GENERAL DEFINITION

This is full performance level computer programming and analysis work. Employees in this class are assigned the most complex computer analysis and programming projects and are expected to complete assignments and resolve problems with limited direction. Employees are assigned permanent systems responsibilities and satisfy computer requirements of users. Employees specialize in a designated computer language, or use one or more designated computer languages, including fourth generation languages. Employees work in environments in which there is at least a mini-computer and employees working in that environment may serve as the department's only computer programmer analyst. An employee serving as a department's sole programmer analyst is directed by an administrative supervisor. Employees in other environments work under the direction of a technical supervisor.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Perform systems analysis for new or existing user application requests; meets with users to discuss requests and user objectives; analyzes user requirements; determines how the system that is to be computerized works manually or reviews the system specification and documentation of an existing system to determine the current design; confers with users, managers and supervisors; prepares a needs or cost benefit analysis; develops systems logic and a flow chart; determines what modules to include; designs the database date file and screen layout and determines record number and size; installs, tests, evaluates, modifies and maintains the database; designs user access parameters to provide file security; writes back-up and recovery procedures to protect against loss of data; evaluates paper flow, task time, human resources and other external and interrelationship factors that will impact upon the proposed or modified system; develops a preliminary program specification, taking all the collected data and information into consideration.
• Designs program logic to meet specifications and conformance to standards; codes program in appropriate languages; prepares program flow chart; determines the size and number of files and records; tests programs; creates test data; checks input for accuracy and completeness; trouble shoots existing programs to identify problems; periodically meets with users to identify problems; writes narrative explanations of programs; prepares forms and documentation.
• Confers with supervisor, project leaders and user representatives to determine objectives and user requirements; periodically analyzes assigned system components to determine adequacy; develops recommended improvements; periodically confers with representatives of user agencies to determine if systems and programs are meeting requirements.
• Performs most complex components of group projects; may assist other project members in completion of assignments.
• Documents use of database software products and utilities.
• Meets with other City agencies and computer consultants and vendors regarding new systems.
• Assists other agencies in systemizing non-computer applications.
• Attends educational training sessions whenever appropriate.
• May provide technical assistance to other computing personnel; may train operating department personnel in use of computers; may participate in database software package planning and evaluation.
• Performs the above in an environment using at least one of the specified computer languages.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the theory and practice of systems analysis.
• the theory and practice of systems design.
• the applications and techniques of programming for the appropriate computer language.
• the principles, methods and techniques used in systems and program flow chart preparation.
• the theory and practice of organizational analysis.
• the theory and practice of procedures analysis.
• documentation procedures.
• the uses, capabilities and configurations of electronic data processing equipment, such as multi-central processing units, telecommunication networks and such supporting devices as disk drives, controllers, printers and card readers.
• the methods and techniques used in the evaluation and analysis of software, hardware and application systems to achieve efficient systems utilization.
• the methods and techniques used in protecting systems security.
• source code language programming and appropriate control languages.
• at least one database management system, such as DL/1, ADABAS, RAMIS Database, Oracle, IMS, TOTAL, IMAGE or SQL.
• data base theory.
• either VSAM or KSAM file access methods.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the applications of new software packages.
• interpret technical manuals and apply the information gathered from them.
• think logically and sequentially.
• present ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• communicate data processing concepts to non-technical personnel.
• analyze complex organizational and procedural problems.
• formulate systems recommendations to improve efficiency.
• prepare systems specifications for submission to programmer analysts.
• complete work within the confines of a time schedule.
• establish effective working relationships with associates, departmental and administrative officials, supervisors, and other data processing personnel.

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 3/89.)

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in computer science, decision science, information science, or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience performing computer programming and analysis work in the area of specialization, one year of which shall have been at the intermediate performance level.

Any combination of education and experience which has included completion of a bachelor's degree program which has included or has been supplemented by eighteen (18) semester hours of course work in computer science, decision science or information science and which has been determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

NOTE:
Employees with permanent status in the class listed below as of 8/23/89 can substitute extra experience as specified above for the required education.

• Programmer Analyst Trainee
• Programmer Analyst I
• Programmer Analyst II
• Programmer Analyst III
• Programmer Analyst Project Leader
• Programmer Analyst Supervisor
• Departmental Computer Services Supervisor I
• Departmental Computer Services Supervisor II
• Systems Analyst IV

PAY RANGE: EP21
Class Established: 11/1958

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 9/1995 ; Ad Board - 12/1995

DD/vp/ps