Software Analyst I/II/III, Merced, California

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under supervision (Software Analyst I), general supervision (Software Analyst II), or direction (Software Analyst III), perform application support and maintenance, business/workflow analysis, application integration, report development, testing processes, and project management for specialty areas in Business and Services, and Software and Services. The Software Analyst classification is focused on the maintenance of existing third-party applications and/or the development of new service delivery programs and solutions. Positions in this class are flexibly/alternatively staffed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Software Analyst I
The Software Analyst I is the entry-level class of the series. Initially, incumbents will participate in application support and maintenance, business/workflow analysis, application integration, report development, testing processes, and some project management responsibility. Positions in this class are flexibly/alternatively staffed.

Software Analyst II
Software Analyst II is the fully qualified, journey level class of this series. Competent to perform a variety of analytical duties, positions are characterized by the presence of general guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision in non-routine circumstances. Positions at this level require experience in carrying out application development efforts and project management support at the departmental/enterprise level, have knowledge of industry standard structured life cycle development methodologies, and will focus on the maintenance of existing applications and/or the development of new service delivery programs and solutions as related to the area of assignment. Positions in this class are flexibly/alternatively staffed.

Software Analyst III
Software Analyst III is the highly qualified, senior level of this series. Competent to perform a wide range of analytical duties, this position requires an in-depth knowledge of one or more of the specialty areas. Positions in this class require a high level of discernment, initiative, and experience in executing and managing application development projects that have a focus on business process re-engineering at the departmental/enterprise level. The incumbent possesses prior application development or support experience including user analysis, developing, coding, implementing, project management, and prior analysis experience in business service delivery requirements, procedures, and programs to advise practical solutions. Positions in this class work under general direction, but typically receive minimal supervision.

Reports to
Information Technology Manager or designee.

Classifications supervised
This is not a supervisory class.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Serve as liaison between City staff and third party vendor sales, applications, and support to resolve issues.
2. Monitor workflow and the business process analysis.
3. Perform application development, integration, and monitoring.
4. Conduct presentations, demonstrations, and feedback sessions.
5. Conduct various types of testing including alpha, beta, and production.
6. Perform application support, maintenance, and ongoing enhancements.
7. Assist with customer training.
8. Prepare and develop procedures, handbooks, manuals, and other training related materials.
9. Assist with the development of project proposals and yearly work program/budget.
10. Provide front line support for assigned systems; respond to phone calls, emails, and support cases; and reset passwords and enable accounts and reset printers.
11. Prepare various department reports and documents including Request for Proposals, City Council Administrative Reports, Software Enhancement Requests, and Software Development Requests.
12. Develop functional/technical specifications identifying the features and functions of an application.
13. Perform installation, configuration, and go-live testing.
14. Perform quality assurance over interim work products and deliverables.
15. Assume a prominent role in the execution of professional IT consulting/development projects.
16. Recommend technology solutions to clients.
17. Monitor and manage departmental customer satisfaction.
18. Perform first-line issue resolution.
19. Perform related duties as required.

When assigned to Business and Services

1. Serve as project manager; develop and execute project plans, manage the budget, schedule and coordinate meetings and oversee the project timeline.
2. Provide expert knowledge on supported third-party applications.
3. Prepare workflow and process diagrams including cost and benefit analysis.
4. Perform software maintenance.
5. Evaluate and analyze procedures and data, and develop logical conclusions.
6. Oversee business process analysis/re-engineering, using a formal and proven methodology.
7. Participate in the execution of the full life cycle of projects.
8. Facilitate customer sessions to define their application requirements.
9. Participate in database design, development specifications, application phototyping, development, and production testing.
10. Prepare and review statistical information
11. Coordinate with staff, vendors, and public for implementation of new features.
12. Design and develop systems documentation and training.

