SOFTWARE ARCHITECT - 40000201

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

Summary Objective

The primary purpose of the Software Architect is to provide hands-on software development with architectural responsibilities. The Software Architect will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that meet the functional and business requirements of Durham County Government. This position will contribute to the architectural design of software systems, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and aligned with the organization's goals. The software architect will translate complex requirements into technical specifications, implement software solutions, and ensure that these solutions are built with a strong architectural foundation. The Software Architect will also participate in code reviews, testing, and debugging processes, and participate with the development team in following best practices. Additionally, this position requires staying informed about the latest industry trends and emerging technologies to incorporate innovative architectural designs. As a Software Architect this position will play a key role in both the development and design of software systems, ensuring that the technical solutions are robust and aligned with the organization’s long-term objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class, as necessary.

• Software Development:

• Write high-quality code for complex software systems, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Review and maintain the existing codebase, making improvements and updates, as necessary.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues, ensuring system stability and performance.

• Technical Strategy:

• Contribute to the overall software development strategy, aligning it with organizational goals and objectives.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and tools, ensuring they meet project requirements and future scalability.

• Collaboration and Leadership:

• Collaborate with peer architects, engineers, analysts, and planners, ensuring a cohesive approach to software development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Coordinate with project managers and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.

• Code Review and Feedback:
• Review code written by other developers, offering constructive feedback, and ensuring adherence to architectural standards.
• Documentation and Design:
• Develop and document requirements and design specifications.
• Innovation and Improvement:
• Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement within the software development lifecycle.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and industry developments, implementing them as appropriate to enhance software architecture.
• Methodology Consistency:
• Ensure a consistent methodology and skill set across the development team when creating applications, fostering a unified approach to software development, such as DEVOPS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Technical Expertise:

• Architectural Experience: Proven experience in architecting, designing, and implementing software products from inception to deployment.
• Programming Skills: Strong proficiency in C# (required) and experience with other languages such as Python, Java, or Go. JavaScript knowledge is a plus.
• Web Development: Senior level understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic, utilizing Source Control with demonstrated ability to create responsive, user-friendly web interfaces.
• Object-Oriented Principles: Deep understanding of Object-Oriented Principles, design patterns, and their practical application in software development.
• Database Design: MS SQL Server or similar experience. Able to design and implement data layout from business cases.
• System Administration: Administer and integrate technologies such as Power BI, Jotform, Laserfiche, other business applications.

• Design and Development:
  • Interface and Implementation: Strong understanding and experience with interface, implementation, and simple design concepts.
  • Cloud Technologies: Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or AWS, including familiarity with cloud-native architectures.
  • Microservices and Modern Technologies: Hands-on experience with microservices architecture, event-driven systems, containerization, and orchestration using modern technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, and Airflow.

• Leadership Abilities:
  • Collaboration: Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, project managers, and stakeholders.
  • Soft Skills:
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on finding efficient and effective solutions to complex challenges.
  • Innovation: Ability to stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, and to apply this knowledge to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the team and the organization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Four years to six years experience in software development.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. • Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• None

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer