Placer County

Performs professional duties related to the analysis, development, maintenance and administration of computer hardware and software systems to meet business needs.  Incumbents may perform any of the following functions: analyzes, designs, monitors and administers servers and related platforms; designs, maintains, configures and monitors network and/or telecommunications infrastructures and related system components; consults with departmental customers to identify and analyze business functions that can be improved by the implementation of new hardware and/or software solutions; translates business requirements into system deployments, including the development of design specifications; performs professional-level systems maintenance and customer support duties; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Information Technology Analyst I

This is the entry-level class in the Information Technology Analyst series.  Positions in this class are typically distinguished from Information Technology Analyst II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the series.

 

Information Technology Analyst II

This is the journey-level class in the Information Technology Analyst series.  Positions in this class are distinguished from Information Technology Analyst I by the performance of the full range of duties. 

 

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

 

The Information Technology Analyst I and Information Technology Analyst II classifications are distinguished from the Information Technology Specialist classification series in that the Information Technology Analyst series describes positions with professional/analytical responsibilities where the primary duties include the analysis of business and/or system needs, the evaluation of current systems, and the design of solutions to meet the identified business or system needs, including work which emphasizes business systems analysis and the development of technology solutions to resolve application problems or improve efficiency; network/telecommunications systems analysis, design, and administration; system analysis, design, and administration, and/or database analysis, design, and administration. In contrast, the Information Technology Specialist classification describes positions with responsibility for providing a broad range of routine and complex duties in support of specialized systems, including user support, system troubleshooting, review of business processes and communication of user requirements/problems to a vendor or statewide system which then architects and develops the technical solution, implementation of system upgrades or modifications, and user training.

Information Technology Analyst I

Incumbents work initially under immediate supervision from an assigned supervisor while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as the procedures and processes of the assigned areas of responsibilities are learned. Incumbents may also receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Information Technology Analyst. Incumbents may provide technical and functional supervision over technical and/or para-professional staff.

 

Information Technology Analyst II

Incumbents at this level work under direction from an assigned supervisor, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures and involves planning and/or determining specific procedures or equipment required in order to meet assigned objectives and solve non-routine problems. Only unusual matters are referred to a supervisor. Incumbents may also receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Information Technology Analyst. Incumbents may provide direct supervision over technical and/or specialist level staff. Incumbents may exercise technical or functional supervision over other professional staff on a project basis.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. Incumbents assigned to the Information Technology Analyst I classification initially perform the following duties in a learning and/or on-the-job training capacity.

 

• Evaluates customer technical needs and recommends solutions; plans, determines requirements, designs, builds, customizes, tests, implements, maintains and/or enhances a variety of hardware and software systems, integrating County network infrastructure and/or other systems; considers protocols, acceptable system security risk, and other related elements.
• Provides professional customer support for system-related software and/or hardware issues, needs, or requirements. Interacts with clients to analyze system requirements; recommends technology solutions to improve operations.
• Determines and develops cost benefit analyses related to recommended technical solutions; evaluates risk options; ensures project compliance with County procedures or protocols, budgetary constraints and staff/resource utilization.
• Is responsible for the coordination and completion of projects that are limited in scope and/or specific to area of assignment; develops and monitors project budgets and resources; interfaces with clients to define project scope and review project activities, recommendations and outcomes; coordinates the use of project resources based on project requirements; designs and implements project testing and quality assurance processes. Project-related duties may include:
  • determining and developing cost benefit analyses for project justifications; developing projected budgets and resources needed to conduct the work; evaluating risk concerns and options; providing technical input into the development of specifications for “requests for proposals” pertaining to external services; reviewing vendor submissions and providing recommendations on vendor selection;
  • monitoring vendor performance to ensure compliance with County specifications; ensuring project compliance with County procedures or protocols, budgetary constraints and staff/resource utilization;
  • serving as the primary client interface on assigned projects; reviewing recommendations with clients and receiving approval to proceed; reviewing final outcomes with the client and obtaining their sign off that all work has been conducted in accordance with client requirements;
  • coordinating the activities of contract personnel and/or vendors, consistent with project plans; identifies and resolves obstacles to progress;
  • designing and directing project testing and quality assurance processes for assigned projects;
• Coordinates information technology activities of County department(s), division staff, and/or vendors consistent with project plans; identifies and resolves obstacles to progress, prepares for and manages delivery and installation.
• Prepares technical documentations, procedural plans, reports, correspondence and other documents; participates on committees and task forces; attends meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• Builds and maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, vendors, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Exercises technical or functional supervision over technical and/or para-professional staff. Exercises functional supervision over other professional staff on a project basis.
• Provides technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Provides after hours technology support as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Functional Assignment Areas

