SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER SUPERVISOR

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is supervisory level systems programming work installing and maintaining data bases/telecommunications network/operating systems and supervising subordinate systems programmers engaged in such work. 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 is responsible for maintaining efficient databases/telecommunications network/operating systems hardware and software configurations through monitoring, testing and modifying installed systems, trouble shooting and diagnosing system malfunctions, and providing problem resolutions. Keeping the entire system up and operating efficiently and insuring that the security and the integrity of the systems and databases are protected are significant aspects of the work.

Work is performed under the direction of a technical superior.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Plans, assigns and reviews the work of subordinate systems programmers and technicians; supervises and participates in the installation, testing, modification and maintenance of operating systems that drive and control the computer and peripheral equipment; assigns special systems programming projects to selected personnel based upon their expertise, capability and availability; supervises and participates in the installation and maintenance of various compatible sub-system software packages; tests and monitors new software packages and operating systems to determine if they are operating properly after installation; supervises and participates in systems troubleshooting, diagnoses, and resolving systems and data base problems and malfunctions; makes adjustments and minor repairs and restores service to users; installs fixes, modifications and enhancements to operating systems; documents and reports software problems to vendors when a repair cannot be effected; consults with vendors by telephone or requests an on-site service visit; participates in disaster recovery and contingency planning with associate supervisors and unit manager.

Monitors and evaluates the performance and security of hardware and software components for the data bases, operating systems and telecommunication networks; establishes operating systems standards, methods, conventions and procedures; creates forms for systems logging, analysis, and operations control.

Trains and assists technical staff in the proper and efficient employment of utilities, programming requirements, and system and data security measures; schedules and controls systems security and user access levels within the systems network; monitors systems utilization by the various users; prepares a systems utilization table of space and time usages, and reviews system usage capacity; makes adjustments to staff and user access schedules; meets with programmer analysts to determine the compatibility and impact of newly developed application programs with existing operating systems; makes adjustments to data base and operating systems to accommodate new programs; coordinates system installation and maintenance efforts with computer systems of other departments for effective system interfacing.

Plans and directs the installation and configuration of new computer hardware and the relocation of existing equipment to improve present and future system utilization; directs and participates in the evaluation of vendor supplied software and hardware; recommends selection of new equipment and software packages; may design compatible operating system software packages.

Participates in the hiring, orientation and training of new systems programming personnel; evaluates staff training needs; establishes and monitors in-service training for staff in new systems programming methods and techniques; evaluates external training programs; designates staff to attend such training for purposes of remaining current with new technological advances in the field.

Directs and participates in the development of technical training material; provides technical assistance to programmer analysts and other users; provides guidance to analysts in the use of systems software and linkages to application programs; interprets technical manuals and vendor product material.

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

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

• the uses, capabilities and configurations of electronic data processing equipment, such as multi-central processing units, telecommunication network and such supporting devices as disk drives, controllers, printers, card readers, etc.

• 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, TOTAL, IMAGE, ADABAS.

• either VSAM and 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

• a fourth generation computer language, such as NATURAL, RAMIS OR SQL

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

• management techniques used in project control and analysis

• source code language programming and appropriate job control languages

SKILL IN:

• the use of such source level languages as BAL, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PASCAL or SPL

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 the entire electronic data processing system

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

• plan and direct the configuration and installation of computer equipment, including telecommunications networks

• think logically and sequentially

• supervise and train a group of lower level systems programmers engaged in systems programming assignments

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

• provide technical support for a major functional system in a large data center

• deal effectively 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:

Six 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 full 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 3/81

Spec. Revision 3/89

Latest Spec Revision:

CSC – 4/24

Ad. Board – 5/24