Steve Sampson, Developer in Halifax, NS, Canada
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Steve Sampson

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Full-stack Developer

Halifax, NS, Canada

Toptal member since February 14, 2024

Bio

Steve is a senior software developer with 20 years of experience in full-stack software development, working with notable clients such as Bell Canada, the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, and Sobeys. His primary expertise lies in C#, SQL, and C++ technologies, with a focus on the government, oil and gas, and retail industries. Steve is a team player who is willing to expend whatever energy is necessary and thrives in any environment.

Portfolio

Reach
TypeScript, HTML, CSS, Linux, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Node.js, jQuery...
Arctic Group International
C#, SQL, SQL, JavaScript, SQL Server, JavaScript, HTML5, Razor Pages, CSS...
Government of Nova Scotia
.NET, .NET Core, MVC Design, LINQ, Razor, TypeScript, SQL Server, SQL...

Experience

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

C#.NET, SQL, C#, SQL Stored Procedures, C++

The most amazing...

...critical systems I've worked on as the sole developer were for an oil and gas company, which included a schedule and dispatch and a client portal.

Work Experience

Senior Full-stack Developer

2023 - 2024
Reach
  • Increased customer satisfaction and reinforced the company's principle of being attentive to client requests in a timely manner by working on enhancements and bugs identified by users.
  • Decreased the work backlog for an existing system while other members of the team worked on new products, allowing the company to move forward with new development while still maintaining existing products and addressing immediate customer needs.
  • Demonstrated flexibility with technologies, facilitating the allocation of development tasks across different areas such as front end, back end, databases, web, and mobile platforms, thus reducing the need for multiple staff members.
Technologies: TypeScript, HTML, CSS, Linux, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Node.js, jQuery, Back-end Developers, GitHub

Senior Software Developer

2015 - 2024
Arctic Group International
  • Developed a fully customized, user-friendly web portal to streamline scheduling and dispatch of personnel and equipment, offering dispatchers a structured solution for efficient operations.
  • Established seamless connections to accounting, substantially boosting operational efficiency across invoicing, payments, and payroll, creating a holistic and interconnected solution.
  • Implemented a client portal that enabled orders to be directly entered into the dispatching system, significantly reducing phone calls and streamlining the order processing workflow.
Technologies: C#, SQL, SQL, JavaScript, SQL Server, JavaScript, HTML5, Razor Pages, CSS, jQuery, Visual Studio Development, Web MVC, MVC Design, Razor, Agile Development, Relational Databases, System Integration, Entity Framework, .NET, HTML, .NET, jQuery, REST API, Back-end Developers, GitHub

Senior Full-stack Developer

2022 - 2023
Government of Nova Scotia
  • Enhanced systems for public-facing as well as administrative systems with new messages and workflow to enhance the ease of use of the citizens, therefore reducing phone calls to the call center.
  • Updated systems in a very timely manner after legislation was passed so citizens had the required information and could align with the new laws.
  • Implemented new government UI/UX standards, providing a more homogeneous experience across services, which ideally leads to ease of use for the citizens.
Technologies: .NET, .NET Core, MVC Design, LINQ, Razor, TypeScript, SQL Server, SQL, Agile Development, HTML5, JavaScript, Relational Databases, CSS, MVC Development, JavaScript, Razor Pages, Blazor, HTML, C#, GitHub

Senior Full-stack Developer

2022 - 2023
Government of Nova Scotia
  • Created software to support a flexible, maintainable, and modern system to support and improve existing processes and support the future Traffic and Safety Act.
  • Created small microservices offering scalability and flexibility by breaking down complex applications into smaller, independently deployable services, enhancing agility and allowing easier maintenance and updates than monolithic architectures.
  • Implemented new government UI/UX standards, providing a more homogeneous experience across services, which ideally leads to ease of use for the citizens.
Technologies: .NET, SQL Server, SQL, Oracle Development, APIs, Razor, MVC Design, JavaScript, CSS, Microsoft Development, Blazor, jQuery, HTML5, Angular, Relational Databases, SQL, C#, GitHub

Software Developer

2021 - 2022
MacKay Meters
  • Replaced a back-end server that thousands of on-street parking meters communicated with. The number of allowable connections was greatly increased, which reduced the nightly maintenance job times by several hours.
  • Improved the server's performance, allowing for a much higher number of transactions per second and handling higher load volumes, thus providing more reliability during peak parking hours.
  • Created testing tools by developing a simulated yet realistic parking meter system capable of spawning thousands of instances for load testing and simulation purposes, ensuring the system's scalability and reliability under heavy usage scenarios.
Technologies: C++, C, GCC, PHP, Eclipse, Git, PostgreSQL, Boost, Relational Databases, CSS, HTML5, Automated Testing, SQL, Back-end Developers

