Senior Applications Developer (Senior Systems Applications Programmer)

The City of San José innovates to provide exceptional civic services using advanced technologies to help our community thrive. 

As one of the largest cities in the nation, the City manages a large set of services and assets and operates on a budget of $5.9 billion, with approximately 7,000 employees, serving about 1 million residents and 80,000 businesses in the heart of Silicon Valley. 

The Information Technology Department’s (ITD) mission is to enrich the quality of life in San José through innovation, collaboration, and engagement. ITD enables that mission through business and infrastructure systems, cybersecurity, data management and analysis, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), productivity and collaboration tools, the San José 311 resident experience platform, data equity and privacy programs, and strategic planning. San José is powered by truly great people, a robust technology environment, and a strong sense of purpose.

The IT department is a leader in innovation, embracing cutting-edge technologies and pioneering solutions to enhance efficiency and quality of life in San José. As part of this effort, the City leads a national initiative for AI through the GovAI Coalition, which was established to give local governments a voice in shaping the future of AI, ensuring it is developed responsibly and for the public good.

Promoting the City’s commitment to equity and inclusion, we believe that all members of the community, regardless of background, have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital age. San José is in the heart of Silicon Valley, which boasts a rich history in technology, education, and agriculture. Over half of San José residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the importance of language accessibility in all City services. By fostering inclusivity, promoting digital literacy, and building accessible platforms, we are advancing technology while creating a more equitable future for everyone.

At the City of San José, we promote work-life alignment and a focus on growth to bring out the best in our people. Come join us in making San José the most vibrant, equitable, sustainable, and innovative city in the nation! Visit the Information Technology Department’s website to learn about our culture, vision, leadership, and innovative initiatives.

NOTE – The first review of applications will be on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Monday, November 9, 2026, if you would like your application to be included in the first review. Candidates who pass the first application review round will be invited to interviews the week of November 30, 2026.

The Development Services Solutions team is responsible for several Off-The-Shelf (OTS) and custom systems and applications that support daily operations in the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement Department and the Development Services process at the City of San José. The Information Technology Department’s Development Services Solutions team is seeking a qualified candidate for the Senior Applications Developer position to support the development and maintenance of the below systems and applications as well as to assist with emerging needs around data analysis, data extraction, data mapping, and reporting functions. 

The Development Services current technology portfolio includes:

• Permitting and Compliance (Granicus AMANDA)
• Public Portal, https://sjpermits.org/permits/online-permits.html
• Business Intelligence (Crystal Reports, Yellowfin Analytics and Reports, and Power BI)
• Electronic Plan Review
• Digital Inspections
• Inspection Scheduling and Capacity Management
• Collaboration (SharePoint)
• Enterprise Content Management (Custom and SharePoint)

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Developing new or customizing existing systems and applications using, Angular/React, Spring Boot, Java, Jax-RS, PL/SQL, SQL, JavaScript, and/or HTML/CSS using development practices.
• Documenting defects and feature enhancements. 
• Gathering reporting requirements, conducting data analysis and creating reports using Yellowfin, Crystal Reports and Power BI.
• Maintaining and upgrading existing systems and applications.
• Providing end-user training and support.
• Preparing and updating end-user and technical documentation.
• Mentoring team members and reviewing code.

Salary Information: The final candidate’s qualifications and experience shall determine the actual salary. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Senior Systems Applications Programmer classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.

The Senior Systems Applications Programmer classification is represented by the Municipal Employees’ Federation, AFSCME, Local 101 (MEF) bargaining unit.

Please note that the Senior Applications Developer (Senior Systems Applications Programmer) position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, which is subject to change. The City is currently on a 32-hour onsite workweek.

Education: A Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Management Systems or a closely related field. 

Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly progressive experience in computer systems applications programming. 

Acceptable Substitutions: Additional years of directly related work experience may be substituted for up to a maximum of two years of the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. The ideal candidate should have technical experience in one or more areas: 

1. Systems: Granicus AMANDA, Avolve ProjectDox, SAP Crystal Reports, Yellowfin and/or Power BI, Enterprise Content Management, Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) such as Mule ESB, and/or Case Management/Tracking systems.
2. Languages: Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PL/SQL, SQL 
3. Frameworks: Angular/React, Spring Boot
4. Integration Development Environments (IDEs): Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, Toad, SQL Developer, API and Web Services development (Jax-RS), and/or Mule ESB AnyPoint IDEs.
5. Application/Web Servers: Apache Tomcat, nginx
6. Other: RESTful Webservices, Data structures, Project Management (Scrum/Agile), Jira/MS Project, Business requirements gathering, Version control system (Git), Software testing methodologies, Automation test tools, Office 365 Suite, J2EE administration, Windows Desktop and Server OS environments and basic system administration. 

Problem Solving – Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Project Management – Lead software development initiatives by coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, alignment with business objectives, and effective prioritization and execution of project tasks. 

Customer Service – Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Digital Fluency - Familiar with modern AI technologies and demonstrate experience using AI-powered tools to improve productivity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job-specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection, or the hiring processes, please contact Felipa Perez at [email protected].