SYSTEMS ANALYST I/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 direction (Systems Analyst I), or general direction (Systems Analyst II), performs a variety of complex systems analysis in the design, implementation and maintenance of information systems and supporting computer hardware and software applications; troubleshoots, analyzes and resolves systems and applications hardware and software problems; and provides technical support and assistance to City information users.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Systems Analyst I – This is the entry level class in the Systems Analyst series providing technical and analytical support to information systems, computer hardware and software applications, and City information users. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Systems Analyst II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the operating procedures and policies of the work unit under the direction of the Applications Development Manager. Incumbents initially appointed to the Systems Analyst I level may progress to Systems Analyst II after successfully completing one year (12 months) of progressively responsible experience as a Systems Analyst I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and departmental requirements established for progression.

Systems Analyst II: This is the experienced level class in the Systems Analyst series and is expected to independently perform the full range of technical and analytical support functions with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Systems Analyst I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed technical and analytical 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 Systems Analyst II level are normally filled by advancement from the Systems 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 complex systems analysis in the design, implementation and maintenance of information systems and supporting computer hardware and software applications; programs new applications or enhances existing programs.
• Provides various applications development support in response to staff needs including software installation, set-up and configuration, and trouble shooting user problems; maintains existing computer applications by modifying programs or implementing new programs; tests modified program for possible errors and resolves as needed.
• Installs, integrates, programs, administers, and maintains a variety of computer operating systems; conducts system performance analysis and tuning; installs and maintains system software, files and structures.
• Establishes and maintains security guidelines for terminal access, password expiration and protection of the City’s computer resources; adds or deletes user access as required.
• Develops relational database and spatial data interfaces for staff requirements; provides quality assurance services for relational database applications.
• Analyzes computer management information systems to determine needed modifications or new development needs; designs, develops, and implements systems.
• Maintains and provides support to existing systems; provides technical answers to client requests for information on system use; responds to trouble calls and requests for major or minor systems modifications; tests, debugs and installs programs.
• Provides assistance in the design and development of new systems; from client requirements, determines method of integrating new programming code into existing programs to meet user needs.
• Performs system maintenance activities on various files; monitors system disks for space; maintains system security; resets user passwords; grants or revokes system access.
• Plans, develops and analyzes additions, changes and enhancements to system software; determines impact of existing systems, and local/wide area networks.
• Performs technical duties in support of the City’s database systems; develops, documents and maintains the City’s database systems; maintains database security and user access; researches and analyzes new systems and database developments.
• Responds to requests from users regarding system operations or hardware and software problems; provides solutions to operational problems or refers users to appropriate staff member.
• Investigates, analyzes and resolves network-related problems; resolves compatibility issues; recommends and implements changes and improvements.
• Operates a variety of equipment including printers, tape units and communication equipment.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

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:

• Operations, services and activities of information systems programs.
• A variety of application programming languages.
• Personal computer hardware and software components.
• Principles and practices of computer science and information systems.
• Principles and concepts of network technology.
• Principles and practices of database maintenance and administration.
• Principles and practices of system testing, analysis and security administration.
• Relational database design and methodology.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of computer systems, networks and associated hardware, software and related components.
• Methods and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of application hardware and software.
• Methods and techniques of evaluating client information and technology requirements.
• Methods and techniques of using application design and development tools.
• Database principles and concepts.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Provide support in the implementation and maintenance of various applications.
• Perform complex system analysis, design and development duties.
• Respond to and identify user needs and determine resolutions.
• Detect, isolate and resolve application hardware and software problems.
• Apply a wide variety of applications programming languages.
• Install, test and configure hardware and software applications and programs.
• Design, configure and test system hardware and software applications and programs.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software applications and programs.
• Evaluate, test, implement and support new operating systems.
• Read, interpret and apply complex technical publications, manuals and related documents.
• Instruct users in the use of City computer systems.
• Operate a variety of computer systems and equipment.
• 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:

Systems 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.

Systems Analyst I

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible systems analysis and software applications experience.

Systems Analyst II

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to a Systems Analyst I with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

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: July 2005
Revised by MH/Department