Python Developer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Python Developer

Reports to: IT Project Manager of Enterprise Solutions Line of Business

Subsidiary: Leisnoi Professional Services, LLC

Location: Remote

Job Status: Regular Full -Time

SUMMARY:

TheU.S. Census Bureau,Demographic Systems Division (DSD) requires support for Python development services in support of DSD's migration of survey processing systems from Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to Python.

The Python Developer will assist with the development and documentation of the rewrite of The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) production processing system into a Python codebase. The scope of the SIPP Production processing consists of 200+ edit programs. Additionally, a revamped SIPP system, named SIPP Seamless, is currently in its planning phase. Therefore, the work outlined is for supporting the ongoing SIPP production system and the SIPP Seamless system.

As DSD migrates its infrastructure into the cloud, a CI/CD tool is required. Therefore, DSD is creating a collaborative space in GitLab for sharing Python code, where the developed code will reside, and pipelines can be established. The GitLab CI/CD will then need configuration and optimization to emulate current automation for the system.

Additionally, DSD is investigating leveraging a database to replace datasets that have thousands of variables. Therefore, converting the current SAS datasets into a normalized database structure is also in scope. The database research will evaluate the feasibility of replacing datasets to determine optimizations and efficiencies. In the event the database replacement is ideal, the Python Developer will be involved in developing the database design for the SIPP Seamless system.

The scope of work for this position is to provide support to the Income Surveys Programming Branch (ISPB) in The Demographic Systems Division (DSD) for the development of a Python-based system for performing demographic survey editing. DSD needs expertise in developing enterprise, Python solutions from a developer that can effectively cross-train existing staff based on their experience in advanced programming, knowledge of data structures, database experience, and version control familiarity. The Python Developer will work with DSD IT Specialists in an integrated team environment when performing services associated with this contract.

The Python Developer will perform knowledge transfers and training to keep current staff abreast of all activities they have performed and to share knowledge of products and techniques. Additionally, all procedural and development work performed requires clear documentation that can be replicated by current and future staff. This includes clearly documenting and verbally communicating through step-by-step procedures, presentations, explanations of Python coding, configuration settings with rationale, shadowing, and other techniques deemed appropriate by current staff and/or management to ensure adequate knowledge transfer. For technical demonstrations, the Python Developer will use a variety of skills and tools such as Python, SQL, PL/pgSQL, and Shell Scripting. For policy and procedural documentation, the contractor will create procedural documentation using software such as MS PowerPoint, MS Visio, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, and MS SharePoint.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist DSD with the implementation of Python code solutions using efficient methodologies to utilize the language's strengths.
• Assist DSD in analyzing existing SAS-based system to glean functional requirements to develop optimized, Python-based solutions.
• Write high quality code that is well-documented and easy to read, use, and maintain.
• Use Python to read and reformat large datasets.
• Improve Python code performance.
• Ideally, have familiarity with SAS code.
• Ideally have familiarity with database designs that balance usability with functionality.
• Attend branch meetings and share technical knowledge clearly.
• Work with customers and subject matter experts to capture and document business needs and processes through meetings and requirements gathering.
• Make recommendations concerning the feasibility of revising existing applications or developing new approaches to utilize resources more effectively.
• Troubleshoot issues as needed and work with appropriate resources to resolve problems.
• Assist DSD with developing proof-in-concepts, pilots, and alternatives analysis.
• Provide excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Provide thorough documentation based on Census Bureau and/or DSD standards. Documentation includes but is not limited to formal specifications and/or systems logical diagrams, training, and in-code documentation.
• Participate in code and peer reviews, as well as formal walkthroughs as directed.
• Conduct formal presentations and provide written documents outlining any issues and concerns to Census Management.
• Utilize DSD version control system regularly to ensure all developed code is readily available to Census staff.
• Review the existing software systems and make recommendations to improve the design.
• Provide weekly and/or daily status reports in requested format to tasks manager or as directed.
• The contractor shall work with and train designated Census Bureau IT specialists to ensure that the system is fully understood by those designated individuals responsible for maintaining the system once released to production.
• Ideally have knowledge of using GitLab or GitHub to configure pipelines for CI/CD.
• Maintain regular communications with team as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES AND DELIVERABLES:

The Python Developer will complete tasks using, but not limited to, technologies such as:

• Python related packages, tools, and products such as NumPy, Pandas, Anaconda, Jupyter Notebook, and VS code
• SAS Software such as Advanced Base SAS, SAS Macro Language, and SAS ODS software
• PostgreSQL Databases and related languages, tools, and products such as pgAdmin, and PL/pgSQL
• Version control software such as Git, GitLab or GitHub
• Linux terminal or other tools to allow for executing from the command line
• Microsoft suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams

The following deliverables are required:

• Finalized Python modules and code for performing identified, demographic edits for the SIPP survey
• ISPB Python Programming Standards and Guidelines document
• Regular status reports
• Presentation and training material
• Evaluation and recommendation for database implementation
• Python code stored a version control software, such as SVN or GitLab

Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Security Clearance: employee must pass the Census Bureau Security Investigation / background investigation.
• We seek an individual with data engineering expertise and experience with:
  
  
  
  • Using Python to read and reformat large data files.
  • Improving code performance: able to profile and refactor code and find bottlenecks and overheads, preferably on production code.
  • Writing high quality code: well-documented and easy to read, use, maintain, and extend.
  • Linux: able to perform basic commands as an end user.
  • Data validation in a statistical processing environment.
  • Cloud computing, preferably with Amazon Web Service, is a plus.
  • Statistical Analysis System (SAS) programming experience is a plus.
  
  
  
  

MINIMUN QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Security Clearance: employee must pass the Census Bureau Security Investigation / background investigation.
• We seek an individual with data engineering expertise and experience with:
  
  
  
  • Using Python to read and reformat large data files.
  • Improving code performance: able to profile and refactor code and find bottlenecks and overheads, preferably on production code.
  • Writing high quality code: well-documented and easy to read, use, maintain, and extend.
  • Linux: able to perform basic commands as an end user.
  • Data validation in a statistical processing environment.
  • Cloud computing, preferably with Amazon Web Service, is a plus.
  • Statistical Analysis System (SAS) programming experience is a plus.
  
  
  
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• It is preferred to have 5 to 7 years + of related experience with backend and front-end development, relational database and developing applications or equivalent combination of experience.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position consists of sitting for long periods of time, using hands/ fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking or translating. Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy periods of computer usage. May be assigned occasional to moderate periods of analytical tasks requiring extensive reasoning abilities. It is Leisnoi's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is 100% remote; however, the company reserves the right to require onsite work.

Candidates can email their resumes to HR@Leisnoi.com and must also apply online at Leisnoi.com.

Leisnoi is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Leisnoi considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, family responsibility, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran's status or any other legal protected status. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Leisnoi Corporation, may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to Leisnoi Shareholders and their Descendants. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V