County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, assists in planning, configuring, installing, troubleshooting and supporting agency/departmental Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and other computer systems and related equipment; provides consultation to departmental support staff and management on hardware and software issues; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the journey-level class in a series that includes this class and that of Technology Support Analyst. Incumbents in this class provide support for department computer users and management in three areas: network/system administration, database administration and web design/development.

Positions in the Information Systems Specialist – Technical Support Analyst series possess broad information technology knowledge and are capable of performing most information technology activities within their department. Positions in the Information Systems Specialist class are distinguished from the next higher class of Technical Support Analyst in that incumbents of the latter class have broad operational responsibility for a major departmental computer program or activity and may have lead responsibility with respect to Information Systems Specialist positions. The classes in the Information Systems Specialist – Technical Support Analyst series are not flexibly staffed.

The Information Systems Specialist class is further distinguished from the next-lower class of Information Systems Technician II in that incumbents in the latter class perform routine maintenance, installation and troubleshooting of departmental computer systems.

Positions in the Information Systems Specialist – Technical Support Analyst series differ from the more specialized Information Systems Analyst class in that the latter works primarily on complex information systems design and administration activities such as software systems analysis, design, and coding.

Positions in the Information Systems Specialist – Technical Support Analyst series differ from the more specialized Information Network Analyst class in that the latter works primarily on complex network design and administration activities such as designing, configuring, and installing a department’s network infrastructure.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Coordinates and participates in providing technical assistance to computer users regarding hardware and software, application and connectivity problems may act as system(s) administrator.
2. Serves as primary contact in troubleshooting assigned systems; fixes problems as assigned.
3. Develops custom applications and reports for assigned computer systems including databases, spreadsheets, macros, and other programs.
4. Analyzes user application requests and assists in system design.
5. Researches, analyzes, and evaluates new hardware and software products for use by County departments.
6. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations relating to the use of computers and other technology and applications.
7. Analyzes and resolves database related problems.
8. Works with users, vendors and management to help define data needs to facilitate departmental business plans.
9. Develops and monitors system security measures.
10. May assist in the development of Web content such as slide shows, portable document format files, animations, HTML, Active Server Pages, Java Scripts and Java Applets.
11. Assists in the administration, operation and support plans for utilization of Web technology and resources.
12. Prepares and maintains user procedural manuals.
13. Provides new user computer orientation and system overview; provides formal or informal training as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in developing and maintaining information technology systems including LAN/WAN systems.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Modern computer technology to develop, administer and maintain computers and network systems.
• Information technology concepts.
• Methodologies for analyzing systems, procedures and workflow.
• Office software applications.
• Functions and capabilities of database systems.
• World Wide Web technology.
• Network infrastructure technology.

Ability to:

• Function as system administrator.
• Maintain existing office software applications.
• Make effective decisions.
• Plan and organize.
• Identify and correct problems with computers and related equipment.
• Analyze problems related to database design, system interactions and cross platform issues.
• Prepare and maintain documentation, records and logs.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

BG:tc 1/92 Formerly: 1170h
BG:cla Revised: 10/10/97
BG:dhb Revised: 01/14/98
BG:dhb/Revised: 2/5/98 CSC date 2/18/98
co:updated 6/9/00 0416h.doc Oldspecs
Newspecs: 0416.doc
BG:pf Rev. 10/30/00 2nd Rev. 1/22/01
CSC date: 4/11/01
RE:pf Revise/Retitle 3/7/04
[old title: Information Systems Specialist]
CSC Date: 4/27/2005
JO:po Revised/Retitled 4/5/06
[old title: Information Systems Specialist I ]
CSC Date: 4/26/2006

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.