System Analyst

Job Title This classification serves as the primary liaison between Information Technology and other city departments, users and business technologists, with the goal of ensuring technology platforms and services meet stated needs and business objectives. This job works alongside departmental representatives and stakeholders to support software or hardware platforms, which in turn support the lines of business that are critical to the departments and the citizens served. Essential Functions Manages and administers application platforms throughout their lifecycle, working with stakeholders and users to ensure said platforms meet functional requirements and expected outcomes. Possesses knowledge of and the aptitude to learn a range of software platforms and applications that may be assigned, to include but not be limited to operating systems such as Windows or Linux, Enterprise Resource Planning, Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management, Document Management, Human Resources, Engineering and other platforms related to the municipal government space. Plans, analyses, tests and deploys patches, releases and version upgrades; coordinates such changes with stakeholders and users to ensure successful deployment with minimal downtime or business interruptions. Coordinates with executives, stakeholders and organizational staff to identify, evaluate, procure and implement application platforms that achieve business needs and meet Tuscaloosa's standard of excellence. Identifies new technology opportunities; evaluates vendors and service providers; assists with vendor management and procurement processes for new technology platforms and services. Assists the Chief Information Officer and other IT Department staff with budget planning and other operational functions as requested. Determines opportunities and sets strategies for integration between software applications and related databases. Participates in short and long term strategic planning for technology platforms and services, including both hardware and software resources. Maintains data integrity and security across application platforms; defines user roles and permissions; evaluates system audit and event logs as required. Develops understanding of departmental functions, services and business needs and identifies technology and process improvements to meet said needs; may act as the single-point-of-contact with departmental stakeholders to support technology requests and inquiries. Translates business requirements into functional specifications; may assist with process alignment or redesign; document needs for new technology; perform change management for such documents and specifications. May act as first point-of-contact with vendors and service providers; acts as liaison between stakeholders, users and vendors; may perform root cause analysis to resolve and remedy issues. Works with IT staff, stakeholders and external partners to meet federal, state and local data security and privacy requirements such as HIPPA, CJIS, PCI, etc. Effectively troubleshoots software and hardware issues; work with stakeholders, IT staff and vendor representatives to identify and resolve issues. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders and users; provides outstanding customer service to ensure effective delivery of customer service. Acts as an effective technology representative for assigned application platforms and use this position to ensure stakeholders have an advocate to effectively identify, implement and administer technology solutions. Works with new and established vendors to evaluate and identify technology solutions while facilitating vendor interaction and with stakeholders to ensure the fit and usefulness of technology solutions. Understands database design, database administration as well as structured query language and extensible markup language. Has functional knowledge of access control structures including user accounts, user groups and permission models for both the Windows and Linux operating systems. Possesses excellent written communications skills, sufficient to maintain system documentation, change management as well as training materials for end users. Has ability to present ideas and concepts to stakeholder groups and to work with such groups to train and enhance their understanding and use of technology platforms. Substitutes for coworkers when necessary. Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department. Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities. Must meet regular attendance requirements. Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; vocational/technical school diploma in Data Processing, Computer Sciences, or a related field preferred; two years of experience in computer system administration, computer programming, database design/maintenance, technology training, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must obtain and maintain vendor required certifications for application platforms where required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. DATA UTILIZATION: Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or correlate data. Includes exercising judgment in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations, referencing data analyses to determine necessity for revision of organizational components, and in the formulation of operational strategy. HUMAN INTERACTION: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility. EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZATION: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment and machinery, requiring the monitoring, adjustment, regulation, and/or setting of multiple conditions. VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information. MATHEMATICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures. FUNCTIONAL REASONING: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems. SITUATIONAL REASONING: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable. PHYSICAL ABILILTY: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station. SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Benefits The City of Tuscaloosa offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees that includes retirement, vacation and illness leave, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, and other supplemental insurances and deferred retirement saving plans. For a more detailed overview of our benefits package, please visit the Employee Benefits Summary within our website or contact the Human Resource Department. City of Tuscaloosa, AL