County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to develop specifications for extremely complex system software programming; to define the logic, write the programs, develop test plans, and test software programs or to provide direction and guidance to incumbents in lower classifications performing these operations; to be responsible for a software system; to prepare technical reports; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the advanced classification performing software analysis duties. Incumbents are responsible for developing, evaluating, modifying, and maintaining complex software systems. Senior Software Analysts are competent to work at the highest technical level on all phases of software programming while working on their own most of the time. Supervision, technical guidance and training is received from the Manager of Technical Services. The positions in the class of Senior Software Analyst differ from those in the next lower class of Software Analyst by having responsibility 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. Senior Software Analysts may have lead responsibility for software programming and analysis, including giving training, direction, and guidance to the Software Analysts when assigned these responsibilities by the manager of Technical Services. Senior Software Analysts are further distinguished from the next higher class of Manager of Technical Services by the Senior Software Analyst being accountable for a segment of the software programming and technical support function while the manager of Technical Services has accountability for the entire function.

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. Directs the applications dealing with the overall system control program with complex sub-systems of system control programs such as file management routines, large telecommunications networks, access methods, data base management, utilities or other advanced software packages.

2. Maintains currently installed version of the system control programs through application of vendor supplied '”fixes” and through generation and application of solutions to locally diagnosed problems; maintains associated documentation.

3. Plans for, generates, and installs new releases of system control programs and vendor supplied software.

4. Enhances, installs, and tests vendor supplied utilities and software packages; develops utilities and ad hoc service routines; maintains County and vendor supplied utilities and software packages.

5. Plans for, writes, tests and implements extensions and corrections to the teleprocessing system.

6. Designs complex software systems; enhances complex software systems; writes, and tests software programs.

7. Gives direction and guidance to Software Analysts.

8. Provides technical information and assistance to applications programmer and systems analysts in the use of teleprocessing, remote job entry, sub-routines, utilities, databases, file access, disk maintenance, job control language (JCL), applications languages, and vendor provided applications support packages (e.g., LIBRARIAN, ASIST, WYLBUR).

9. Prepares technical reports relating to the analysis of software systems.

10. May be designated to act as Manager of Technical Services during the manager’s absence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year in the class of Software 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) performing similar duties.

Or II

The equivalent of five years of recent, paid, full-time, increasingly responsible experience in computer programming and systems analysis, including at least three years of increasingly responsible experience in software programming and analysis.

Or III

Some acceptable combination of education and experience.

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 software programming and systems analysis.
• Principles and methods of computer applications programming.
• Principles of computer operating systems design.
• Principles and methods 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.
• Job Control Language for current County hardware.
• Principles of database management systems.

Ability to:

• Solve complex software programming and systems design problems from relatively minimal diagnostic information.
• Apply the principles of software programming and design to a variety of situations.
• Develop complex software systems, interpret and evaluate existing software systems and enhance them for efficiency of technical staff and computer operations.
• Develop software programs and modify them for efficiency.
• Evaluate hardware and software systems and make recommendations for conversion to new systems.
• Plan for and install new software systems; plan for and install new releases to vendor supplied software.
• Enhance vendor supplied software packages and utilities to suit County operating environment.
• Gather and analyze data, draw sound conclusions, prepare clear and concise reports on software systems; write clear and concise instructional and procedural manuals relating to software systems.
• Give guidance and technical assistance to applications programmers and software analysts.
• Communicate and work effectively with data processing staff and vendors.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: JE:dg 7/1/76
BA:lc Revised 1/23/79
New document: Jobspecs/1843
ys/4/01
CSC Date: 3/19/79