Software Developer

2020 - 2020
Bell Canada
  • Delivered new business rule updates to an existing internal system, which was crucial in handling order intake for Bell's business clients, allowing for improved and new processes.
  • Added functionality gains to the system with the capability to intelligently re-route specific types of orders to a new internal order fulfillment system.
  • Communicated effectively within the team, addressing various unknowns that had to be resolved in a relatively short timeframe, which allowed us to meet the deadlines.
Technologies: XML, C#, Web MVC, JavaScript, Ajax, WSDL, JSON, SQL Server, SQL, SQL, SQL, Relational Databases, .NET Core, Agile Development, Razor, Razor Pages, System Integration, .NET, Entity Framework, .NET

Software Developer

2018 - 2019
Sobeys
  • Maintained an online ordering system for the Sobeys and Safeway grocery brands, which, at the time, introduced the new concept of ordering groceries online. This system allowed customers to shop 24 hours a day and from anywhere.
  • Maintained and supported integrations with multiple in-house APIs, including image and product information, so the ordering site had the latest information and provided the best possible experience.
  • Supported and maintained nightly batch jobs and integrations related to pricing information, ensuring pricing information was up-to-date and accurate.
Technologies: C#, Azure Design, APIs, Web Development, Razor, MVC Design, PayPal Development, Google Maps Development, SQL, SQL Server, Relational Databases, HTML5, CSS, SQL, System Integration, Entity Framework, .NET, REST API

Senior Developer

2017 - 2018
ImmediaC
  • Delivered custom websites, portals, and web database applications where projects were usually small and just a few weeks long; therefore, quality and delivery speed were important for customer satisfaction.
  • Decreased the time to release by creating reusable code libraries that we could utilize from project to project. This sped up the development process, provided the clients with well-tested code, and enabled us to deliver sooner.
  • Provided the option for customers to potentially target Amazon Web Services (AWS) and/or Microsoft Azure Portal, giving flexibility to the client and potential integration with other services.
Technologies: ASP.NET, C#, .NET, HTML, JavaScript, SQL Server, AWS, Azure Design, SQL, Microsoft Azure, PayPal Development, Stripe Development

Web Application Developer

2016 - 2017
Government of Nova Scotia
  • Supported, enhanced, and developed over 10 legacy internal and external government service sites.
  • Applied the Agile approach for some projects and required daily scrum meetings where presenting, requirement gathering, facilitating, and problem-solving with technical and business representatives were needed.
  • Prioritized effective communication to gather necessary information and obtain stakeholder approval.
Technologies: Active Server Pages (ASP), Java, SQL Server, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, Java, Oracle Development

Software Developer

2016 - 2016
Nautel Ltd
  • Migrated legacy internal web applications to work with an upgraded ERP, allowing the business to benefit from the new ERP system while maintaining the familiarity of existing software and processes.
  • Created new applications to work with an upgraded ERP, allowing the business to take advantage of new features of the ERP system.
  • Consulted stakeholders often during all phases of software development to ensure buy-in and engagement. This improved user experience and acceptance, as the client was an active part of the process.
Technologies: SQL Server, HTML, Active Server Pages (ASP), CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL

Senior Developer

2015 - 2015
Xerox Consulting and Implementation Services
  • Created a proof of concept (POC) web portal for initiating an online "permit application" which would tie into an existing permit application (non-web based) system. This POC allowed the business to better engage the customer during sales meetings.
  • Created integration of data processes from a Xerox internal system to an external client, allowing seamless communication between different systems.
  • Enhanced reporting by creating new reports, which were included in each application product release, addressing customer requests and product gaps.
Technologies: C#, ASP.NET MVC, Razor, SQL, SQL Server, Web Services, WSDL, SSIS, Reporting, SSIS Custom Components

Report Developer

2014 - 2015
Eastlink
  • Created reports for all departments of the telecommunications company to support business decisions.
  • Generated quickly one-time reports directly from databases for on-demand and ad-hoc report requests to support business questions.
  • Created formal and scheduled reports for commonly requested information, providing business users with consistent and easy access to commonly requested data.
Technologies: Reporting, SQL, SQL, Oracle Development, SQL Server, SSIS

Senior Developer

2013 - 2014
Seaboard Transport Group of Companies
  • Replaced a legacy liquid fuel inventory management system (MSDos) with a modern custom web-based (ASP.NET) application, allowing for better support, reliability, and customization.
  • Retired a desktop MSDos application in favor of a web-based system, allowing for better user management and access, greatly improving user experience and machine independence for the user.
  • Engaged the client at every project stage, achieving buy-in and ownership and delivering a project client required.
Technologies: C#, ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET, SQL Server, SQL

Transforming Operations in Oil Well Drilling with Integrated Solutions

As the only developer over several years, I spearheaded the creation of multiple web-based greenfield systems tailored to meet the unique requirements of the company's operations.

