State of Maryland

An Information Technology (IT) Programmer Trainee is the entry level of work converting data from project specifications by developing programs using generally accepted computer programming languages or other development tools.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from an IT Programmer Analyst Supervisor or other data processing administrator.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the classification specification.

The IT Programmer Trainee and IT Programmer are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The IT Programmer Trainee learns to perform duties under close supervision while the IT Programmer performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Learns to interpret project specifications to determine program requirements;

Learns to devise the most efficient method of programming in relation to program requirements and computer capabilities;

Learns to map out program logic using program flowcharts and diagrams;

Learns to create and compile programs using generally accepted computer programming languages or other development tools;

Learns to construct test data and test program syntax and logic for all conditions;

Learns to identify and correct programming errors;

Learns to modify or change existing programs by analyzing project specifications, developing necessary program modules and changing related programs;

Learns to use specialty software to perform utility routines including debugging and editing;

Learns to develop job control language and procedures;

Learns to document programs;

Learns to assist in developing and assembling user documentation and operating instructions;

Attends workshops, seminars and training classes to learn to use various computer programming languages and tools used by the agency;

May learn to confer with users to obtain or clarify programming requirements;

May learn to use PC-based productivity tools to assist in program design and documentation;

Performs other related duties.

Ability to learn the principles and practices of computer programming;

Ability to learn generally accepted computer programming languages or other development tools;

Ability to learn the functions and capabilities of computers and peripheral equipment as related to programming;

Ability to learn to code computer programs using generally accepted computer programming languages or other development tools;

Ability to learn job control languages;

Ability to learn to prepare and analyze flowcharts, diagrams and other graphic and symbolic representations of work processes;

Ability to learn to use specialty software;

Ability to learn to follow emergency, disaster recovery and security procedures related to applications programming;

Ability to learn to analyze computer problems and select the most efficient programming solution;

Ability to learn to apply programming logic to work processes;

Ability to learn to identify and correct programming errors;

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, IT Programmer Analysts and technical support staff.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute experience in one of the following areas: operating computers, scheduling, controlling input and output or maintaining backups or data storage, processing data on computers, or evaluating, implementing and maintaining hardware and software on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.