill or experience with programming interfaces that allow communication between products or services.
• C#: Object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of the .NET framework infrastructure.
• Transact SQL: A programming language designed to query and update data in SQL databases.
• Java: A compiled programming language and computing platform. Runs mainly on servers.
• JavaScript: A dynamic scripting language used to enhance web pages. Runs mainly in browsers.
• Organizing, completing, and reporting on projects.
• Composing clear, concise, and informative documents.
• Handling difficult situations in a tactful and professional manner.
• Analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Using the internet, remote communications, and other advanced tools to increase productivity and perform job functions.
• Effectively presenting information and responding to questions from groups of managers, clients, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Writing and speaking that is easily understood by others.

Ability to:

• Effectively utilize computers, automated systems and related software applications.
• Achieve professional confidence of others used to assimilate and understand complex information.
• Interpret and apply program and project requirements in addition to applicable codes, rules policies and regulations.
• Conduct research and write reports.
• Develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Elicit cooperation and collaboration from others as well as creatively solve problems and resolve disputes.
• Develop and implement effective City organizational policies and procedures.
• Analyze and make sound recommendations regarding budgetary, management and organizational issues.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; speak in public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In this position, the employee will continuously sit. The position will rarely require the employee to drive a personal and company owned vehicle. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is continuously indoors. It is rare that this employee will work outdoors; however, occasionally this employee will have to travel to multiple worksites. At times, this position will require extended work hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually low; however, occasional moderate background noise can occur.
Class Code: Solutions Architect-Custom Applications and Support (3969)
The City of Toledo provides excellent health and retirement benefits for its employees.
Health Insurance
The City of Toledo is a self-funded medical plan provider that offers a broad network of health services options for its employees. The City also offers a multi-tiered prescription drug plan and dental and vision care services.
Employees are required to pay a monthly premium depending on the employee's selection of single, single plus one, or family coverage. Coverage is also afforded for qualifying domestic partners, depending on the employee's bargaining unit. Monthly co-premiums are determined by collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.
Group Life Insurance
City employees are covered by a group life insurance plan depending on collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan
The City is a member of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan (OPERS). All employees who are paid in whole or in part by the state of Ohio, a county, municipality, or any other political subdivision of state or local government in Ohio must become members of OPERS unless they are covered by another state retirement system in Ohio.
OPERS is a pension plan providing fixed retirement benefits every month based on a formula that rewards years of service. The City contributes 14.00% of the employee's annual base salary and employees contribute 10.00% of their annual base salary.
For more information about OPERS, click on this link: https://www.opers.org/
Deferred Compensation & 401(K)
The City of Toledo offers a voluntary governmental 457(b) deferred compensation plan, which is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to supplement any existing retirement/pension benefits by saving and investing pre-tax dollars through salary deferral.
Contributions and any earnings are tax-deferred (both federal and state income taxes) until money is withdrawn. Withdrawals are taxed at ordinary income levels.
For more information about the Ohio Deferred Compensation click on this link: https://www.ohio457.org/iApp/tcm/ohio457/index.jsp
401(k)
The City of Toledo offers a voluntary pre-tax savings contributions retirement plan. The plan is commonly referred to as a 401(k).
Under the 401(k) plan, an employee's retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee's paycheck before taxation. The City does not make contributions on the employee's behalf. (Contributions are tax-deferred until withdrawn during retirement). Annual contributions to the 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum pre-tax annual contribution, as established by Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Roth 401(k)
The City of Toledo also offers a voluntary post-tax savings contributions retirement plan. This plan is commonly referred to as a Roth 401(k) Plan.
Under a Roth 401(k) Plan, an employee's retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee's paycheck on a post-tax basis. Annual contributions to the Roth 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum post-tax annual contribution, as established by the Internal Revenue Service.
01
Are you currently employed by the City of Toledo?

• Yes
• No

02
If you are currently employed by the City of Toledo, please list your Division.
03
What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None of the above

04
How many years of experience do you have in software development integration and implementation?

• Eight (8) or more years of experience
• Seven (7) years but less than Eight (8) years of experience
• Six (6) years but less than Seven (7) years of experience
• Five (5) years but less than Six (6) years of experience
• Four (4) years but less than Five (5) years of experience
• Three (3 )but less than Four (4) years of experience
• Two (2) years but less than Three (3) years of experience
• One (1) year but less than Two (2) years of experience
• Less than one (1) year of experience
• No experience

05
Describe your experience in software development integration and implementation.
06
How many years of experience do you have in custom development or other related software implementation?

• Eight (8) or more years if experience
• Seven (7) years but less than Eight (8) years of experience
• Six (6) years but less than Seven (7) years of experience
• Five (5) years but less than Six (6) years of experience
• Four (4) years but less than Five (5) years of experience
• Three (3) years but less than Four (4) years of experience
• Two (2) years but less than Three (3) years of experience
• One (1) year but less than Two (2) years of experience
• Less than (1) year of experience
• No experience

07
Describe your experience in custom development or other related software implementation.
Required Question