Among the projects, the most notable was the transformation of a labor-intensive manual system into a streamlined and integrated solution. Previously managed through spreadsheets and manual processes, this system was replaced with a user-friendly web interface portal, drastically enhancing operational efficiency.

Additionally, I expanded the capabilities of this system by seamlessly integrating it with other essential systems, including Dynamics Nav/accounting and payroll systems. This integration not only boosted overall operational efficiency across invoicing, payments, and payroll but also extended to encompass maintenance departments, training and qualification processes, and health and safety protocols, creating a holistic and interconnected solution.

Furthermore, I implemented a client portal that allowed orders to be directly entered into the dispatching system. This initiative significantly reduced the volume of phone calls and streamlined the order processing workflow, further optimizing operational processes at AGI.

Innovating Online Grocery Shopping for a Large Retail Chain

As the overseer of the online ordering system for a large grocery chain, I maintained and supported an innovative concept of online grocery shopping. This initiative empowered customers to conveniently shop 24/7 from any location, revolutionizing the grocery retail experience.

Additionally, I meticulously maintained and supported integrations with various in-house APIs, including those for image and product information. By ensuring that the ordering site consistently displayed the latest information, I facilitated an optimal shopping experience for users.

Furthermore, I provided comprehensive support for nightly batch jobs and integrations concerning pricing information, guaranteeing that pricing data remained current and accurate. This proactive approach ensured the smooth functioning of the system, eliminating any downtime and ensuring seamless operations for customers.

The system, hosted on Azure and developed using .NET with C# and MS SQL as the back end, utilized various technologies, including Azure storage, Google Maps, and PayPal integration. Despite the complexity of integrating feeds from multiple systems, I successfully maintained system integrity and reliability throughout, ensuring uninterrupted service for users.

Empowering Fitness Engagement Amidst the Pandemic

https://www.route541.com/
Route541 emerged as a small niche site developed specifically for a group of entrepreneurial runners, strategically crafted to motivate individuals to stay active amidst the lockdowns of the pandemic. This interactive platform is seamlessly integrated with Strava, a leading athlete data tracking system, enhancing user engagement and tracking capabilities.

As an exemplar of agile development, Route541 represents a swift and effective response to client needs. While the site's HTML and visual design were provided by a third party, the rest of the software was meticulously developed by myself into an interactive, database-aware, multi-user web portal.

Route541 facilitates secure transactions through integration with PayPal, enabling the client to monetize the site effectively. Leveraging Azure components, including web jobs, Route541 ensures optimal system functionality and reliability. Additionally, the platform utilizes resources such as data blobs for picture storage and SendGrid for efficient email support, enhancing user experience and efficiency.

The site's success has spurred the expansion of the business to include race timing services, reflecting the growing demand and evolution of Route541 as a fitness resource.
1998 - 2000

Master's Degree in Computer Science

Acadia University - Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada

1995 - 1998

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Acadia University - Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada

1991 - 1995

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science

Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

NOVEMBER 2023 - PRESENT

Security Clearance — Level 2

Government of Canada

Libraries/APIs

REST API, Entity Framework, LINQ, jQuery, Google Maps Development, Node.js, Stripe Development, jQuery

Tools

GCC, Git, Microsoft Development, Visual Studio Development, GitHub

Languages

.NET, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, C, HTML, TypeScript, HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, XML, WSDL, PHP, JavaScript, Active Server Pages (ASP), Java

Frameworks

.NET Core, Razor, Razor Pages, .NET, ASP.NET MVC, Boost, Blazor, Angular, ASP.NET, Java, Entity Framework Core

Paradigms

Agile Development, MVC Design, Automated Testing

Storage

Relational Databases, SQL, JSON, SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, SSIS

Platforms

Oracle Development, Azure Design, Eclipse, Ubuntu, Linux, AWS

Other

Software Development, Software Engineering, Reliability, APIs, Ajax, Web Development, MVC Development, Reporting, Visualization Software, Web MVC, PayPal Development, Microsoft Azure, Translation, PDF, System Integration, Web Services, SSIS Custom Components, Back-end Developers

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