CITY OF RENTON CLASS TITLE: BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Information Services Director, plan, develop, coordinate and analyze data processing systems to determine feasibility and practicality of requested services; diagnose system failures to isolate source of problem between equipment, system software and application programs; will coordinate projects with various staff. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Senior Systems Analyst is the advanced level in the series. Positions in this class perform the more complex or technical projects and may serve as project lead. Contact is primarily with system users, departmental staff and vendors to provide technical information or advice, to resolve problems and/or to coordinate work activities. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: * Analyze the impact of requested services through a variety of methods considering factors such as compatibility, conversion, implementation cost or impact on existing systems and equipment; document alternatives and recommendations. * Analyze needs of clients, formulate solutions and design systems and procedures for implementation; determine whether database and software exist to fulfill user needs. * Evaluate new hardware and software; advise clients on hardware and software alternatives; set standards for selection of software and assist departments in making a final choice. Develop and maintain systems for communication between mainframe and work stations; integrate department automated systems with other City-wide or department systems. Seek opportunities to improve work flow with automation application network. * Keep current on a diversity of equipment and software for work stations, both PC and central computer based, including printers, bar coding equipment and diverse types of terminals and microprocessors. * Work with departments to plan for the implementation of systems and installation of equipment; develop and design menus, tutorials and crash safeguards for user's specific applications; develop schema for information storage of user's applications; determine training needs and work with client to arrange for training. SENIOR SYSTEMS ANALYST (IS 2416)
Senior Systems Analyst - Continued Page 2 * Respond to client request for service on problematic systems and/or equipment; troubleshoot problems and develop solutions; make minor repairs to equipment and arrange for other servicing needs. * Assist in the development of software delivery and maintenance contracts between the City and software vendors. * Communicate with software vendors throughout the contract, training, implementation and support phases of software projects; provide vendor with design specifications as needed to outline new software requirements and/or changes to existing software. Train, supervise and evaluate work of subordinate staff as assigned. Operate, adjust, modify and install a wide variety of computers, peripherals, software and communications equipment to facilitate repair, upgrade and installation of equipment. * Write computer programs in a variety of technical programming languages including COBOL, Object Oriented programming and UNIX shell scripts. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES KNOWLEDGE OF: • Analysis, design and development of complex computer and communications systems. • Fundamental programming logic and technical programming languages including COBOL, Object Orient programming, and UNIX shell scripts. • Principles of work-flow charting and computer system documentation. • Basic properties of computer hardware such as cables, cabinetry and plug-in boards. • Multi-system communication networks. • Computer hardware and software repair, installation and maintenance. • Operation of complex and technical computer equipment and peripherals. • Technical aspects of field of specialty. • City organization, operations, policies and objectives. • Basic principles of supervision. ABILITY TO: • Design and implement computer and communications systems • Provide technical expertise and assistance to the Information Systems Director and user departments. • Operate, troubleshoot, adjust and repair computer equipment and peripherals. • Write clear and concise user documentation. • Evaluate systems and procedures and develop cost-saving alternatives. • Code computer programs in a variety of programming languages. • Evaluate computer hardware and software and make appropriate recommendations for purchase, repair or replacement of equipment.
Senior Systems Analyst - Continued • Lift and move computer equipment up to 40 pounds. • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. • • • • •
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Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work. Meet schedules and time lines.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: Associate of Arts degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related field and three years of experience in systems software, analysis, design, programming or network implementation. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office environment, but includes the ability to lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
November 1994