County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to investigate, analyze, and evaluate software programs which will improve the efficiency of the technical staff and computer operations; to develop logic, write, and test software programs defined by higher level software programmers; to enhance, install, and test vendor supplied utilities and software packages; to assist in the development and modification of relatively complex software; to write operations manuals and guides and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the intermediate level class performing software analysis duties. Software Analysts are competent to work on most phases of software programming on their own and only require general direction for the balance of the activities. Supervision is received from the Manager of Technical Services with technical or supplementary guidance and training provided by Senior Software Analysts who are available for consultation and review of work. The positions in the class of Software Analyst differ from those in the next lower class of Programmer Analyst by the Software Analyst being involved in software systems programming while the Programmer Analyst is involved in applications programming and systems design. Generally, Programmer Analysts design and modify applications systems and programs while Software Analysts analyze, enhance, and write the software programs which are used to assist applications programmers in keeping their programs running and effectively utilizing the hardware. Programmer Analysts may be assigned software programming responsibilities in training to qualify for entrance to the Software Analyst series. Software Analysts are further distinguished from the next higher class of Senior Software Analyst by the Senior Software Analyst having lead responsibility for software programming and analysis, including giving training, direction, and guidance to the Software Analysts. Senior Software Analysts are responsible for the most complex software programming applications such as routines supporting multi-programming, telecommunications and file management while Software Analysts assist with the most complex software programming applications.

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. Develops logic, codes, and tests software packages defined by Senior Software Analysts.

2. Develops or enhances software programs to improve the efficiency of technical staff and computer operations.

3. Enhances and tests vendor supplied utilities and software packages.

4. Assists in the development and enhancement of relatively complex software, such as routines supporting multi-programming, telecommunications and file management.

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

6. Provides technical information and assistance to applications programmers in the use of teleprocessing and remote job entry, sub-routines, utilities, databases, disk maintenance, file access methods, job control language (JCL), and applications languages (COBOL).

7. Provides guidance to Programmer Analysts who are being trained to software analysis and programming.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year in the class of Programmer Analyst or an equivalent or higher class in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts) with experience in software programming.

Or II

The equivalent of four years of recent, full-time, increasingly responsible experience in computer programming, including at least two years in software programming and analysis.

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 computer operating system software programming and systems analysis.
• Principles and techniques of applications programming.
• Principles and techniques of assembler language programming.
• Job Control Language for current County hardware.
• Methods of program problem analysis and correction.
• File organization for current County hardware.
• Data organization and access methods in computerized systems.

Abilities:

• Solving relatively complex software problems from relatively minimal diagnostic information.
• Applying the principles of software programming and design to a variety of situations.
• Developing software programs.
• Interpreting and evaluating existing software programs and enhancing them for efficiency.
• Writing clear and concise instructional and procedural manuals.
• Giving guidance and technical assistance to applications programmers and Programmer Analysts involved in software programming.
• Communicating and working effectively with data processing staff and vendors.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: JE:dg
7/1/76
BA:lc
Revised 1/19/79
WW:lfm
Revised 4/28/81
New document: Jobspecs/1842
ys/4/01
CSC Date: 5/5/81

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.