Application Systems Specialist

INTRODUCTION:

You can do great work and love what you do with the City of Delaware. We are an organization that succeeds because of teamwork, dedication, diversity, and the innovative spirit of all our  employees. The City of Delaware is an award-winning local government organization known for its professionalism, customer service orientation and a strong commitment to distinctive and well-planned community development. The work environment is stable with excellent benefits and retirement packages. Our mission is to ensure an effective government, a healthy economy, being a safe city and welcoming you to be a part of this great community!   

Under the direction of the Deputy Information Technology Director, the Application Systems Specialist's primary role is to design, maintain and implement current and or new database management systems, computer applications and operating systems.  This position also analyzes organizational software needs, devises solutions, and maintains PC software and hardware systems. The Application Systems Specialist understands and analyzes organizational tasks, workflows and procedures and looks to modify, enhance, and improve IT systems and applications to enable efficient and productive use by City employees. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101

1. Conducts needs and impact analysis on business requests searching for ways to link programs, processes, and systems throughout the organization to achieve optimal efficiency and reusability.
2. Leads testing and quality assurance activities.
3. Addresses system performance issues and crashes. Tracks, escalates, and redirects problems to correct resources. Follows up with users, provides feedback, and sees problems through to resolution.
4. Delivers software solutions to business side of the organization. Interacts and engages with directors and discusses specific business needs and requirements.
5. Provides application support for current and new software systems.
6. Continually develops product expertise by reviewing new functionality, testing product issues, and utilizing internal resources. Maintains expert level of business functional knowledge and current automated technologies.
7. Assists Community Affairs with the function and operability of the City website.
8. Assists in the provision of IT consultation and technical guidance to City departments in the selection, operation, and maintenance of organizational software.
9. Creates or enhances documentation. Develops and documents process flows to uncover and clarify business requirements.
10. Provides software training to staff as needed.
11. Works as a liaison between departments and technical staff by translating business needs into technical specifications for execution by the technical staff.
12. Provides perspective from user and or business need.
13. Analyzes and defines user requirements and translates them into clear and concise system requirements.
14. Reviews test and implementation plans and coordinates and supports user acceptance testing.
15. Works with management to review and test new hardware and software applications for potential use by City departments.
16. Provides IT end user support.
17. Develops automation scripts or applications as needed.
18. De-bugs or analyzes application or system problems.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE

• City and Department goals and objectives.
• City and Department policies and procedures.
• Government structure and process.
• Project management.
• Principles and practices of analysis and design of complex computer and communications systems.
• Data analytics and reporting.
• Principles of  workflow charting and computer system documentation.
• Enterprise and desktop applications including financial, asset management, management, and inventory management.
• Principles and practices of interface design.
• Troubleshooting principles, methodologies, and issue resolution techniques.
• Principles and practices for project management.
• Current Web technologies, protocols, and tools.
• Enterprise Microsoft Windows server/client environments
• Principles and practices of programming and systems analysis.
• Principles of network client/server relationships
• Standard office procedures.

SKILLS

• Excellent organization, attention to detail, accuracy, time management, and critical thinking skills.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Civic engagement and customer service.
• Spreadsheets, databases, a variety of software systems, hardware, networking and software applications, electronic business systems, browser-based applications and new generation internet technologies, standards, methodologies, and concepts.
• Development and upkeep of web pages.

ABILITIES

• Deal with many variables, define and solve problems, collect, analyze, and interpret data, establish facts, and determine specific action, evaluate and improve process and/or program efficiency / effectiveness.
• Operate assigned equipment.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality about information within the office.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Prepare correspondence.
• Compile and prepare reports.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Be honest, dependable, and trustworthy.
• Maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively, both in oral and written form and to prepare and present effective public presentations.
• Exercise independent judgement and discretion.
• Learn new tasks/handle multiple tasks, solve problems, meet deadlines, and show strong self-motivation and initiative.
• Evaluate user needs, system requirements, and cost effectiveness to develop appropriate alternatives.
• Develop and maintain clear and concise user documentation.
• Effectively evaluate computer systems and procedures.
• Understand the data structures and technical infrastructure used in supported applications.
• Interface effectively with third party vendors to resolve application issues and support software upgrades.
• Accurately analyze problems and recommend effective courses of action.
• Work effectively on several projects concurrently.
• Explain complex information and procedures to employees and officials lacking technical knowledge.
• Prepare complex reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Coordinate project timelines and requirements with stakeholders.

Illustrative Examples of Work / Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The primary duties of this position are performed in a general office environment with occasional visits to off-site City facilities.
2. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communications capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
3. Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work requests, to diagnose and detect problems and to to develop effective system solutions.
4. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment.
5. Sufficient personal mobility and flexibility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office setting.
6. Sufficient ability and strength to lift, carry or otherwise move objects up to fifty (50) pounds for varying distances.

Training, Experience, and Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university with major course work in data processing, computer science, information technologies or closely related field.
2. Four (4) or more years of responsible experience in technical support for personal computer hardware and software systems, utilizing networks.
3. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
4. Regular and reliable attendance.
5. Any combination of training and experience which will indicate the possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below.

Supplemental Information / Special Requirements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The City of Delaware offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: health, dental, and life insurance, retirement pension and savings plans, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and longevity pay and in many positions, paid uniforms or clothing allowance. This position is part of the Management Pay Plan.  Details about the compensation and benefits for this position can be found in the agreement by clicking here.

The information above is intended to be illustrative of the kinds of duties that may be assigned to the position and should not be interpreted to describe all the duties which may be required of employees holding this position.

The City of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), the City of Delaware will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.