Programmer/Analyst 3

Job Description:

Minimum Qualifications:
Primary skill sets include knowledge of SOLARIS and Windows operating systems; Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases; Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Oracle Internet Development tools; Visual Basic, Java, and .NET programming languages; Visual Basic Script, JavaScript, JSPs, EJBs, XML, and HTML

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree AND two years of professional experience in one or a combination of the following: (1) software development; (2) database design; (3) systems analysis or design; or (4) information systems instruction. Substitution of Experience for Education: Additional professional level experience in software development, database design, systems analysis or design, or information systems instruction may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years (e.g., one year of experience in the above areas is equivalent to forty-five quarter hours of coursework). Substitution of Specific Associate's Degree for the Required Bachelor's Degree: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in computer engineering, computer and information science, computer hardware networking, management information systems, or software development may substitute for the required bachelor's degree. OR One year of experience as a Programmer/Analyst 2, with the State of Tennessee.

Other Requirements:
Necessary Special Qualifications: None. Examination Method: Education and Experience,100%, for Preferred Service positions. For Executive Service positions, Minimum Qualifications, Necessary Special Qualifications, and Examination Method are determined by the appointing authority.

Job Overview:
Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for professional applications computer programming work of considerable difficulty and computer systems design work of average difficulty; and performs related work as required. Distinguishing Features: This is the advanced working-level class in the Programmer/Analyst series. An employee in this class, either independently or as a member of a project team, designs, modifies, codes, and/or implements complex business applications programs. This class differs from Programmer/Analyst 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs programming work of lesser scope and complexity. This class differs from Programmer/Analyst 4 in that an incumbent of the latter leads a project team in the design, modification, coding, and/or implementation of new or modified complex business applications programs.

Work Activities:
Analysing Data or Information: Interprets and modifies advanced code base. Designs advanced database, tables, and files for use in a system. Identifies and develops data elements, indexes, data retrieval requirements, and level of security needed for an application. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitors and debugs program code and makes recommendations for modifications. Reviews code spec specifications, develops code, and makes recommendations when additional changes are needed. Processing Information: Codes an instruction set in a procedural control language that enables the computer to initiate a processing sequence and execute an application. Generates advanced data to test programs. Produces an advanced executable application according to the specifications identified in a program design. Performs advanced unit and system tests on code changes to ensure accuracy of modifications. Troubleshoots applications using generated control data to identify program errors. Modifies existing code to address any unexpected or inaccurate processes. Transfers executable files and associated table structures from one operating environment to another in order to implement the approved code modifications. Implements advanced application software in a user-ready environment. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifies advanced modifications to code, data elements, meta-data, security, etc. Identifies advanced input and output parameters for data and operating parameters. Identifies data elements, variables, tables, databases, etc. Reviews project specifications with database administrators to ensure that programs are moved to appropriate production environments, established standards are met, and data integrity is maintained. Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyses advanced data gathered in trouble shooting activities, evaluates the results and chooses a solution. Researches and develops processing efficiency to maximize processing performance of an application or a system. Verifies that project goals and objectives are met on a timely basis and within budget. Identifies and plans project tasks, task dependencies or interrelationships for advanced
problems. Schedules completion dates for tasks. Compares current system processes with proposed system changes in order to determine the potential impact on other systems and business operations. Reviews the proposed system changes with stakeholders to ensure that the project goals are consistent with user and legal requirements. Advises management of options that are available to develop or modify an existing system or purchase and modify a commercially available system. Reviews commercially available software or hardware in order to determine whether available products may accomplish system requirements. Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Reviews advanced specifications to ensure they satisfy the business requirements. Estimates development time for a work unit, task and/or project. Estimates costs, timelines, and resources for a given task. Establishes and documents the cost effectiveness of an approved system. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Maintains good working relationship with managers, peers, and the customer served. Interacting With Computers: Uses computer systems to enter data, and utilize email and office productivity tools. Uses computer systems to develop, test, and deploy code. Uses appropriate software development tools. Getting Information: Gathers requirements from end users for developing requirement documentation for assigned projects. Uses various methods and performs research from technical knowledge base and other resources. Reviews and extracts pertinent information from detail requirement documents when needed. Reviews and becomes familiar with the state's technology acceptable-use policy. Gathers information from vendors, peers, and subject matter experts to be used to solve problems for problem solving. Examines advanced system specifications, input/output reports, existing equipment, security protocols, and system interfaces to understand how the current system operates. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Communicates effectively by keeping supervisor informed of issues affecting performance. Communicates on a regular basis with co-workers/team to share knowledge. Communicate effectively in written form, by email, by phone or in person. Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Complies with published programming standards and practices, including security standards, coding, and naming conventions, etc. Adheres to the code validation rules for the Agency. Adheres to the established release schedule of the application. Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Develops and maintains complex installation instructions for various hardware and software solutions for the agency. Creates and maintains user manuals for proper use of software applications. Creates test scripts for software and applications adhering to testing requirements of the project. Maintains knowledge base of advanced issue resolution to be used by IT peers to help solve problems. Develops and maintains training materials for software projects. Compiles and prepares program documentation which may include test plans. Documenting/Recording Information: Documents the operation of the current and proposed systems, user needs, and the resources available for the project. Documents all appropriate code modifications based on the development standards when modifying code, data structures, etc. Documents all user, data, equipment, security and legal requirements for proposed system changes. Documents levels of user accesses to system based on user and/or legal requirements. Writes data backup procedures documenting how and when files are to be copied and saved. Organizing and Planning Work: Develops specific performance goals that meet the organization mission and goals. Prioritizes and organizes work. Itemizes Client requirements, processing costs, equipment, and all other known costs associated with the project. Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicates effectively with outside vendors while representing the state in a professional manner. Maintains a communication plan and executes the plan to keep customers informed of status, timelines, expectations, etc. for all IT projects and events.
Discusses current system operations, proposed system requirements and user needs with stakeholders. Discusses with stakeholders how interfaces will operate, how input forms and output reports will appear and function, and the details of the security plan to ensure that user requirements and established guidelines are met. Communicates with vendors about user requirements for a proposed system in order to obtain an estimate of time and cost required to purchase software or hardware products. Thinking Creatively: Identifies and designs application efficiencies in coding and in operations. Solves technical problems creatively by researching new or innovative ways to develop an application and/or data structure. Draws graphical diagrams to describe data flow and relationships and the manual and automated business processes of the system.

Competencies (KSA's):
Competencies: Functional / Technical Competency Problem Solving Technical Learning Customer Focus Personal Learning Organization Written Communications Time Management Perseverance Creativity Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of computers and computer systems Advanced knowledge of programming/developing Advanced knowledge of technology Knowledge of basic accounting principles Knowledge of complex IT system design Knowledge of customer service principles Knowledge of mathematics Skills: Active learning and listening Advanced critical thinking skills Advanced troubleshooting Complex problem solving Judging and decision making Mathematics Quality control analysis Systems analysis and evaluation Technology design Time management Abilities: Deductive and inductive reasoning Flexibility of closure Mathematical reasoning Oral comprehension and expression Written comprehension and expression

Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal computer Telephone Fax machine Printer Bar code scanners Mobile devices Copy machine

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