1E63

PAY RANGE: EP23

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER PROJECT SPECIALIST

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is full performance level systems programming work managing a varied data base/telecommunications/operating systems programming projects. Work is performed in a multi-system computer environment that includes multiple central processing units, a mainframe computer, and a multi-line telecommunications network. An employee in this class coordinates and directs the activities of lower level systems programmers and other users of the system assigned to specific phases and components of such projects or a group of outside consultants contracted to design or install specific computing software and/or maintain the operation and efficiency of permanently assigned complex operation and compatible software systems, the level of which differentiates this class from that of lower level systems programmers.

Work is performed under the direction of a technical superior.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Installs, tests and modifies data base/telecommunications or operating systems and compatible software for systems programming projects and permanent assignments; receives project assignments from supervisor; meets with supervisor to receive general instructions and discuss project priority status, time frame for project completion and project objectives; reviews project design and structure to determine the most appropriate system programming methodology required to meet project objectives; develops an appropriate systems programming approach, plan of action and methodology for project completion and communicates same to subordinate project personnel; determines and considers project size, type and number of project phases and components; determines number of lower level systems programmers and other users required to work the project; if appropriate.

Contacts and reviews vendor manuals and video tapes of software products used in project programming activities; interprets technical information from vendor's manual; adjusts new operating systems to achieve project objectives; may design new systems and sub-systems compatible with project objectives; debugs and evaluates new software products and develops educational programs for data processing staff.

Assumes programming responsibility for a specific project component, performing the installation, testing and modification of operating systems and compatible software; controls all aspects of systems programming projects, assuring that work quality standards, completion time frames and project objectives are met; prepares periodic project status reports for supervisory review; prepares documentation manuals for use of newly installed systems and general purpose programs; meets with data processing programmer analysts and other users to discuss the most compatible data base systems environment in which user applications can properly operate.

Provides information to subordinate project personnel or consultants on project background and objectives and project design, phases and components; provides detailed instructions to project personnel; establishes priority status and time frame for completion of the various assigned project phases and components; establishes work quality standards and program installation and testing schedules; reviews the work of subordinate project personnel or consultants through discussions at project meetings and through review of results of work and work in progress; provides technical assistance and guidance to lower level project personnel; assists them in software installation, testing and modification; investigates installation problems experienced by subordinates and provides resolutions and alternative installation approaches.

Maintains the operating efficiency of permanently assigned computer operating systems/data base/telecommunications networks in addition to project responsibility; analyzes existing software systems to provide most effective configurations; monitors usage and performance efficiency of computer system hardware and software components; analyzes computer system malfunctions for technical software or configuration control problems; establishes systems programming procedures and documents use of operating software, program products and utilities; provides technical assistance to programmer analysts on job control language, technical standards and program products, utilities and executive routines; analyzes telecommunication problems and alternative methods of solution; installs and maintains telecommunications network data bases and operating systems; develops and documents standards and specifications for telecommunications systems, data bases, operating systems and other facilities; tests systems and evaluates results.

Provides security interface for ADABAS/NATURAL, DB/2 and other database management systems; may serve as a backup to other technical support staff for TOP SECRET security.

Develops and maintains standards for the 4th generation language that accesses the database; creates and updates MVS procedures for use in both production and test database environments; reviews and approves programs and modifications to existing programs based on developed standards.

Provides a help facility for 4th generation language and file access problems through telephone communications and written text when deemed necessary.

Writes JCL to run utilities which modify the data base or files in the database; establishes and loads new files; deletes files; reorders space allocation for the database and its components; recovers and restores the database to maintain integrity; adds new databases when necessary.

Maintains knowledge of current developments in data communications; consults with programmer analysts, operations managers and their designees, and other users on telecommunications problems; fulfills administrative reporting requirements.

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

• current knowledge of 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, card readers, etc.

• computer operating systems, such as DOS/VSE, VAS, MVS and VM/CMS or HP-MPE and MPE-X

• telecommunications operating systems, such as BTAM and VTAM or MTS, IMF and MRJE

• time sharing systems, such as CICS or TSO/E

• at least one data base management system, such as DL/1, IMS or TOTAL or IMAGE or ADABAS

• 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

• source code language programming and appropriate job control languages

• methods and techniques used in protecting systems and data security and maintaining network control

• management techniques used in project control and analysis

SKILL IN:

• use of such source level languages as BAL, COBOL, SQL, and PASCAL, SPL, NATURAL or RAMIS

ABILITY TO:

• apply the principles, practices and techniques of systems programming to the installation, modification and maintenance of operating, data base and telecommunication systems

• evaluate and analyze system programming problems and provide resolutions

• apply systems programming principles, practices and techniques to maintain the efficiency and efficient operation of assigned operating, data base and telecommunication systems and systems programming projects

• select and install compatible sub-system software for use with existing operating systems.

• plan and direct the configuration and installation of electronic data processing equipment, including telecommunications networks

• lead a group of lower level systems programmers engaged in systems programming project assignments

• work within the confines of time schedules

• think logically and sequentially

• provide technical assistance to and coordinate system programming projects with other data processing staff, other departments and agencies

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, vendors and users

• present ideas and complex technical information clearly, both orally and in writing

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 5/24.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, decision science, information science, or a closely related field.

NOTE: Completion of an industry recognized certification or additional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

Four years of systems programming experience in a multi-system computer environment that includes multiple central processing units and a multi-line telecommunications network, two years of which have been at the intermediate performance level.

OR

Any combination of education and experience which has been determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included the experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Class Established 5/79

Spec. Revision:

CSC - 12/94

Ad. Board - 1/95

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 4/24

Ad. Board – 5/24