IT ARCHITECT-APPLICATIONS

Job Description:

IT ARCHITECT-APPLICATIONS

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: IT ARCHITECT-APPLICATIONS
Posting Number: 38449

Division: Enterprise Application Services (EAS)

Reporting Location: 611 Walker, Houston TX 77002 / 1002 Washington Ave Houston TX 77002 *

*Reporting location subject to change based on operational needs
Workdays & Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The IT Architect - Applications is a member of the Permitting and Code Enforcement (PCE) Center of Excellence (CoE) - a cross functional Information Technology team embedded within the operations of the Houston Permitting Center. The CoE’s primary objective is to provide business driven IT solutions that improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The PCE CoE supports the Houston Permitting Center application and all related or integrated hardware, software, and IT infrastructure. The IT Architect will serve as the PCE CoE technical lead to support and enhance enterprise application architectures for the City of Houston’s Permitting and Code Enforcement services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Application Architecture & Design

• Define and maintain enterprise application architecture standards, patterns, and best practices.
• Design scalable, secure, and high-performing application solutions that meet business and legal requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies to improve application ecosystems, end user experience, and citizen experience.
• Collaborate with vendors to design solutions that adhere to the City of Houston’s standards.

Integration & Application Support

• Provide ongoing support for primary application to ensure public use and access to permitting services.
• Provide ongoing support for integrated applications, APIs, services, and databases to ensure end-to-end process stability from application to payment to permit completion and records retention.
• Implement roadmaps to proactively align business growth and strategy with IT improvements and capability.
• Optimize application architecture for scalability, performance, and compliance in hybrid ecosystems.

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Provide architectural guidance to development teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Establish and enforce the City of Houston governance processes for application design, coding standards, quality control, and deployment practices.
• Conduct architecture reviews and ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards.
• Ensure that new feature development complies with future platform supportability and compatibility requirements.

Collaboration & Solution Delivery

• Partner with business stakeholders, vendors, and application support teams to conceptualize business requirements that drive technical solutions.
• Facilitate & participate in business efforts across multiple teams to identify and implement solutions.
• Prepare architecture diagrams for technical specifications, integration workflows, and release management.
• Mentor team members and promote knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Encourage communication and ideation between functional and technical team members.

Performance & Security Management

• Optimize application performance through effective design and tuning.
• Implement robust security measures such as identity management, encryption, and access controls.
• Monitor and address architectural risks to ensure system reliability and resilience.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of application development technologies (C#, Java, microservices, etc.).
• Notable expertise in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Highly skilled in API design, integration patterns, and middleware technologies.
• Experience with legacy system modernization and migration strategies.
• Understanding of government security standards, policy compliance, statutory compliance, and data governance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning. Significant time spent using computer displays, keyboard, and mouse.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field.

Holds multiple applications-specific technical certifications: recognized as having mastery of a particular technical discipline.

A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience

EXPERIENCE

At least ten (10) years of specialized experience in application systems analysis and development.

LICENSE

None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skillsets:

• Experience working with Infor Hansen 8, Infor Public Sector, Infor Operations and Regulation (Infor OR) applications
• Knowledge of the International Construction Code, International Building Code or other standardized construction regulations
• Certifications, licenses, or knowledge of construction trades - Structural engineering, electrical systems, plumbing systems, or mechanical systems (HVAC)
• Knowledge, licenses, or certifications related to municipal Property Code Enforcement

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - NO

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 33

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832/393-0450).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832/393-0450). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EEO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 4/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$4,594.00 - $5,769.23 Biweekly