Programmer/Analyst - Job Opportunity at Western University

London, CA
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: August 21, 2025
On-site
CAD 37 per hour

Benefits

Access to state-of-the-art recreation centre promoting physical wellness and work-life balance
Employment within a progressive work environment that actively supports work-life balance initiatives
Beautiful campus setting providing an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing work environment
Opportunity to be part of a research-intensive university community with international reputation
Exposure to competitive salary structures within the Canadian university system
Job exploration and growth opportunities within a broad variety of employment positions

Key Responsibilities

Define, develop, test, analyze, and maintain software applications that directly address critical University project needs and strategic objectives
Provide comprehensive technical support for applications ensuring continuous operational excellence and user satisfaction
Lead planning initiatives for hardware and software enhancements to meet evolving needs of faculty, staff and students
Participate in strategic short-term planning of programming services delivery with focus on identifying technological and process improvement opportunities
Ensure implementation of latest techniques and strategies in software development and system administration
Provide expert recommendations to clients regarding planning and delivery of technical services
Collaborate with various university stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that enhance academic and administrative operations

Requirements

Education

Diploma in Computer Sciences or related field; University degree in Computer Sciences or related field, or relevant software certification preferred

Experience

2 years' experience with application development technologies and/or providing technical support for relational databases and operating systems; experience in an academic IT environment preferred

Required Skills

In-depth knowledge of programming languages Familiarity with system administration, including computer networks, operating systems, and applications software Familiarity with project management tools and resources Ability to adapt to change and master new technical and organizational concepts and processes Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service Ability to follow formal business practices with high attention to detail Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions are increasingly investing in digital transformation initiatives, driving demand for programmer-analysts who can bridge the gap between technical implementation and academic requirements. Universities are prioritizing integrated systems that can handle everything from student information management to research data processing, creating opportunities for professionals who understand both technical architecture and educational workflows. The academic IT sector is experiencing a shift toward cloud-based solutions and API-driven architectures, requiring programmer-analysts to have expertise in modern development frameworks and integration technologies. This trend is particularly strong in Canadian universities, which are modernizing legacy systems to improve student experience and operational efficiency. There is growing emphasis on data analytics and reporting capabilities within university environments, as institutions seek to make data-driven decisions about enrollment, resource allocation, and academic program effectiveness. This creates increased demand for programmer-analysts who can develop sophisticated reporting tools and dashboard applications.

Salary Evaluation

Based on the CAD 37 per hour rate provided, this translates to approximately CAD 77,000 annually for full-time equivalent work. This compensation is competitive for mid-level programmer-analyst positions in London, Ontario's academic sector, considering the university environment typically offers additional benefits and job security that enhance total compensation value.

Role Significance

Typically works within a team of 5-8 IT professionals in a university computer science department, collaborating with both technical staff and academic personnel. The role likely involves matrix reporting relationships with various department heads and project managers across the university.
This mid-level position carries significant responsibility for system development and maintenance within the university's IT infrastructure. The role involves direct client interaction and strategic planning participation, indicating a position that bridges technical execution with business analysis and stakeholder management.

Key Projects

Development and maintenance of student information systems and academic management platforms Integration projects connecting various university systems including enrollment, grading, and administrative databases Creation of custom reporting tools and dashboards for academic and administrative decision-making System upgrades and migrations from legacy platforms to modern cloud-based solutions

Success Factors

Strong technical foundation combined with excellent communication skills to effectively translate complex technical concepts for non-technical academic stakeholders. The university environment requires the ability to work with faculty and administrators who may have limited technical background but sophisticated functional requirements. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving technologies while understanding the unique constraints and requirements of academic institutions. Success requires balancing innovation with the stability and reliability expectations of educational environments. Customer service orientation and collaborative approach to problem-solving, as the role involves supporting diverse user groups including students, faculty, and administrative staff with varying levels of technical expertise and different operational priorities.

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand exists for programmer-analyst roles in Canadian academic institutions, as universities continue to digitize operations and require professionals who can understand both technical requirements and educational contexts. The specialized nature of academic IT environments creates steady demand for experienced professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Programming proficiency is absolutely essential as the role involves hands-on development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. The academic environment requires versatility across multiple programming languages and frameworks to support diverse institutional needs and legacy system integration. System administration knowledge is crucial for understanding the infrastructure context in which applications operate. University environments typically involve complex network architectures, multiple operating systems, and integration requirements that demand solid foundational knowledge in system administration. Communication skills are vital for success in this role, as the programmer-analyst must effectively translate technical concepts for academic stakeholders who may have sophisticated functional requirements but limited technical background. The ability to provide excellent customer service across diverse user groups is essential.

Beneficial Skills

Project management capabilities would enhance effectiveness in coordinating development initiatives and working with cross-functional teams across the university Database administration and data analytics skills are increasingly valuable as universities focus on data-driven decision making and comprehensive reporting capabilities Cloud computing and modern development frameworks knowledge would position the candidate well for future system modernization initiatives and digital transformation projects

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work within a research-intensive university environment where technical solutions directly support groundbreaking academic research and innovative educational programs
Exposure to diverse technical challenges spanning student services, research computing, administrative systems, and academic program support
Collaboration with internationally recognized faculty and researchers, providing insights into emerging technological applications and research methodologies
Access to professional development opportunities through university resources, conferences, and continuing education programs

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-3 years for high-performing individuals, with opportunities for advancement accelerated by successful project delivery and demonstration of leadership capabilities within the academic IT environment.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Systems Analyst positions within university IT departments, leading larger integration projects and system architecture decisions IT Project Manager roles overseeing multiple development initiatives and coordinating cross-functional teams Business Systems Analyst positions focusing on process improvement and strategic IT planning Technical Team Lead or IT Supervisor roles managing programmer-analyst teams and technical operations

Company Overview

Western University

Western University stands as one of Canada's premier research-intensive institutions with a strong international reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Established in 1878, the university has built a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs while maintaining significant research output across multiple disciplines.

Western University ranks among Canada's top research universities and is recognized as a leading educational institution both domestically and internationally. The university's computer science department, established in 1964, has developed strong academic and research programs with faculty recipients of numerous teaching and research awards.
Located in London, Ontario, Western University serves as a major educational and economic anchor in southwestern Ontario. The institution's beautiful campus and comprehensive programs attract students from across Canada and internationally, establishing it as a significant regional employer and research hub.
The university promotes a progressive work environment that emphasizes work-life balance, professional development, and collaborative innovation. The academic setting provides opportunities for continuous learning and exposure to cutting-edge research while maintaining the stability and comprehensive benefits typical of major Canadian universities.
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