About the Department

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking a professional Computer Programmer/Analyst who will work under general supervision, assist in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications under the guidance of more experienced developers. This classification will contribute to various phases of the software development life cycle, including coding, testing, and debugging. This classification involves collaborating with team members to understand project requirements, write and review code, and ensure software meets quality standards. Ideal candidates will have foundational knowledge of programming languages and development tools, a willingness to learn, and a passion for solving problems through technology. Performs related duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification.

Computer Programmer/Analysts develop applications using the following: Visual Studio, C#, Visual Basic, .NET, SQL Server, and DB2.

Must successfully complete the examination process.
In-person Written Exam - 60%
Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - 40%

Position Duties

     

1. Develops a test plan, creates test data, executes the test program, and reviews the code to ensure desired results and efficient resource utilization.
2. Analyzes, troubleshoots, and modifies production systems to ensure efficient and accurate operation, diagnosing and resolving issues.
3. Analyzes data within a file or database to ensure accuracy, assesses the impact of shared data, and maintains data integrity.
4. Reviews system and program specifications to determine the appropriate actions and development methodology for a project.
5. Communicates with supervisors, coworkers, business users, and other agencies to obtain approval, share information, assess needs, and resolve issues.
6. Assists business users and technical personnel with new applications or modifications to existing applications.
7. Manages data upload and download between platforms.
8. Prepares and submits a change control request for production program updates and system changes.
9. Develops written documents to present information logically and clearly.
10. Develops and modifies technical and system documentation to facilitate code modifications by another person.
11. Prepares written reports to disseminate information.
12. Prioritizes tasks and activities to ensure efficient time use and assignment completion.
13. Conducts and attends meetings to obtain and share information about projects, programs, and systems.
14. Stays current on job-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities, applying relevant knowledge to an assignment.
15. Responds to 24-hour calls to provide emergency technical support and restore program and system operation during off-duty hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. understanding and applying methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall.
2. applying principles and techniques for effective software system analysis and design.
3. implementing best practices in both batch and online application processing.
4. developing applications using a common language such as Java or C#.
5. applying data modeling principles, storage methods, and access methods when creating, maintaining, or modifying relational databases.
6. managing databases using a system, data dictionary, or ORM framework.
7. employing methodologies for object-oriented programming, analysis, and design.
8. designing and implementing client/server architecture solutions.
9. operating and managing computer hardware, data storage devices, and peripherals.
10. overseeing the operation and management of personal computer hardware, peripherals, and software.
11. utilizing version control systems like git for managing a codebase.
12. understanding data communication concepts and networking protocols.
13. understanding common software development terminology.
14. communicating effectively, with attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

1. translating system specifications into efficient code.
2. ensuring data quality and integrity through rigorous data analysis.
3. developing and maintaining complex applications, including batch processing and web-based solutions.
4. modifying software systems, applications, and processes.
5. testing and debugging software applications and systems.
6. creating and executing test plans for new and modified software applications.
7. writing efficient SQL queries for data manipulation and retrieval.
8. understanding and implementing file organization and access methods.
9. analyzing and resolving complex programming and technical issues.
10. utilizing commercial software (e.g., Visio, Excel, Word).
11. documenting software programs and systems effectively.
12. creating flowcharts for data flow, work processes, and program logic.
13. operating personal computers, printers, and other office equipment.
14. communicating effectively and professionally orally and in writing.
15. developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
16. managing time and organizing tasks efficiently.

Ability to:

1. understand written and oral communications.
2. maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
3. develop logical conclusions for programming challenges.
4. work collaboratively within a team on application planning, development, and problem-solving.
5. work independently with minimal supervision.
6. simplify complex logic processes into manageable steps.
7. thoroughly test software applications.
8. coordinate programming efforts across languages and platforms.
9. design intuitive user interfaces and report layouts.
10. learn and apply new technologies and methodologies to assignments.
11. assess the feasibility of alternative solutions.
12. read, comprehend, and interpret technical and user manuals and reports.
13. assist users with software-related problems.
14. operate personal computers and office equipment.
15. meeting participation: participate in meetings and exchange information regarding issues.
16. perform general office tasks.

Other Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires one (1) year of experience programming in a language used in the Department; OR two (2) years of course work in computer science, management information systems or a related field from an accredited college, technical school or university including at least six (6) semester hours in a programming language used by the Department.  Additional programming experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one (1) year of experience equal to 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours of credit.  

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Office setting.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

Supplemental Questions

01

Select the option below which indicates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this classification.

NOTE: You may be required to provide a copy of your transcripts.

• At least 1 year (or 12 months) of experience programming in a language used in the Department (listed in job summary)
• At least 2 years of course work in computer science, management information systems or a related field including at least 6 semester (or 9 quarter) hours in a programming language used by the Department.
• None of the above

02

Describe the specific experience and/or education which qualifies you for this classification. (List programming languages and/or course work.)

03

Select the option which describes your highest level of education completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• At least 60 college units
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• Other

04

If applicable, please list your major and/or the number of college units you completed. If this does not apply, indicate n/a.

05

I have read, understand and acknowledge the additional requirements associated with this classification.

• Yes
• No

06

Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

07

DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following:
• Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest, are prohibited.
• Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards.
I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I will need to meet the standards above.

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my background including any past drug use. While some experimentation with drugs is allowable, providing untruthful or misleading answers is not. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.

• Yes
• No

10

Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other illegal drug, for sale?

• Yes
• No

11

Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, marijuana extracts, or marijuana edibles) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.

• No experimentation with marijuana
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

12

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

13

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

14

Please select the option that details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance usage NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

15

Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

16

Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

17

Please select the option below which details your heroin usage over your lifetime.

• No experimentation with heroin
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Address

2102 W. Encanto Blvd.








Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

Phone

602-223-2290

Website

http://www.azdps.gov