(While the majority of duties assigned to a position typically fall within one of the following areas, incumbents may also be assigned duties that cross multiple areas)

 

When assigned to Business Systems Analysis/Application Development (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Interacts with clients to analyze their business requirements and recommends technology solutions; identifies and maps business processes; gathers user requirements and translates non-technical business requirements from the Business Process Analyst or other assigned management staff into technical software specifications.
• Writes application and/or system design specifications, designs application and/or system flow diagrams, schematics, file structures, reports, forms and menus; prepares a definition of the problem, the desired output, and performance requirements.
• Coordinates design, development and implementation processes with system programmers, network analysts, database administrators, and server administrators to implement new or modified application software.
• Designs, develops and maintains websites, including the design of website navigation and application frameworks and creates database connections.
• Performs various system quality assurance activities; tests, troubleshoots and debugs system issues using appropriate technology; prepares and executes testing plans to validate functionality and resolve issues.
• Serves as main client interface on all aspects of application development projects. For third party software, coordinates project activities with vendors; maintains effective communications with users regarding vendor activities, problems, status, timelines and other details; ensures compliance with County specifications and drives resolution of identified software bugs and deficiencies.
• Writes, revises, and maintains computer programs based on established specifications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms.
• Conducts training pertaining to the use of new applications or systems for users and/or other information technology staff.
• Provides professional systems support to users of particular applications.

When assigned to Database Architecture/Administration (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Performs database management and administration tasks; troubleshoots and resolves database problems; monitors and tunes database applications; verifies the integrity of data within the database.
• Ensures maximum database availability and database protection, monitors and administers database security. Creates and tests database backups; performs backup and recovery tasks.
• Designs and modifies database structures, tables and files; implements design using established techniques.
• Performs database queries and data analysis processes. Installs, configures, and administers database related reporting tools or Web software required for County applications.
• Develops and maintains standards, procedures, and methodologies for effective operation, access and data integrity of County database systems.

When assigned to System/Server/Platform Analysis and Administration (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Builds, installs, configures, maintains and administers server platforms and operating system components for mainframe, microcomputer and/or client server systems.
• Maintains telephone servers; call manager, voicemail, call center, and paging systems.
• Designs and administers active directory, exchange, e-mail, backup and related systems. Adds users, computers and servers to active directory domain.
• Assists with the development and integration of new tools for compliance with business unit requirements.
• Performs system administration installing, updating, maintaining and administering various operating systems on various platforms, maintains the integrity of network structures and support routines, provides system administration services.
• Obtains new and upgraded systems from vendors and utilizes tools; tests and installs critical upgrades and security patches; serves as main client interface on all aspects of projects; reviews recommendations with clients and receives approval to proceed; reviews final outcomes with clients to obtain sign off that all work has been conducted in accordance with client requirements.
• Tests and installs critical upgrades and security patches; develops and tests backup and restoration procedures.
• Designs, administers and makes provisions for storage area network (SAN); monitors performance and utilization of SAN.

When assigned to Network and Telecommunications Analysis/Administration (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Administers a departmental Local Area Network (LAN); monitors and adds users; installs and configures software; coordinates connectivity with the County Wide Area Network (WAN).
• Designs, configures and installs network infrastructure, including wireless equipment, hubs, switches, cabling, servers, and peripherals.
• Investigates, analyzes and resolves server, telecommunications and/or network problems; troubleshoots failures implements solutions.
• Evaluates and implements network upgrades; tests hardware and software to ensure optimal functionality.
• Designs, implements and maintains telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the 911 PSAP system infrastructure, PBX & VOIP based telephone systems, radio network, and the audio/video systems for County departments.
• Analyzes business needs and prepares design specifications, recommendations, and solutions for telecommunications technology.
• Designs, installs, supports and maintains call center solutions.
• Develops, designs, maintains, and installs remote radio sites as part of a standards based P25 digital trunking radio network. Recommends solutions for specialized and unique signal transmissions used at remote sites.
• Provides custom PLC, database, and software programming to meet the needs of telemetry end users.
• Prepares and programs computerized telecommunications customer databases.
• Assists in the development, and administration of the County’s digital multi-site, multi-agency radio system.
• Conducts training pertaining to the use of end user telephony hardware and software.
• Maintains telephone servers, Call manager, voicemail, call center and paging systems.
• Performs duties related to ensuring the integrity and security of County networks and all related components, including human element, physical and virtual servers, domain controllers, desktops, laptops, printers and other devices which utilize the County network. Scans and monitors network activity, filters malicious activity and virus probability; retrieves data for investigative purposes. Maintains County/Department network and data security standards and provides recommendations. Performs computer forensics as requested by County legal department, auditors, or other authorized requests. Conducts research on latest security threats and uses new security products to help maintain the integrity of the County’s network. Develops security procedures and provides recommendations on security policies.

