Geospatial Developer

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

The Data Analyst V position, with a Geospatial (GIS) Developer emphasis, plays a pivotal role contributing and applying relevant knowledge and analytical skills to support HHSC in its mission to provide essential health and human services to eligible Texans in the most effective manner. It reports to the Manager of the Demography-GIS team in the Signal Detection, Visualization and Performance (SDVP) department within the Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance (DAP). The position performs highly complex (senior level) functions including data analytics and research consultation, data quality management and evaluation, and applications development. It works under limited supervision with significant to extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The position emphasizes coordination and collaboration in the (1) design and production of geospatial data analyses, including the geo-visualization of demographic, socioeconomic, health, and program data to assess and report population needs and program performance across the different regions and local areas through the use of web-based interactive visualization and other tools, and (2) mentoring, providing guidance and making recommendations to team members and other staff related to the understanding, use and interpretation of HHS program data and externally produced demographic, socioeconomic and health data (e.g., U.S. Census Bureau and Vital Statistics data) and in the use of Geographic Information Systems methods, technologies and applications, in particular, but not limited, to those under the ArcGIS umbrella. 

The position contributes original data analytics and research ideas, coordinates and collaborates with other staff, customers, and stakeholders to (1) identify, analyze, visualize, and report patterns and trends in population demographics as well as socioeconomic and health factors impacting the demand for and utilization of health and human services at the state and local level, and (2) identify, analyze, visualize and report patterns and trends related to internal and external factors impacting the agency’s ability to provide adequate access to programs and the necessary infrastructure to support them consistent with policy and performance goals at the state and local level.     

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJ1 Analysis and Visualization of Geo Spatial Data (35%):

Uses state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies (ArcGIS in particular) and any other necessary tools and methods to design and build user/customer-oriented processes, programs, and applications, including Web-based applications and interactive maps, for the purpose of analyzing, interpreting and visualizing patterns and trends involving geographical variations relative to external and internal factors that impact the demand for and utilization of Health and Human Services and the agency’s ability to provide services.

EJ2 Identification and analysis of external factors impacting the demand for and utilization of Health and Human Services and the agency’s ability to provide services (30%):

Designs and produces data analyses and reports to evaluate the impact of patterns and trends in demographic, socioeconomic, health, and other external factors on the demand and utilization of health and human services in the state as a whole and across the different regions and local areas through the use of web-based interactive visualization and the implementation of other data reporting tools and standards. Designs and produces data analyses that identify and evaluate patterns and trends related to internal and external factors impacting the agency’s ability to provide adequate access to programs and the infrastructure that is necessary to support them consistent with policy and performance goals at the state and local level.

EJ3 Effective professional consultation and collaboration (15%):

Communicates and collaborates with division and agency staff and researchers, governmental entities, and other stakeholders to contribute to and facilitate the creation of high-quality research-based data analyses reports. Leads and participates in workgroups to provide research-based data and answers to the different program areas, executive staff and policymakers. Communicates effectively with other analysts to develop plans, share work details, devise clear strategies and instructions, and formulate cogent inquiries. Presents a variety of studies, including GIS-based studies before agency staff, including agency executive staff, legislative policymakers and other stakeholders to demonstrate the patterns and trends on external and internal factors impacting the demand, for and utilization of, health and human services across the state as well as the agency’s ability to provide services in an effective way consistent with program policy and performance goals.

EJ4 Guidance and mentorship on data analytics and GIS methods (10%):

Provides guidance, mentors, and makes recommendations based on data quality standards to team members and other staff on the use and analysis of HHS program data and externally produced datasets with demographic, socioeconomic, and health data derived from major data collection systems such as the census of population or other complex samples (e.g., U.S. Census Bureau and Vital Statistics data). Provides guidance, mentors, and makes recommendations to team members and other staff on the use of GIS programs and corresponding geographic data analytical methods, procedures in particular, but not limited, to those under the ArcGIS umbrella.

EJ5 Examination, evaluation and monitoring of data source, data analysis programs and research methods (10%):

Examines, evaluates, and monitors the availability, quality, and validity of data sources, statistical and GIS programs, and other applications that are used or may be used to produce data analyses pertaining to factors that may impact the demand and utilization of health and human services as well as the agency’s ability to provide adequate access to programs and services consistent with program policy and performance goals. Proposes original ideas and makes recommendations and improvements following data quality standards and principles to identify the best data sources, statistical data analysis and GIS-based programs, methods, and techniques available for the analysis of external and internal data.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of scientific research methods, statistical data analysis techniques, mathematics, geographic concepts, their application to data analytics and distributing confidential data.

Knowledge of or strong familiarity with local, state, and federal laws related to HHS programs.

Knowledge of Census Bureau, Texas Demographic Center, and Texas Department of State Health Services data collection systems, data interfaces, and datasets.

Knowledge of computer programming principles, spreadsheet macros, and database design.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of database design and development and current database technologies.

Skill in accessing and using resources such as SAS, SPSS, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle SQL, Snowflake, Snowflake-SQL, R, ACCESS, or other statistical data analysis and database management software.

Skill and experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and knowledge of associated processes such as geocoding, cartography, and geospatial analysis. More specifically, skill in using ArcGIS Pro / Advanced, ArcGIS online, ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS dashboards, and in developing Web-based GIS applications, interactive maps and dashboards, and Web-based content sharing platforms such as Portal for ArcGIS or other Web-based content sharing platforms.

Skill and experience programming in languages such as Python / ArcPy, JAVA, and SQL for automating ETL workflows (including GIS workflows) and performing data management and processing functions.

Skill and proficiency publishing and sharing ‘GIS data as a feature service’ over a Web-based environment.

Skill and experience using ArcGIS REST services such as REST APIs, JS, and Web Service that allow users to access, process/manage, query and retrieve geospatial data over a Web-based environment.

Skill and experience programming in languages within the JavaScript framework such as Vue and React to develop customized GIS widgets and user interfaces / apps for interactive maps and dashboards published to and shared in a Web-based environment.

Skill in using EXCEL or other spreadsheet software.

Skill in graphical, tabular, and geographical presentation of data.

Skill in communicating with individuals at all management levels on substantive and technical issues.

Ability to design, develop, code, test, implement, maintain, and document computer applications.

Ability to manage, manipulate, and analyze complex databases.

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct data analytic projects.

Ability to work in a team and to communicate effectively.

Ability to develop, interpret, and review statistical data charts, maps, and tables and maintain accuracy and mindfulness to detail.

Ability to interpret and publish data analytic findings.

Ability to maintain detailed and organized documentation of data analytic projects.

Ability to train staff in the use of data systems.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in a social science, geography, bioscience, statistics, business or related field.

Three or more years using ArcGIS, in particular ArcGIS Pro / Advanced and ArcGIS Online. Strong familiarity with or one or more years working in the ArcGIS Enterprise platform. 

Three or more years using SAS, SPSS, MS or Oracle SQL, R, Snowflake, MS Access, or other statistical and database management software.

Three or more years using programming languages such as Python (ArcPy), JavaScript and JavaScript frameworks such as Vue and React for automating GIS workflows, data management functions, and developing applications involving interactive maps and dashboards.

Three or more years of experience with acquisition, collection, management, research, analyses, and dissemination of demographic, socioeconomic or health and human services-related data; experience in the use and management of large datasets is preferred. Education and experience may be substituted for each other, up to four years.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form