County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, to monitor operational data processing information systems, making corrections, revisions, and enhancements to existing computer programs and procedures; to design, code, and test small to moderately complex computer programs or program modules; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Programmer I is the entry-level class in the programmer series. Incumbents participate in the programming of simple problems and are assigned clearly-defined segments of larger or more complex programs or systems. Supervision is received from an Application Systems Engineer III, with technical or supplementary guidance and training provided by Programmer II's and Application Systems Engineer II's, who are available for consultation and review of work. At the Programmer I level, all phases of programming work are reviewed for accuracy and content. Positions in the class of Programmer I differ from those in the next higher class of Programmer II by having limited responsibility for monitoring assigned segments of operational systems or a group of programs.

Programmer I's are expected to flexibly promote to the higher level class of Programmer II upon a positive performance evaluation and successful demonstration of proficiency to perform the duties of the higher level classification.

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. Writes new computer programs or modifies and maintains existing ones by analyzing problems and designing limited modifications; codes and assembles test data; develops test plans, and test programs.

2. On assignment from supervisor, analyzes user requests to develop specifications for new programs of changes or modifications to existing programs; revises program documentation as required; reviews results by analyzing output for successful completion.

3. Does troubleshooting, problem analysis, and updates error tracking mechanisms.

4. May participate in training sessions to acquire knowledge of contemporary application development and technologies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I


Education:

The equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in MIS, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field. Or possession of a certificate in computer programming or equivalent.


Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience programming in any language or technology.

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:

• Methods and practices of computer systems design, programming and implementation.
• Structuring techniques for efficient program construction and maintenance.
• Standard application design methodology.
• Industry standard practices for the software development life cycle.
• Principles and practices of technical problem solving.
• Basic software systems testing.

Abilities:

• Design simple system interfaces.
• Use appropriate utilities and available software products.
• Apply testing theory and quality standards to software development.
• Understand and implement detailed functional specifications.
• Deliver elements of systems design, including data migration rules, business rules, wireframes, or other detailed deliverables.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Coordinate and manage information technology related activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and internal support units.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: JE:lh
Revised: 2/27/75
BG:ijm
Revised: 1/30/79
WW:lfm
Revised: 9/16/81
New document: Jobspecs/1821
ys/4/01
CSC Date: 10/13/81
EL;jf Revised 6/20/2017
CSC Date: 8/2/2017

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.