PROGRAMMER ANALYST I
PROGRAMMER ANALYST II
(An Unclassified, At-Will Position)

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 general supervision (Programmer Analyst I) or direction (Programmer Analyst II) performs professional level duties in the analysis, evaluation, design, customization, development, testing, implementation, documentation, maintenance and support of software applications across multiple platforms and technologies; and provides technical support to end users on the use of applications.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Programmer Analyst I: This is the first level class in the Programmer Analyst series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Programmer Analyst II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Programmer Analyst II: This is the second level class within the Programmer Analyst series performing the full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Programmer Analyst I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed programming knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Programmer Analyst II level are normally filled by advancement from the Programmer Analyst I level.

REPRESENTATIVE 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 form those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs a variety of professional level duties to support information systems applications and programs in assigned area including the analysis, evaluation, design, customization, programming, development, testing, implementation, documentation, maintenance and support of software applications across multiple platforms and technologies.
• Installs and maintains application software and hardware; provides technical assistance to system users in accordance with applicable information systems policies, procedures, methods and techniques; troubleshoots and rectifies problems.
• Creates new or updates existing programs, queries or reports requested by end users for assigned information systems; creates various reports, charts and other materials from multiple layers of data stored in City databases.
• Analyzes user information system needs; recommends solutions and appropriate technology to meet client needs; evaluates new software/hardware and recommends changes as needed.
• Participates in the evaluation and testing of new and enhanced applications; installs or upgrades software applications; coordinates and documents testing for new or revised software applications; assist in deployment of new applications in assigned areas.
• Develops and writes documentation on new and enhanced applications design and functionality; designs and writes application descriptions and functions; prepares and updates user manuals and documentation, user guides, and training materials.
• Writes, enhances and debugs City computer programs written in various languages.
• Provides on-going technical support to users of various software packages and hardware components; provides solutions to operations problems or refers users to appropriate staff.
• Performs system administration functions including monitoring or adding applications, users and devices.
• Participates in user training and electronic data processing service interface with departments.
• Responds to emergencies and performs system maintenance as required.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of information systems.
• Performs related duties as required.

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:

• Software application life cycle.
• Theories and applications of computer science.
• Methods and techniques of application development, design and programming.
• Personal computer hardware and software components.
• Methods and techniques of using application development and design tools.
• Methods and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of software applications.
• Operational characteristics of various computer programs, software packages and programming languages.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of computer platforms and operating systems.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Provide technical support for the implementation and maintenance of various software applications.
• Respond to and identify user needs and determine resolutions.
• Create various reports, charts and other materials from data stored in City databases.
• Implement and install computer software applications.
• Apply a wide variety of computer programming and query languages.
• Detect, isolate and resolve application problems.
• Install, troubleshoot and upgrade applications.
• Evaluate, test, implement and support new applications.
• Program and maintain software applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Programmer Analyst I/II

Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems or a related field.

Programmer Analyst I

Experience: One year software applications programming and analysis experience.

Programmer Analyst II

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties comparable to a Programmer Analyst I with the City of Escondido.

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 the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. Exposure to temperature swings from cool, controlled environment in computer room to non-air-conditioned office space during summer months; mechanical hazards of moving equipment parts; electrical hazards of electronic equipment; explosive hazards of batteries and power supplies; possible radiation hazards from CRTs, printers and copy machines; dust of excessive paper products; potentially toxic substances of cleaning chemicals. Work is performed indoors in office environment. Work schedule is an 80 hour biweekly period, with unscheduled breaks. Overtime or flexible hours may be required infrequently due to emergencies or for system maintenance. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks, with variable pace and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting, downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; pinch grasp, finger pressure, and fine-finger dexterity to hold and/or manipulate writing utensils and operate computer keyboards. Approximately 70-80 percent of time involves computer keyboard operation. FREQUENT pushing/pulling, twisting at waist. OCCASIONAL walking, bending and stooping, reaching at and above shoulder level, upward flexion of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to one city block. INFREQUENT standing, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling; lifting objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist to shoulder level and transporting distances up to 50 feet; lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. from below waist to waist level and transporting distances up to 10 feet, with or without assistance; moderate wrist torque to operate knobs and dials; power grasp to hold equipment.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: May 2013
JP/Department

Date: November 2001
Johnson & Associates