GENERAL DEFINITION

This is second supervisory level systems programming work managing the operations of the network of computer telecommunications operating systems and related hardware in the City's central computing agency. The employee directs, through subordinate supervisors, operating system installation and maintenance and the evaluation of network efficiency. Work includes monitoring, testing and modifying installed systems and troubleshooting, diagnosing and correcting system malfunctions. Keeping the entire network up and operating efficiently and insuring its security are significant aspects of the work. The employee is supervised by the director of the central computing agency.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Determines network system configurations, systems compatibility, equipment needs, installation sequences and procedures, trunk line usage, and software compatibility at central and remote facilities; ensures access to mainframes through network design; sets priorities for configuration changes; devises plans for major network installation projects; directs and plans connection of other networks to the PCC network.
• Monitors network performance; directs subordinates to utilize software monitoring packages to monitor usage of front-end processors and CICS hardware; ensures that response time is within acceptable limits; reviews reports on network status; presents performance statistics at various meetings; serves as a member of a committee to review capacity planning.
• Anticipates future network needs; anticipates growth rates of terminal usage; studies past and current trends; provides for disaster recovery by developing contingency plans, and by providing dynamic load balancing and automatic protection switching for circuit back-up.
• Diagnoses unusual or difficult network problems; assigns staff members to perform circuit traces, failure detection and diagnosis; reviews findings; determines best approach for service restoration and network repairs.
• Provides system security through network changes in front-end processor configurations, modems, multiplexors and various other telecommunications devices; determines correct methods of attaining access; meets with departmental officials to discuss security needs and make security changes.
• Directs CICS/VSAM telecommunications work; ensures, through a subordinate supervisor, the availability of CICS, the customizing, installation and maintenance of systems software and the installation of security software in DOS and MVS; serves as a technical advisor for work done in this technical area; reviews progress and monitoring reports to increase efficiency.
• Directs, through a subordinate supervisor, the installation, maintenance and repair of hardware, modems, microprocessor boards and terminals; determines hardware needs; reviews requests; sets priorities; periodically reviews work performance and progress.
• Directs, work involving the management of sub-channel addressing, the installation of software used to support multiple front-end processors, and trunk lines going to other front-end processors; oversees the assignment of lines and poll characters, the debugging of network problems, the generation of VTAM resource resolution tables and the installation of RRT tables and load modules; serves as technical advisor; sets COMTEM/VTAM priorities; reviews work performance and progress.
• Recommends the acquisition of software and hardware to support the network; prepares cost comparisons of equipment lines and software to be purchased.
• Provides technical support to other departments and agencies related to systems networking.
• Stays abreast of changes and recent developments in network technology, protocols and procedures to support the PCC network.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and techniques used in systems programming.
• systems programming, analysis and design as applied to a multi-system computer and telecommunications environment that includes multiple central processing units.
• the uses, capabilities and configurations of electronic data processing equipment, including multi-central processing units, telecommunication networks and such supporting devices as disk drives, controllers, printers, card readers, etc.
• telecommunications operation systems such as BTAM and VTAM or MTS, IMF or MRJE.
• time sharing systems, such as CICS or TSO/E.
• either VSAM or KSAM file access methods.
• the methods and techniques used in the evaluation and analysis of software, hardware and application systems to achieve efficient system utilization.
• the methods and techniques used in protecting systems security and maintaining network control.
• source code programming and appropriate job control languages.
• current knowledge of communication software such as IBM and state of the art telecommunication processors and terminals.
• at least one data base system such as DL/1, IMS, TOTAL or IMAGE or SQL, VSAM or VTAM.
• management techniques for project control and analysis.

ABILITY TO:

• supervise the activities of systems programmers and technical employees engaged in developing and maintaining a large telecommunications network.
• develop and implement network communications systems, methods and procedures.
• determine the feasibility and application of systems networking to existing City operations.
• analyze and resolve complex network problems.
• advise management on systems network topics.
• think logically and sequentially.
• communicate networking concepts to technical and non-technical personnel.
• formulate recommendations to improve network efficiency and capacity.
• present ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• complete work within the confines of a time schedule.
• establish effective working relationships with associates, departmental and administrative officials, vendors, users 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 12/88.)

• 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.
• Eight years of data management experience, five years of which have been in systems programming maintaining the operating efficiency of a multi-line telecommunications network, two years of which have been at the advanced performance level or one year at the supervisory level.

Or any combination of education and experience which has included completion of a bachelor's degree program which has included or has been supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hours of course work in computer science, decision science or information science and which has been determined to be equivalent 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.

PAY RANGE: 1E43
Class Established: 12/1988

ML/sb/ps