SAS Programmer (Programmer IV)

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The SAS Programmer works in the Performance Reporting division within the Office of Governance and Accountability at TEA. They will perform advanced (senior-level) computer programming work that involves planning, scheduling, and completing programming projects that involves activities related to assessment scoring and reporting. The programmer serves as the project lead for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scoring and reporting verification process for grades 3-8. They are also responsible for implementing a scoring and reporting quality control system to perform successful customer acceptance testing of vendor activities to ensure error-free scoring and timely reporting of student performance. This role works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews and implements the quality control policies and procedures for the scoring and reporting of results for all STAAR grades 3-8 assessments
• Develops, designs, programs, and maintains quality control programs for the scoring and reporting of all STAAR grades 3-8 assessments
• Coordinates the design and development of all databases and SAS applications used to monitor the scoring and reporting functions of all STAAR grades 3-8 assessments
• Provides project support for other team members assisting with functions related to the STAAR Alternate 2 and Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) programs.
• Responds to phone calls and emails related to the Texas assessment program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in the analysis, design, and implementation of complex computer systems using the SAS programming language.

Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military 
• Develop and maintain complex SAS programs
• Independently and accurately produce/implement a variety of programs, processes, and related components
• Ensure accurate and high-quality work; diagnose problems/limitations and propose/implement appropriate solutions
• Acquire on an ongoing and independent basis the expert knowledge and skill necessary to effectively fulfill position's essential job functions
• Analyze and interpret a wide variety of education data and prepare summary reports and/or additional analyses to inform decision-making
• Manage/mentor junior-level programming staff
• Participate in the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of data-driven state assessment policies and recommend changes for improvement
• Serve as a key technical resource to management, school districts, charters, the general public, and others
• Prioritize and plan for multiple assignments
• Accept direction, criticism, and suggestions for improvement in a positive and proactive manner
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment