County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision and in the capacity of a trainee, to learn to investigate, analyze, evaluate and install software programs which will improve the efficiency of the technical staff and computer operations; to learn to develop logic, write, and test software, vendor supplied utilities and software packages; to assist in the development and modification of relatively simple and straightforward software; to learn to write operations’ manuals and guides and do related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry class for a specialized class series in the Technical Services Section of the Data Processing Department. This flexibly staffed position entails 6 months of on-the-job training in at least one of the specialized system software areas, such as JES2, MVS, CICS, SMP, installation and maintenance of vendor products, performance and tuning, capacity planning, and generalized teleprocessing. Upon entry, the incumbent should have basic training in the Assembler programming language, and demonstrate knowledge of the operation of all segments of a large-scale computer and its components at the level of a Computer Operator II using current county hardware and software. Positions in this class differ from the next higher class of Software Analyst I in that the incumbents of this lower level class are trainees and are learning the duties of the Software Analyst I. Software Analyst I’s are expected to work independently in at least 5 specialized areas of software.

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.

The following are performed under the supervision of a Software Analyst II or higher level classification.

1. Assists in the installation and testing of software packages.

2. Effects simple modifications to DPD or vendor software.

3. Writes computer operator guides, programmer guides, and documentation for software.

4. Answers questions requiring noncomplex technical information and assists applications’ programmers in at least one software specialty area.

5. Learns how to be a systems programmer and satisfactorily completes required software courses and training in software analysis and software programs necessary for performance of duties at the level of Software Analyst I.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of six months’ experience in the class of Computer Operator II or higher class in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of two years’ recent, full-time experience in the operation of large-scale batch computer systems or complex teleprocessing network operations.

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:

• Operation of a large-scale computer system, including the console, its components and peripheral equipment; Alameda County teleprocessing network and its hardware.
• Basic principles and techniques of the Assembler language.
• File organization for current County hardware, data organization and access methods in computerized systems.
• Familiarity with the use of Job Control Language (JCL) for current county hardware.
• Wylbur, TSO, or an equivalent text editor.

Abilities:

• Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.
• Analyzing and problem solving, initiative.
• Planning and organizing.
• Decision making, judgment.
• Function effectively under direct supervision.
• Learning to interpret technical manuals for product installation and problem resolution.
• Learn to develop and install software programs.
• Understanding and following verbal and written instructions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

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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.