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Job Description

SENIOR USER TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

JOB CODE 09790

Effective Date:	Rev. 06/04A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide technical hardware and software support of a complex nature to local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), mini-mainframe, server, and/or work station computer users, which may include establishing computer aided dispatch (CAD), emergency response, telecommunications, and other systems. Work includes solving or coordinating vendor resolution of the most difficult problems; and may include coordinating and assisting with the evaluation, selection, development, purchase, modification, testing, installation, and maintenance of department systems, applications, utilities, software, and networks; working with architects and outside agencies regarding the design and new construction of facilities as related to telecommunications infrastructure and/or computer systems; and advising users in technical areas leading to improved productivity and better integration of technology into operations. General supervision is received from an Information Technology Project Manager, Lead User Technology Specialist, or other supervisor. Incumbents in this classification may be responsible for short-range planning activities and supervision of lower level technical classifications, including User Technology Specialists. The responsibility for serving as a project leader in the study, acquisition, or installation of user technology packages distinguishes this classification from the User Technology Specialist class.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as backup to LAN administrator or telecommunications engineer;
• Analyzes and diagnoses commonly found problems such as in LAN, WAN, mini-mainframe, server, CAD, emergency response, and work station computer hardware and software-controlled systems, and telecommunications circuits;
• Evaluates functional capabilities of computer systems which may include mobile computer terminals (MCTs), automatic vehicle locators (AVLs), radio emergency response systems, PCs, LANs, WANs, and telecommunications circuits;
• Analyzes departmental systems needs and makes recommendations;
• Assists users with technical considerations regarding selection and installation of PCs, LANs, metropolitan area and wide area network connectivity, and telecommunications cabling infrastructure, and evaluates functional capabilities of the proposed systems;
• Assembles, integrates, and tests comprehensive and complex computer systems, configurations and networks;
• Installs servers and server options, controllers, redundant power supplies, remote insight boards, etc.;
• Performs post-implementation acceptance testing, applications analyses, and evaluations, and prepares report of findings;
• Assists in business systems analysis and research, including information technology trends;
• Conducts technical training;
• Serves as project leader;
• Supervises and directs the work of vendor technicians;
• Develops and maintains inventory of computer-related and/or telecommunications equipment and peripherals, hardware and software;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Local area, metropolitan area, and wide area network technology management, including security and documentation.
• Enterprise applications and providers.
• A variety of PC functions such as word processing, spread sheet, graphics database management, telecommunications, hardware, and PC operating systems.
• Data communications and telecommunications networking techniques.
• Hardware peripherals commonly used in an office environment.
• LAN, WAN, mini-mainframe, server, CAD, emergency response, and work station computer hardware and software evaluation, problem solving techniques, logic, and design.
• The electronic communications field, with mastery in digital communications systems and associated peripheral equipment.
• The uses, calibration, and care of electronic test equipment.
• Specialized test equipment and diagnostics used for troubleshooting computer systems.
• Computer programming, computer communications systems, and peripheral equipment.
• Preventive maintenance procedures for computers and peripheral equipment.
• Cable distribution and basic principles of electricity.
• Advanced voice and data tele/communications systems and equipment.
• Standard tele/communications wiring, color coding, and connection schemes.
• Computerized and microprocessor controlled telecommunications systems operation and theory.
• Analog and digital electronics.
• Computer programming in Visual, Basic, Access, SQL, C++, and other preprogrammed micro packages.
• Principles and methods of training, security, and documentation.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of supervision over others.
• Work cooperatively with architects, outside agency personnel, and other City employees.
• Diagnose problems or malfunctions and accomplish repairs in a minimal amount of time.
• Make independent decisions quickly in emergency situations.
• Communicate in English by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language, and understand and follow complex schematics, circuit diagrams, service orders, work sheets, floor plans, electrical wiring plans, construction blueprints and related documents.
• Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Observe, compare, and monitor data to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards.
• Instruct others in a classroom setting.
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum such as in working with electrical wiring.
• Learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lecture, and reading.
• Move heavy objects such as pieces of equipment weighing 20-50 pounds or more short distances (20 feet or less).
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly over time.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointments to some positions are subject to appropriate polygraph and background standards.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.
• Some employees who are trained and certified to climb towers will be called upon occasionally to utilize that skill in the routine performance of their duties.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Two years of experience in systems applications analysis, programming or telecommunications functions utilizing a variety of PC, server, switching, routing, and multiplexing hardware and software or installation and maintenance of digital systems, radio, and electronic communications systems or telephone station equipment, systems, and related distribution telecommunications systems; 15 hours of appropriate information technology course work including training or experience with one or more work station computers and one or more programming languages and one or more operating systems. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.