Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Under direction, to maintain, modify, and develop VAX system application environments and interfaces; to provide technical support and training in the use of VAX computer operating systems and applications; and to do other work as required.

This classification, found in the Health Services Agency (HSA), is responsible for maintaining and modifying the VAX computer systems software. It may also be responsible for supervising lower level analysts and support staff. This classification is distinguished from the Systems Software Analyst series in that the former requires a working knowledge of the Digital VAX computer operating systems, whereas the latter requires a working knowledge of the IBM S/370 computer operating systems and assembly language.

Modifies or updates new or existing software environments to provide consistency with HSA's various computer operating systems; establishes manages data exchange and electronic mail interfaces between agency and non-agency hardware platforms and operating systems; manages system-wide electronic messaging and file transfer routing, conversion, and application face; participates in the planning of HSA's computer-based information systems, implementation projects and establishing timelines and priorities; plans and develops sophisticated interface systems between a variety of hardware and HSA applications; consults with HSA staff and management on information system needs and objectives; conducts needs assessment and recommends appropriate solutions; analyzes established information processing procedures and recommends appropriate information systems applications and uses; assigns projects and tasks to lower level analysts, and monitors progress and results for support or training needs; provides in-house routines and utilities to automate or facilitate operating system management tasks; at the operating system level, plans and develops custom interfaces within and between applications, using network and hardware controls, if necessary; at the operating system level, establishes and maintains a computing environment which supports multiple applications; develops and conducts training for HSA computer users, co-workers and/or others; develops and standardizes in-house, on-line documentation and technical manuals; documents systems modifications, procedures, and programming; reads and interprets technical documentation; consults with various vendors for technical support; tests and evaluates new and enhanced hardware and software products for compatibility with existing operating systems and applications and makes recommendations for purchases; prepares system use and access reports on a regular basis and ad hoc reports for HSA staff upon request; provides back-up support and technical assistance in tracing, identifying and resolving system and equipment problems; may supervise and evaluate subordinates.

Working knowledge of:

• The capabilities, limitations, system requirements, and customization of a variety of software packages used to support VAX information processing systems;
• VAX operating system command languages and tools used to modify or interface software and hardware;
• VAX operating system resource requirements and tools used to monitor and modify resource usage and allocation;
• Digital VAX hardware;

Some knowledge of:

• Network protocols and interfaces;
• Client/server and distributed computing;
• Training design and delivery;
• The principles and methods of supervision.

• Define systems application problem areas, collect and evaluate data, validate conclusions and make appropriate recommendations;
• Analyze and resolve systems applications inconsistencies, weaknesses, and failures;
• Read and interpret a wide variety of technical manuals and instructions designed for the management and control of major computer application, environments and hardware;
• Estimate and meet project timelines;
• Plan, coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement recommendations;
• Write clear, concise and detailed instructions and procedures, and prepare systems and programming documentation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Train and supervise others.

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of experience in the analysis, development and implementation of information systems, including at least one year in managing VAX operating systems and applications environments.

Educational Substitution: An A.A. or higher level degree, or certification from a vocational training school in information systems or computer science or a related field may be substituted for up to one year of the general experience shown above. Education cannot be substituted for the required VAX experience.

Bargaining Unit: General Rep

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 84

Worker's Comp Code: 0053