When assigned to Information Systems Security (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Monitors server network traffic, performance and security; identifies and resolves security issues; checks server logs to detect intruders; ensures that outside storage for disaster recovery is adequate; provides recommendations for improved server and/or network performance and security.
• Ensures that networks and data systems comply with local, State and Federal mandates/regulations, [e.g., HIPAA].
• Researches, recommends, designs and manages large security infrastructure improvement projects.
• Identifies, analyzes and recommends emerging technologies to improve or enhance Placer County's security posture in order to protect the county’s data network and all the systems, workstations and servers that operate within it from internal and external attacks.

When assigned to Audio/Video Systems (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Analyzes clients audio/video (AV/IP) needs and recommends and designs AV/IP solutions for all AV systems and networks, production suites, media servers, recording systems, CATV/MATV networks, video-teleconferencing and digital signage networks and AV network streaming technologies.
• Manages a variety of AV/IP projects; coordinates resources, procures material, oversees/participates in the installation of the project, tests and commissions the project to make sure it meets the scope of work details and trains the end users on the system.
• Oversees production of and produces county wide and departmental video or photographic communication projects related to service, product, or event promotion, training, announcements, marketing, and other informational communication messages (includes pre-production, production - location and studio filming, and post-production editing, graphic design, marketing, and distribution).

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; position occasionally requires travel to other locations. Work environments may include noise, dust and/or unpleasant odors, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and may occasionally require work in confined spaces. Occasional evening, holiday and/or weekend work may be required.

Information Technology Analyst - I

Experience and Training

Experience: One year of experience with applications and operations of computers.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information technology or a closely related field.  Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform analytical duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. Possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for some or all of the required education.

Experience: Two years of professional level information technology experience comparable to Information Technology Analyst I with Placer County

Training: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information technology or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform analytical duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. Possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for some or all of the required education.

Information Technology Analyst I

Knowledge of:

• General operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information systems program.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in designing, developing, testing and implementing computer hardware and software systems.
• Data processing techniques, including the types of hardware and software currently used to process data with different levels of complexity.
• Structured analysis and database concepts.
• Computer hardware and software systems similar to those being used by the hiring department.
• Tools and equipment used in testing the functionality of computer applications.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network problems.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate data and information in order to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, take appropriate actions and/or make appropriate recommendations.
• Learn to research, design, implement and maintain various hardware and software technology solutions, including new technology, in order to improved County processes or services.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Learn, interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
• Recognize that changes made on a local level can affect services and equipment at the system wide level and take appropriate precautions.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Learn and utilize specialized terminology if needed by the specific assignment.
• Interpret and apply technical information pertaining to computer and network systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered during the course of the work.
• Learn to prepare and maintain documentation for procedures, processes, and tables related to area of assignment.
• Read, comprehend, and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Provide on-call service during off hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Functional Assignment Areas

When assigned to Business Systems Analysis/Application Development (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Information system development lifecycle and design principles using flowcharting techniques and prototype development tools.
• Basic principles and practices of business operations and work flow analysis.
• Various programming and scripting languages.

Ability to:

• Learn to conduct business process and needs analysis and propose technology solutions.
• Learn to develop information system designs, flow charts, report layouts and screen designs.
• Learn to read and interpret source code from one the County’s commonly used programming languages; develop a working knowledge of new programming languages.
• Troubleshoot and repair a variety of application issues using appropriate program testing methods and tools.

When assigned to Database Architecture/Administration (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Database architecture & administration.
• Database design methods and techniques.
• Techniques for defining logical relationships among data, processes or events.

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot database related problems.
• Learn to ensure maximum database availability and that data integrity is maintained.
• Learn to design and modify database structures.

When assigned to System/Server/Platform Analysis and Administration (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Server platforms and operating system components for mainframe, microcomputer and/or client server systems.
• Techniques and practices used in managing, designing, implementing, maintaining and operating information processing systems.