When assigned to Software and Services:

1. Perform coding for highly technical programs for data processing applications.
2. Design and develop complex data marts and data warehouses.
3. Manage and/or participate in database development, rollout, and support of production databases.
4. Manage and/or participate in database integration between existing and new applications.
5. Manage and/or participate in database sizing and tuning.
6. Assist in design and implementation of web-based applications.
7. Assist with development projects on one or more of the following platforms: Unix, Microsoft, client-server or web-enabled.
8. Implement and maintain the operation of web sites and servers.
9. Assist with security related issues pertaining to web site operation.
10. Perform coding for difficult program instructions
11. Provide technical guidance and assistance to other staff associated with software development
12. Provide representation on web related issues.
13. Evaluate and resolve system design and complex software programming problems.
14. Recommend measures to optimize system performance and response.
15. Perform database analysis and data modeling for logical and physical database design

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

When assigned to Business and Services
Operational characteristics of information systems, hardware, and software.
Principles and practices of computer science and information systems.
Methods and techniques of training and instruction.
Principles and practices of systems analysis and documentation.
Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of systems, networks, and applications.
Off the shelf vendor support.
Emerging technologies, including web-enabled (e-government) service delivery applications.
Unix Systems, Client-Server, Web-enabled and related software.
Computers, information systems, and Internet technologies.
Methods and practices of project management.
Concepts and practices of software design, relational and distributed database technology.
Concepts and practices of data warehouse design and data mining.
Software design, relational and distributed database technology.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

When assigned to Software and Services :
Methods and techniques of information system programming and design.
Principles and practices of programming and documentation.
Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of systems, networks, and applications.
Maintain current on emerging programming languages and procedures.
Computer programming languages such as asp.net, HTML, C#, Java.
Methods and techniques of database backup, installation, connectivity and recovery.
Methods and techniques of database maintenance and system security.
Methods and techniques of database performance and optimization methods.
Principles and techniques of various programming languages, database, and computer programming.
Characteristics and limitations of computer systems and related equipment.
Developing end-user documentation and training materials.
Quality assurance programs.
Scripting languages in an UNIX and/or Microsoft environment.
Principles, practices and methods of Internet (Web) design, development, and implementation.
Basic security considerations pertaining to web-based applications.
Industry best practices used in the development arena.
Various application development tools supported by the City of Merced.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:
Demonstrate, develop, and support a commitment to customer service.
Analyze policies, procedures, and instructions and make appropriate recommendations.
Stay abreast on emerging programming languages and procedures.
Possess, control, and maintain sensitive and/or confidential information.
Work in a team environment or independently, as conditions require.
Understand and work with relational databases.
Manage and maintain project costs, resources, and schedules.
Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
Evaluate and analyze procedures and data and make appropriate adjustments.
Manage third party application systems, application design, development, deployment, support, and maintenance.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and
database applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

When assigned to Business and Services
Assist with business process analysis, system installation and deployment, support, and maintenance.
Conduct computer system and procedure analyses, make recommendations for new applications.
Design and develop presentations, documentation and training for customers; oversee workflow.
Assist in the development of project proposals including the submission of budget items, project plans, and reasonable timelines.
Process diagrams and perform cost/benefit analysis.
Prepare required documentation, including both program-level and user-level documentation.

When assigned to Software and Services :
Code highly technical programs for data processing applications.
Code programs for data processing applications.
Solve complex application programming and systems design problems.
Troubleshoot connectivity issues related to web site operation.
Implement security procedures.
Work with standard design and layout tools.
Assist in design and implementation of web-based applications.
Deploy, configure, and maintain web servers and related software.
Recommend measures to optimize systems performance and response.
Stay abreast in software development techniques, technology, and tools.
Troubleshoot database problems.
Provide technical guidance and assistance to other staff associated with application development.

Education and Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Software Analyst I Education/Training:
Equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in business information systems, computer science, or related field.
Experience:
One year of information systems experience in a Software Analysis role.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
Special Requirements:
Ability to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation.

Software Analyst II Education/Training:
Equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in business information systems, computer science, or related field.
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible information systems experience in a Software Analysis role.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
Special Requirements:
Ability to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation.

Software Analyst III Education/Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, or a related field.
Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible information systems experience in a Software Analysis role.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
Special Requirements:
Ability to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting; exposure to computer screens; may require working evenings including weekend and holiday assignments; and occasional travel to different sites.

Physical: Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; to walk, sit, stand, bend and stoop for prolonged periods of time; to see in the normal visual range with or without correction; to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; to use various office equipment including a computer screen and keyboard; and perform occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Supplemental Information

Reference: City of Merced Personnel Rules and Regulations, Sections 5.05 and 5.07.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The City of Merced assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined by City Manager.
Closing Date/Time: 3/15/2021 11:59 PM Pacific