GENERAL DEFINITION

This is administrative data management work; directing, through subordinate managers, the activities of the Water Department's mixed vendor, interconnected, multi-system Water Information Computer Center. The employee in this claps is responsible for the provision of departmental and water revenue billing related computing services that require development of business, office, process, engineering and scientific applications. This class is differentiated from the next lower level management class by the responsibility for maintaining the efficiency operation of two or more computer systems involving a variety of subsidiary vendors. Maintaining adequate levels of hardware, operating and application development, software tools, data communications and personnel to support user network needs and insuring the availability of those resources for use by computing staff are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative superior.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Directs the development and implementation of proposed operational, management and customer billing information systems and the revision of existing ones; establishes and directs the implementation of objectives, policies and procedures in support of computer applications development, needs of users and overall center operations; manages, through subordinate managers, the activities of a large programming staff engaged in systems programming, applications development and teleprocessing network activities for both systems.
• Attends initial meetings with unit managers to discuss the nature of new data processing requests; determines size and scope of requests; makes assignments and sets priorities and schedules for job completion for large or major requests; assures responsiveness of computing staff and center resources; directs and participates in the provision of technical advice and guidance in matters of systems and procedure; insures that scheduled completion dates are met for major projects and that intended objectives are accomplished; determines, with the assistance of appropriate staff personnel, corrective actions and alternatives required to resolve programming problems and satisfy user information needs; insures that users of the new system are properly trained in their applications and system access procedures; insures that programming personnel and equipment resources are properly utilized to support user requirements.
• Directs system hardware/software configuration; reviews and evaluates equipment performance and efficiency for both IBM and HP computer systems through daily and monthly review of computer generated reports; reviews systems utilization reports and disc, print, tape and user activity levels, etc.; determines when and where peaks in utilization occur and observes utilization trends; analyzes finding to prepare projection reports on hardware/software requirements for the following fiscal year; selects, procures and directs the installation of the new equipment; maintains working relationships with various software and hardware maintenance and installation contractors for both the HP and the IBM computer environments.
• Directs the continuing review of systems, methods, procedures and equipment utilization; examines techniques in use and determines modifications to effect improvements, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Plans and implements programs to develop, train, and evaluate the performance of computing personnel; defines staffing requirements; approves personnel for training programs to improve existing skills and acquire additional knowledges.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and procedures used in the management, administration and operation of a multi-system.
• interconnected, mixed vendor processing computing environment which includes a multi-circuit telecommunication network.
• the principles, practices and techniques of systems analysis, design and implementation.
• the current uses, capabilities and configuration of electronic computing equipment, such as teleprocessing equipment, central processing units, supporting devices, compatible software and remote site connections.
• the methods and techniques used in evaluation and analysis of software and hardware requirements and system utilization, configuration and performance to achieve efficiency system utilization in a multi-system computing center.
• the principles, practices and techniques used in applying computer system capabilities to meet the data management needs of the network of users.
• the operations and administrative functions of the Water Department.
• the principles and practices of supervision.
• the methods and procedures used in the development and implementation of a staff training and development plan.
• engineering terminology.
• systems programming practices and techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize and direct, through subordinate managers, the work activities of programmer analysts and system programmers engaged in developing, monitoring, implementing and maintaining the efficiency of computing systems and hardware configuration.
• develop and implement standard data processing systems, methods and procedures.
• evaluate hardware and software performance, utilization and configuration and project future requirements.
• direct the design and implementation of engineering, scientific and operations support computer applications.
• analyze and resolve complex computing system problems.
• advise management with respect to the appropriate computing systems to meet user requirements.
• present ideas effectively and clearly.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, departmental officials and contractors.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 12/88.)

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, computer science or information science.
• Eight years of experience providing data management system analysis and applications programming services, two years of which have been spent in a water utility, directing, through subordinate supervisors, the design, development, and implementation of engineering and operations support applications or business and office applications in a multi-system computing environment that includes multiple central processing units and a city wide departmental telecommunications network.

Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which includes a bachelor's degree in one of the areas specified above as an educational minimum.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP28
Class Established: 12/1988

ML/sb/ps