County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, incumbents perform journey level control, operational and monitoring functions and procedures related to large-scale, multi-platform computer systems, as well as batch operations, production scheduling, maintenance of report and scheduling databases and related duties as required.

Additionally, incumbents in the class may be assigned overall responsibility or as lead worker in specific functional areas or as a mentor to an Information Technology specialist I or II.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Information Technology Specialist IV is the fourth level in a specialized, flexibly staffed four class series responsible for the support of various computer information systems. Incumbents in this classification report directly to the respective workgroup appointed administrative staff.

This classification is unique to the Information Technology Department (ITD). It is distinguished from information technology classifications in other departments in that the latter provide operation, maintenance, development and/or technical or user support services at various levels with respect to systems utilized within those departments/agencies or between a limited number of departments/agencies. Information Technology Specialists IV are involved with the performance of system control, information processing and output functions with respect to the full range of systems utilized by and between ITD and all of its customer departments/agencies for the benefit of those departments/agencies.

This classification is distinguished from the next lower class of Information Technology Specialist III in that Information Technology Specialists IV spend a majority of time operating a complex multi-processing, multi-platform computing environment and associated auxiliary equipment on an independent basis, whereas Information Technology Specialists III receive instruction in these duties and perform them at the trainee level under close supervision. Additionally, Information Technology Specialists IV is expected to act as mentors to Information Technology Specialist I and II.

This classification is distinguished from the next higher class which is to be determined by the assigned department functional area in that the latter has lead responsibility for designing and testing smaller projects or defined segments of larger projects, whereas Information Technology Specialists IV are typically assigned to assist in these duties.

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. Manages a wide range of computer information systems; schedules all production work, maintains various application databases.

2. Provides process oversight to assure continuous processing integrity of managed systems; receives input data and processes it through various application systems; performs necessary code corrections as instructed; discerns problems and develops possible solutions from system messages; determines the severity of problems and whether they are independently correctable or should be referred to higher level staff.

3. Maintains an accurate record of system errors and other difficulties as dictated by ITD procedures and guidelines; reports malfunctions to immediate supervisor, senior programmers or vendors; determines the cause of disruptions and takes action to maintain continuous processing. May make associated and minor program revisions as instructed by a supervisor or senior programmer.

4. Executes Unit, System and User Acceptance Tests in order to assure proper program and system functioning in preparation for actual production work.

5. Performs a variety of monitoring/diagnostic activities to maintain network and on-line up-time.

6. May perform system and other related equipment installations and maintenance.

7. Documents, updates and maintains operation procedures.

8. Provides guidance to lower level Information Technology Specialists.

9. Completes technical training courses as defined by the department.

10. When primarily assigned responsibility for maintenance of the Tape Library:

a) Coordinates resource availability.
b) Conducts training as needed.
c) Writes procedures and establishes controls as needed.
d) Defines, analyzes and proposes corrective actions to supervisors on all problems.
e) Analyzes work flow and implements efficiency measures as required.

11. When assigned as the lead worker of the workgroup:

a) Plans, assigns, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of staff assigned to the workgroup.
b) Assumes full responsibility for assuring that all output data are prepared according to specified procedures and are distributed to the end users in a timely manner.
c) Prepares and maintains documentation and procedures.
d) Confers with supervisors or senior analysts to determine work requirements, report requirements and production deadlines.
e) Evaluates system problems and works with vendors and other responsible personnel to correct these problems.
f) Trains other specialists in the work of the unit.
g) Interprets user requirements and program specifications and develop program speculations as needed
h) Gathers and analyzes data, draw conclusions and prepare reports.
i) Familiar with existing systems.
j) Checks all work for completeness and accuracy.
k) Delivers excellent customer service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Both of the following:

(A) The equivalent of six months of full-time experience in the classification of Information Technology Specialist III AND

(B) Satisfactory completion of the Information Technology Specialist III Training Program requirements.

Or II

Both of the following:

(A) The equivalent of two years of recent, full-time experience equivalent in nature to that obtained in the Alameda County classification of Information Technology Specialist III; AND

(B) Successful completion of a minimum of six semester (or equivalent quarter) units in information technology at an accredited college, university or technical institution.

License Requirement:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid class C California driver's license may be required for some positions.

Special Requirement:

The Information Technology Department operates on a 24 hour-per-day, 7 day-per-week, 365 day-per-year basis. In order to provide these services, all Information Technology Department employees may be required to work grave, swing and day shifts, as well as weekends and holidays as necessary.

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:

• A variety of operating systems, software packages, procedure language and other computer and network systems used throughout Alameda County.
• Operation of large-scale computer systems, including the console, its components and peripheral equipment.
• Network operations, hardware and software.
• Computer operation, database and program documentation and procedure standards, and techniques.
• Scheduling system software and computer scheduling techniques.
• Specialized operating systems software and/or specialized applications software.
• Applications and systems development.


Ability to:
• Operate medium to complex, large-scale, multi-platform computer systems and peripheral equipment
• Resolve basic procedure problems.
• Troubleshoot interconnectivity problems.
• Read, interpret, and follow flow charts, procedural manuals and other written and oral instructions; install internetworking systems, and related equipment.
• Work with required tools and utilities in order to perform the functions required in online processing, documentation, and scheduling.
• Record accurate status of work in process or work completed.
• Work well with others.
• Function effectively under general supervision.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Write clear and concise reports and job procedures.
• Communicate technical details to users, programmers, vendors, and others in an effective and understandable manner in order to achieve timely problem resolution; recover from system malfunctions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JO:bl 3/24/00
Newspecs\1795.doc
co:updated 5/15/00
SG:po Revised 8/26/09
CSC Date: 9/23/09

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) 
• 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
• 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.