County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to analyze, define, design programs, and ensure that user department requirements are met. Analysts are responsible for implementing, programming, writing program design specifications, supporting database design, modifying existing systems, providing production support for users and their systems, and defining problems and recommending solutions. Programmer Analysts also give direction, guidance and technical assistance to lower level programmers; and perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Programmer Analyst is the advanced level in the programmer series. Incumbents are competent to work at the highest level of designing, testing and coding programs, working independently most of the time. Supervision is received from a Senior Systems Analyst or a Systems Analyst who are available for consultation and review of work. Positions in the class of Programmer Analyst differ from those in the next lower class of Programmer II by having responsibility for the large and complex programs of a project or application in production, and the more complex aspects of program design and coding. Programmer Analysts may assign programs and the least complex program applications to Programmers II, providing them with specifications and technical assistance when necessary. Programmer Analysts are responsible for ensuring that the program design meets user requirements, and typically have more interface with the user in this capacity than do Programmer II’s. Programmer Analysts are further distinguished from positions in the next higher class of Systems Analyst by having responsibility for a segment of the overall system which the Systems Analyst defines, designs, and implements. The segment of the system for which the Programmer Analyst is responsible consists of a series of application programs.

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. Analyzes application tasks outlined by the project lead in terms of detailed equipment requirements and capabilities; works with other project lead staff to develop estimates and coding for project plans.

2 Consults with representatives of user departments to discuss and define application programming solutions.

3. Designs logical structure of application programs and develops program specifications.

4. Codes, tests, documents, and implements application programs for the most complex programs; codes programs in COBOL/CICS, Power Builder, PeopleSoft Tools, or a web Internet language.

5. Delegates programming responsibilities to lower level programmers; and gives direction, guidance, and technical assistance to these programmers.

6. Analyzes and redesigns existing systems (including redesigning data flow, file structure, program processes and report layouts) to address changes in systems requirements and equipment configurations.

7. Monitors and maintains production systems to assure success.

8. Participates in design and program walk-through with project team to assure that user requirements being met.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Programmer II in Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.).

Or II

The equivalent of three years of full-time, increasingly responsible experience in program analysis. This experience must include the equivalent of one year in systems design and the equivalent of two years of experience in COBOL/CICS programming with JCL experience, Power Builder, PeopleSoft Tools, or a web internet language.

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:

· Principles and methods of systems analysis.
· Principles and techniques of programming.
· Principles and techniques of evaluating software products.
· Methods of preparation of program specifications.
· COBOL/CICS programming and JCL.
· Power Builder programming.
· PeopleSoft Tools.
· Web environment (HTML, Client Side, Java Script, JSP) and Java language.
· Relational databases (DB2, Oracle) and SQL.

Ability to:

· Gather and analyze data.
· Identify and resolve problems.
· Develop application programs.
· Evaluate and enhance existing systems for performance.
· Develop less complex systems, interpret and evaluate existing systems and modifying them for efficient operation.
· Write program specifications.
· Give direction, guidance and technical assistance to lower level programmers and/or other staff as necessary.
· Communicate effectively with non-technical users in both written and oral form.
· Work effectively with other staff and users.
· Work independently.
· Code complex programs in COBOL/CICS, Power Builder, PeopleSoft Tools or a web Internet language.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JE:nw 10/2/75
BA:ijm Revised: 1/10/79
WW:lfm Revised: 9/16/81
DF:rf 3/26/01
Old doc: 1825.doc
New doc: Jobspecs/1825.doc
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 10/13/81
SA:pf Rev. 10/28/03
CSC Date: 1/7/04

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.