SPOKANE TRANSIT POSITION DESCRIPTION. for APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST

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1 SPOKANE TRANSIT POSITION DESCRIPTION for APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST NATURE OF WORK This position is responsible for multiple information technology subsystems and includes performing systems analysis, application support, application interface programming, conceptualization, design, planning, implementation, maintenance, and user training. Work includes conceiving, designing, and maintaining databases and telecommunications integrated with other systems; translating specifications into computer language; testing results; designing or assisting in the design of file structures. This position requires a person with very complete working knowledge of Microsoft development tools to include; Visual Basic.net, SQL database, web design and good understanding of the architecture of relational databases, how to optimize performance, maintain security, extract data for reports, etc. The position also requires a general understanding of communications and network protocols. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and communications skills as they will work directly with users to resolve operational problems and define enhancements to the overall portfolio of systems. SUPERVISION This position is under the direct supervision of the Information Systems Manager. The nature of the work requires that the incumbent have the ability and temperament to function successfully with a high degree of independence. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The incumbent is responsible for multiple information technology subsystem conceptualization, design, planning, implementation, and maintenance, and for user training. Example of Duties: Work includes conceiving, designing, and maintaining databases and telecommunications integrated with other systems; Translating specifications into computer language; testing results; designing or assisting in the design of file structures;

2 Incumbents are expected to bring projects to conclusion, including development of operating procedures, instruction and training, and required documentation. Monitor applications and database performance; Identifies problems and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Maintain log files, re-index database, purge and archive data. Modify system parameters to optimize performance. Schedule maintenance and support jobs to run unattended at specified times, day or night Conceptually and programmatically debugs programs to isolate problems and takes appropriate actions to correct them. Writes, corrects, and makes modifications to computer programs. Successfully develops and executes test plans that thoroughly test applications and allow for quality implementations of new or modified applications and reviews results. Analyzes current procedures and makes recommendations on simplifying those procedures. Work effectively with vendors and customers to learn specific design requirements and perform analysis and design of computer applications. Evaluates improvements and benefits which could be derived from modifications of existing systems. Set alerts on tasks to provide automatic notification when a critical function fails. Develop, testing and maintaining an effective backup and recovery strategy. Implement and maintain fault tolerance solutions where appropriate. Disaster recovery. Database Storage Management Example of Duties Application and Database Security

3 Determine and implement appropriate login security levels Provide or restrict user access to the databases as appropriate Implement user permissions to control what a user can do within a database Application and Database Installation and Configuration Examples of Duties Install and configure new applications for optimal use Modify application and database configuration to accommodate changing user and data requirements Upgrade older versions to new database structure Interface with vendors, users, and other transit properties. Examples of Duties Work with our vendors on reporting and resolving problems Test new applications, program logic and patches Observe operations and suggest procedural improvements Network with other users so that we stay well informed as to their experiences with the database applications they are running or evaluating for possible purchase Work closely with and in direct support of other staff members in the Information Systems Department. Assume various duties and responsibilities as determined by the needs of the job, including new requirements, or duties currently assigned to other employees. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or an related field, with a minimum of three (3) years application analyst level experience. A combination of directly related experience, education and training may be substituted for a degree. Knowledge of: Capabilities, limitations, and functional applications of information technology. Flowcharting, data modeling, process modeling, form design, and control procedures.

4 Research methods and techniques including structured system analysis and design, and information engineering. Data input methods and control techniques for computer processing. Principles for conducting a business system analysis, including the analysis of procedures, equipment, and methods. Software unit and integration testing, object oriented technologies, and/or event driven concepts. Form and report design. At least one type of database organization access and retrieval technique. High level computer programming languages. Ability to: Use strong analytical skills and the ability to resolve problems in an efficient and practical manner and to analyze, interpret, and present research findings to prepare design specifications. Design effective information technology subsystems and develop appropriate programs. Conduct analyses, interpret research findings, conceive a variety of solutions to functional problems, and reduce abstract ideas to easily understood procedures. Support and maintain multiple information technology systems which may require using different programming languages and operating systems. Monitor and/or observe data to determine program problems. Project management experience and an applied understanding of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Planning Analysis Development Implementation and Support (PADIS) models. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, contractors, and/or vendors. Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper English sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. Communicate orally with other employees, customers, and the public in face-to-face one-onone settings, in group settings, or using a telephone. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and coworkers, and possess a special empathy for system users. Ability to install, use and support Microsoft Office and other Windows based applications in an enterprise network environment. Ability to work with limited supervision and take initiative to resolve problems, develop required procedures and prepare related documentation. Establish priorities to meet objectives. PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES Ability to walk several miles a day, work in confined spaces, crawl under desks and ladders. Must also be able to lift and carry boxes and equipment weighing up to 45 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly. Good manual dexterity; ability to write, type and work with small precision hand tools and parts.

5 Must be able to hear well enough, with or without correction, to receive detailed information through oral communication and have visual acuity to determine color, depth and field of vision. Ability to perform repetitive motions of wrist, hands and fingers. Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language both orally and in writing. Valid drivers license from state of residence. SELECTION FACTORS Knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibilities as summarized above. Experience in supporting, maintaining, designing, implementing changes, tuning, and expanding applications and in the use of Microsoft SQL Server and Access databases. Experience in writing and using programming and SQL languages. Experience with development and support of microcomputer applications written in a basic.net programming language. Working knowledge of current and recent versions of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Organizational and time management skills. Creativity, adaptability and willingness to expand knowledge and experience in all areas related to microcomputer use and support. WORK SCHEDULE STA operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and many job functions rely on systems supported by the Information Systems Department. The normal work schedule for the Information Systems Department is 8am-5pm, M-F; however, it is frequently necessary to schedule certain support activities outside normal hours during the evening or on weekends or holidays. Employees are required to carry cell phones and are on a rotational on-call basis. WAGE As provided for in Spokane Transit s Salary and Compensation Policy. AA/EEO Spokane Transit is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Public/ IS-Applications Special com