Joe Farmer Email and Phone Number

From mid 2014, I began teaching myself C# to make a move into development. Since February 2015, I have been working with the development team in a “learn as you do” role, to further extend my knowledge of the language. I have recently begun studying for the “Programming in C#” (70-483) Microsoft C# exam as well as numerous Microsoft SQL exams, to cement everything I have learned and gain an official qualification to authenticate my experience. Also, I have recently begun assisting the team in developing an MVC web front end for our application which uses a combination of CSS/HTML and Javascript in addition to the existing C# and SQL, although I’m fairly new to these languages. Currently my role includes:• Fixing bugs and making enhancements to the software that have been reported by the client base/product owner, using both SQL and C#.• Adding new functionality requested by users when approved by the product owner.• Aiding other departments in solving issues raised by the client base when the need arises.• Dev/QA/Regression Testing changes made by other developers when required to do so.• Planning fortnightly sprints using both Kanban and Scrum by estimating tasks to determine what the team will be working on over the coming weeks.

Expanding on my original post as an Application Support Consultant, I began working specifically with one client, the Department for Education (more specifically the Education Funding Agency) as they completed the PDSP (Property Data Survey Programme) which involved the submission of School condition data for all of the 22,000+ schools in the country,so that funds could be more effectively allocated for the up-keep of schools across the country.I liaised with Local Authorities in order to obtain data the already had, and then assisted Surveying Organisations in importing new data using our software for comparison. Once the data had been collected, I assisted in analysis of data through our software and by writing complex SQL reports, as well as creating scripts to correct erroneous data within the database.I was also tasked with the monitoring and up-keep of their environment the data was hosted from.

• Liaising with clients via phone/remote support sessions to investigate and solve issues experienced by end users. Issues include in-software faults, or issues with other elements of the environment such as:SQL Server (2005/2008/2008 R2)SQL Server Reporting Services (2005/2008/2008 R2)Report Builder 2/3IIS 6/7• Providing advice, support and guidance to clients regarding maintenance of their environments, and implementation of changes/upgrades to the product.• Creating both simple and complex SQL queries to diagnose problems with and update the clients data in their environment.• Self-managing time by prioritising calls and other work during my day.• Most recently I have been working specifically with one client, the Department for Education (more specifically the Education Funding Agency) to maintain their environment and assist in analysis of data through our software and with reports, Importing and updating data through SQL scripts and liaise with Local Authorities on their behalf as part of the PDSP (Property Data Survey Programme) which involves the submission of School condition data for all of the 22,000+ schools in the country.• Assisting/Mentoring new members of the support team to provide knowledge of the SQL databases, the product and its known issues and diagnosis techniques/progression through the different departments in the company.

• Repairing and replacing hardware and software on the 120+ workstations running windows XP on centre, with the use of a self-managed departmental budget.• Managing permissions and access of various staff/customer logons using Active Directory and Group Policy Management on a Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller, and Internet Permissions with a Kerio Protected Proxy Server. • Organising and backing up visiting schools saved work, providing CDs containing their work, and contacting/replying to schools pre and post visit about equipment they may require for their visit/work missing or corrupt on their CD etc.• Training the delivery team to deliver ICT modules to Key Stage 2/3 children, while also providing support, resources and additional training that ensure the ICT Modules are delivered at the highest possible standard.• Liaising with ICT coordinators on other centres across the UK, to give as well as receive information, guidance and often required equipment on various topics/sessions/server management methods, and to ensure each of our centres can operate/have the required equipment and resources to run from week to week.• Installing fresh operating systems/software on multiple PCs using Symantec Ghost to keep workstations running quickly and remaining up-to-date.