Ability to:

• Learn to analyze, build, install, configure, maintain and administer server platforms and operating system components for mainframe, microcomputer and/or client server systems.
• Learn to design and maintain active directory, exchange, e-mail, backup and related systems.

When assigned to Network and Telecommunications Analysis/Administration (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• General operational characteristics, configuration and set up of local and wide area network and communication systems, equipment and devices, including telephone and radio equipment.
• Networking principals and methodologies.  
• The functionality of firewalls, switches, routers and peripherals and how they interact within the network infrastructure.

Ability to:

• Learn to monitor and analyze server and network performance and security and provide recommendations for improved server and/or network performance and security.
• Learn to plan, design, install and document new network segments and connections.
• Learn to analyze business needs and prepare design specifications, recommendations, and solutions for telecommunications technology.
• Learn to design, implement and maintain telecommunication systems and projects.

When assigned to Information Systems Security (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• General operational characteristics, configuration and set up of local and wide area network and communication systems, equipment and devices, including telephone and radio equipment.
• The functionality of firewalls, switches, routers and peripherals and how they interact within the network infrastructure.
• Common information security issues, threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.

Ability to:

• Learn to monitor and analyze server and network performance and security and provide recommendations for improved server and/or network performance and security.
• Learn to identify and resolve system performance and security issues that risk business continuity.

When assigned to Audio/Visual Systems (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, rules, guidelines, and best practices related to motion picture, photographic, and live/post audio and video production.
• The components, design, and setup of audio/visual systems including projection and displays systems, control systems, and sound reinforcement systems.
• Principles and practices of visual and graphic design, video and photographic editing.

Ability to:

• Learn to analyze the audio/video needs of county departments and provide recommendations regarding the necessary audio/video systems and equipment for ongoing use or for county events.
• Ensure audio/video systems and equipment is properly installed and troubleshoot system and equipment problems.
• Learn to produce a variety of promotional and informational videos and photographs for the purpose of service, product, or event promotion; training; marketing; and/or other informational communication.

Information Technology Analyst II

Knowledge of:

• General operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information systems program.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in designing, developing, testing and implementing computer hardware and software systems.
• Data processing techniques, including the types of hardware and software currently used to process data with different levels of complexity.
• Basic project management principles and techniques such as  organizing and managing a project, developing schedules, identifying critical paths, and breaking down a project into individual tasks.
• Structured analysis and database concepts.
• Computer hardware and software systems similar to those being used by the hiring department.
• Tools and equipment used in testing the functionality of computer applications.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network problems.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate data and information in order to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, take appropriate actions and/or make appropriate recommendations.
• Learn to research, design, implement and maintain various hardware and software technology solutions, including new technology, in order to improve County processes or services.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
• Explain the values and limitations of services requested.
• Recognize that changes made on a local level can affect services and equipment at the system wide level and take appropriate precautions.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Learn and utilize specialized terminology if needed by the specific assignment.
• Interpret and apply technical information pertaining to computer and network systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered during the course of the work.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for procedures, processes, and tables related to area of assignment.
• Read, comprehend, and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Provide on-call service during off hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Functional Assignment Areas

When assigned to Application Development (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Information system development lifecycle and design principles using flowcharting techniques and prototype development tools.
• Basic principles and practices of business operations and work flow analysis
• Various programming and scripting languages.

Ability to:

• Conduct business process and needs analysis and propose technology solutions.
• Develop information system designs, flow charts, report layouts and screen designs.
• Read and interpret source code from one the County’s commonly used programming languages; develop a working knowledge of new programming languages.
• Troubleshoot and repair a variety of application issues using appropriate program testing methods and tools.

When assigned to Database Architecture/Administration (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Database architecture & administration.
• Database design methods and techniques.
• Database security methods, procedures and best practices
• Techniques for defining logical relationships among data, processes or events.
• The operating systems and database software utilized by Placer County.

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot database related problems.
• Ensure maximum database availability and that data integrity is maintained.
• Design and modify database structures.

When assigned to System/Server/Platform Analysis and Administration (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Server platforms and operating system components for mainframe, microcomputer and/or client server systems.
• Techniques and practices used in managing, designing, implementing, maintaining and operating information processing systems.
• Inter-application and hardware platform integration.

Mobility – frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing and crawling.

Lifting – frequent lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 80 pounds.

Vision – constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.

Dexterity – frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.

Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.