Education Research Center Support Programmer (Programmer IV)

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

Position Overview: The Education Research Centers (ERCs), Support Programmer performs highly complex data and systems analysis and advanced computer (SAS) programming to develop datasets that integrate Texas Education Agency (TEA) and external data sources for use by the ERCs. This position is responsible for conducting extensive quality assurance, resolving data and programming issues, and ensuring assigned projects are completed within established timelines.

The Support Programmer provides support and documentation to ERC-affiliated researchers working with TEA data. This role also performs quality assurance and peer review of other programmers¿ code and datasets. The position maintains comprehensive program documentation and assists the unit director with additional programming and projects as assigned.

This position works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Support Programmer reports to the Federal Reporting and Special Populations (FRSP) Unit Director within the Research and Analysis Division.

This position requires up to 5% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

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

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. ERC Base Data File Preparation: Performs highly complex data and systems analysis to create datasets from PEIMS views and other data collections for inclusion in the ERC data warehouse. Implements extensive quality assurance checks and resolves errors on ERC files.

2. ERC Supplemental Data File Preparation: Performs data analysis and review of supplemental data requests submitted by external researchers. Processes data for inclusion in the ERC and coordinates transfer of data to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

3. ERC Project Documentation: Develops and maintains ERC project plans, submission spreadsheets and other project documentation.

4. ERC Quality Assurance: Performs code reviews and quality assurance checks for peers on ERC-related files.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in SAS or SQL Programming

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
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment
• Ability to systematically analyze programs and data systems in-depth and propose/implement appropriate solutions
• Ability to develop expertise in the state¿s educational data systems, including PEIMS and STAAR
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment
• Strong project management skills
• Highly organized; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve
• Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts, ask questions, synthesize and analyze

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.

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