DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This is a skilled technical position involving responsibility for the gathering and analysis of information for developing and modifying information systems, and for providing support for jurisdiction or department systems and users. Employees in this class perform tasks associated with the maintenance, operation and modification of existing information systems as well as the implementation of new application software and databases. Data gathering may involve investigative research conducted at user departments to analyze procedures and problems and refine data, converting them into programs and proposed solutions to problems. Employees are expected to perform technical tasks efficiently and effectively, providing a high quality product while meeting project objectives and deadlines. The incumbent provides customer support and training for applications and operating systems, and the position may also have responsibilities which include other general duties connected with efficient department IT operations. Work is performed under the direct supervision of higher level IT or department staff, with the use of initiative and independent judgment. The incumbent is expected to be a task leader who occasionally manages small projects. He/she provides input to project and departmental plans and develops project plans for smaller projects. May be asked to provide input regarding employee performance. May be asked to supervise small groups and teams. Shift work and on-call duties may be required. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Responds to user requests by writing programs for approved projects using current programming technology;
Prepares specifications for system improvements;
Prepares test data and tests coded programs to validate accuracy;
Conducts/coordinates project testing, evaluations, follow-ups, and analyzes results;
Analyzes program specifications for completeness and conformance to standards;
Analyzes various software products for applicability and potential use;
Conducts interviews with user department staff and managers for fact finding purposes and presents findings;
Assists user departments in all phases of system implementation;
Serves as local focal point for department applications;
Coordinates with state and federal agencies for department applications, oversees their efficient functioning and maintains and upgrades these applications in collaboration with the agencies and with other technical staff in the jurisdiction;
May develop and/or deliver training on local or state/federal agency applications and standard off-the-shelf applications;
Provides technical assistance to users to resolve problems with applications and their effective use, including the use of networks and e-mail;
Analyzes (manual) departmental business procedures and develops, tests and implements new local computer programs, databases and reports;
Assists with designing and managing Internet/Intranet applications and Web sites and prepares, organizes and delivers Internet/Intranet publishing and reporting information (e.g. Web pages, etc.);
May assist with special projects for the department or the jurisdiction, may manage small projects or sub-projects;
Complies with adopted standards for systems development, integration, testing, and operations, including standards for the use and protection of information (e.g. security, copyright, etc.);
May develop local procedures and policies, and oversee the implementation of jurisdiction policies for software, security and access, etc.;
Performs quality control, e.g. peer reviews of project output;
Participates in user training programs;
May assist in RFI/RFQ/RFP development and participate in the preparation of new equipment/software requests or requests for moves/adds/changes;
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of modern methods, principles, standards, techniques and tools of information processing as related to computers, networks, information systems and their applications for government office methods; good knowledge of programming standards and methods for analysis; good knowledge of standard off-the-shelf applications, e-mail and the Internet; good knowledge of computer and network operating systems; working knowledge of the use and operation of servers, desktops, and laptops, software, networks and peripherals; working knowledge of the jurisdiction’s IT functions and administrative procedures; working knowledge of hardware operations scheduling and work control language; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to work well in teams; ability to work effectively with vendors and users; ability to resolve technical and user problems; ability to plan and manage tasks; ability to develop efficient and user friendly systems; good initiative, self-motivation and organizational skills.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree which included or was supplemented by twenty-four (24) credit hours of coursework in management information systems, computer science, computer technology, information resource management, date processing, programming, systems analysis or related computer fields, AND one (1) year of experience in systems analysis, application, design, development, implementation and/or delivery of computerized management information systems;
OR: - Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with an Associate’s degree which included or was supplemented by twelve credit hours of coursework in management information systems, computer science, computer technology, information resource management, data processing, programming, systems analysis, or related computer fields, AND three (3) years of experience in systems analysis, application, design, development, implementation and/or delivery of computerized management information systems;
OR: - Five (5) years of experience in systems analysis, application, design, development, implementation and/or delivery of computerized management information systems;
OR: - Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of 1, 2, or 3above.
Special Requirements for appointment: Successful completion of a background investigation will be required prior to appointment.*
*Special requirements apply to an appointment made in the Child Support Unit within the Department of Social Services.