Programmer III

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. 

TEA's Performance Reporting division seeks to ensure continuous improvement in the academic achievement of all Texas public school students by 1) developing and implementing a transparent, rigorous, and fair academic accountability system and 2) providing accurate and comprehensive academic performance reporting systems, tools, and trackers.

The TPRS Data and Federal Reporting (TDFR) team processes indicators for the Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS) and implements the federal accountability reporting requirements. The Programmer III will perform highly complex SAS and computer programming work in support of the state and federal accountability system. This is a senior level programmer position that works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 is a required attachment 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 - Processing State Accountability Indicators: Develops, maintains, and executes complex SAS programs to process school and district-level performance and demographic data for publication in the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS). Performs comprehensive quality assurance and validation checks, investigates data anomalies, and resolves programming or data issues. Documents processing logic, data sources, and outcomes to ensure transparency and continuity across reporting cycles. 
2 - Processing Student and Staff Profile Data: Owns and processes TPRS/TAPR Student and Staff Profile data. Reviews prior years¿ documentation and SAS programs, and analyzes changes in source data and requirements. Generates profile datasets (student-level and campus, district, region, and state aggregates), including the Attendance mega file and Attendance Rates. Produces Student and Staff Profile web reports for TPRS, as well as Kindergarten Readiness web reports. Documents processes and changes, responds to data requests related to the Student and Staff Profile, and provides support to other projects related to the Student and Staff Profile.
3 - Participating in Federal Accountability Processing: Participates in federal accountability data processing, including equity gap analysis and minority and poverty-related measures. Develops and reviews SAS programs to calculate federal indicators in alignment with federal requirements. Performs validation and quality checks to ensure accuracy and consistency of federal reporting outputs. Documents methodologies and supports internal review and analysis related to federal accountability reporting.
4 - Generating Ad-Hoc Reports: Generates ad-hoc reports and data extracts in response to internal and external requests related to state and federal accountability reporting. Translates data requests into technical specifications and efficient SAS solutions. Ensures ad-hoc outputs meet data quality standards and are appropriately documented. Manages multiple requests while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in programming or data analysis
Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience

Other Qualifications 

• Experience with SAS programming language, constructs, IDEs (e.g. SAS Studio and SAS Enterprise Guide) and standards for writing and reviewing complex programming, data validation techniques, and working with large databases
• Experience and proficiency of SAS programming language required (Base SAS, SAS Macros, PROC SQL, PROC Report, etc.)
• Prefer knowledge of and experience with Texas public school education data and familiarity with public school accountability system
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems related to data analysis, validation, and reporting
• Ability to clearly document processes with incredible attention to detail
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with colleagues, including giving and receiving feedback
• Ability to manage time and projects to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment
• Self-driven and proactive; takes ownership of assigned work
• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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