UTILITIES SYSTEMS ANALYST
(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, performs analytical duties in the development, update, modification, operation, administration, and support of the City’s utilities information systems including software applications in PLC logic and the SCADA system, to ensure critical water/wastewater systems function efficiently and effectively on a 24/7 basis; manages projects related to maintaining and enhancing water/wastewater systems; tests and supports a variety of specialized computer hardware, software, components and devices; and provides technical support and assistance to end users.

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 analytical duties in the development, update, modification, operation, administration, and support of the City’s utilities information systems including software applications in PLC logic and the SCADA system; operates specialized software for computerized valve actuators, spread spectrum radio communications, and SCADA systems; tests and supports a variety of specialized system hardware, software, components and devices.
• Participates in the evaluation and testing of new and enhanced applications; installs or upgrades software applications; troubleshoots and rectifies hardware and software related problems; coordinates and documents testing for new or revised software applications; deploys new applications in assigned areas.
• Investigates, analyzes, and resolves computer related problems; resolves compatibility problems; troubleshoots system software, hardware and communication problems; recommends and implements changes and improvements.
• Serves as liaison with system software and hardware suppliers and vendors; initiates request for proposal documents for the selection of professional service contracts; monitors contracted services for quality and compliance with City standards.
• Serves as focal program management point on a variety of projects related to PLC logic and computer applications; evaluates water/wastewater operational requirements; researches and develops information systems solutions; develops budgets; monitors project performance and compliance with applicable specifications; ensures quality and timeliness of work performed.
• Maintains system security and integrity; monitors security of all systems and applications; identifies
  unauthorized access and potential security risks; makes recommendations on security enhancements.
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance and repair of all computer hardware systems including printers, file servers, communication servers, tape drives, and related equipment; performs daily backup procedures.
• Maintains network components including controllers, routers, bridges, hubs, and switches.
• Responds to user inquiries on system operations; troubleshoots and diagnoses system hardware, software and operator problems.
• Performs technical writing duties in the development, production and maintenance of system documentation, instructional materials and procedural manuals; reviews hardware and software technical specifications.
• Confers with staff from various departments and outside agencies to facilitate upgrades as well as solve program, system, operational, and procedures problems; analyzes problems and recommends corrective action; designs, develops and implements solutions; coordinates system activities.
• Provides technical assistance in the development of policies and procedures related to system availability, security and related services; maintains operational practices to support policies and procedures.
• Contacts vendors for components, technical reference and/or services required for system maintenance and enhancement projects.
• Troubleshoots problems as they arise on a 24/7 basis.
• Provides software training and support to utilities staff, as necessary.
• 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:

• Operational characteristics of various software applications in PLC logic, SCADA, or other appropriate applications and peripheral equipment; SQL server operations and maintenance; Wonderware HMI software.
• Methods and techniques of hardware and software configuration and installation.
• Methods and techniques of troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
• Principles and practices of training and instruction.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in computer systems development, maintenance and administration.
• Applicable programming languages.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical manuals and instructional materials.
• Local and wide area network systems.
• Principles and practices of system security and administration.
• Principles of customer service.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform system development, maintenance and administration duties.
• Evaluate, test, implement, monitor, and support computer systems.
• Analyze systems operating issues.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve systems, hardware and software problems.
• Install, test and configure system hardware and software applications and programs.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new systems.
• Analyze system requirements and apply technical concepts to recommend business solutions.
• Develop and coordinate training programs and materials.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from system users.
• 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:

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.

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the development, maintenance and administration of Program Logic Controllers (PLC) and Control Systems.

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: March 2004
New Classification- MH/Department