Programmer Specialist (#MADZ10)
$62,483.00 Yearly Min / $78,104.00 Yearly Mid / $93,725.00 Yearly Max

This class is responsible for providing computer programming expertise to application support personnel and insuring technically efficient applications system design, solving complex software problems and coordinating with/directing other agencies' technical staff.

Supervision is provided by an administrative superior. Duties include increasing the efficiency of existing programs, designing and developing complex modifications to major computer application systems. In addition, an incumbent provides assistance to programmers and application support specialists in designing complicated logic flow, in debugging or in the use of advanced programming languages. Contacts are with application support staff who need assistance and with users in order to make modifications to major computer application systems.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Reviews computerized information systems for technical soundness.
   
• Reviews and modifies computer programs in order to increase their efficiency by reducing running time or storage requirements.
   
• Develops procedures and test data to assure accuracy and completeness in meeting design specifications; coordinates the development of test environments.
   
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to application support staff in program design, testing or in the use of advanced programming languages and specialized software such as used in on-line interactive systems and latest generation languages, data dictionary and administering source statement library systems.
   
• Designs and develops complex modifications to major computer application systems; develops guidelines for implementation.
   
• Reviews demonstrations of new software and recommends purchases. Develops and recommends standards and implements guidelines for systems development life cycle methodology, program standards and source statement library management.
   
• Provides management with timely and accurate project activity reports.
   
• May maintain data dictionary information for a number of major systems.
   
• May perform special projects requested by management.
   
• Assesses, recommends and may provide staff training in technical areas.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of fourth generation and other programming languages.
• Knowledge of a large variety of software.
• Knowledge of the concepts, methods and techniques of system analysis including information needs analysis, requirements analysis and design alternative analysis.
• Knowledge of the user's and State standards and procedures relating to data processing.
• Knowledge of the concepts, methods and techniques of system design and specification preparation.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of program testing utilizing state-of-the-art debugging and testing tools.
• Knowledge of the applications and tools utilized in a mainframe environment to control programs and multiple systems.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex data processing problems, identifying them as program related, file related or a limitation of system software.
• Ability to assist others in correcting programming errors.
• Ability to write clear, concise and informative reports.
• Ability to plan and implement the installation of a software upgrade so that the conversion will occur with a minimum of disruption.
• Ability to increase the efficiency of computer programs in order to reduce running time or storage requirements.
• Ability to design and implement complex modifications to major computer application systems.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Programmer Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years experience in information systems analysis and design.
2. Three years experience in computer programming languages including the latest generation.
3. Three years experience in database management systems which includes database design, testing, and implementation.
4. Three years experience in designing, maintaining, analyzing and implementing database management systems which includes systems performance tuning, maintaining backup/recovery systems, using system tools to identify, correct or refer system issues such as system space management and database integrity.