34I-1

Competency Level: 
Competency Level 1
Low: 
$3677
Control: 
$5589
High: 
$6016

34I-2

Competency Level: 
Competency Level 2
Low: 
$4759
Control: 
$7234
High: 
$8832

34I-3

Competency Level: 
Competency Level 3
Low: 
$6207
Control: 
$9435
High: 
$9844
Class Number: 
1464

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Positions in the class of ANALYST/PROGRAMMER are primarily responsible at varying levels for the analysis, design, modification, testing, installation and maintenance of application programs, integrated systems, or software solutions including databases to meet user and organizational information needs at the system-wide, campus-wide, or individual unit level.

Positions in this classification may reside in the central computing department or in individual administrative or academic departments or schools. Common working titles include Applications Programmer, Software Developer, Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Database Analyst, Data Administrator, Data Analyst, etc.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Analyzes and develops systems and technology-based solutions to meet user needs including applications, databases, and related systems.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The core functions of the Analyst/Programmer are:

  • Systems analysis and development
  • Applications programming
  • Database analysis

These core functions represent major categories of work within the Analyst/Programmer classification. Typical activities for each core function cited below are illustrative; campus assignments may vary.

Systems Analysis and Development

Systems Analysis: Analyze user system and application needs, determine and evaluate alternative solutions and approaches to meeting those needs, and select the optimal technology solution. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Consult with users to identify and document software/system purpose, work flow issues, output needs and to determine overall functional and technical system requirements and specifications;
  • Develop alternative solutions and conduct feasibility studies;
  • Evaluate the procurement of third party software and troubleshoot new software installations.
  • Act as a consultant to other state agencies/institutions.

Systems Development: Develop specifications and requirements for the optimal integration and implementation of systems and equipment. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Develop requests for proposals for system components;
  • Evaluate specifications and requirements against available systems;
  • Design fully integrated systems, which may include applications, databases, networks, and related systems;
  • Ensure system integrity and efficiency.

Application Design/Modification: Design application programs to meet user requirements that optimize the use of available resources. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Develop program specifications and review them with the user to ensure that requirements are met; may consult with other state agencies or institutions;
  • Design effective and efficient interfaces to systems, applications, and databases;
  • Recommend modifications to third party software to meet user needs;
  • Act as a software vendor liaison;
  • Act as a team leader/supervisor in some environments.

Application Programming

Programming and Software Development: Develop succinct, timely programming code or modify software in a logical fashion which optimizes programming resources. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Write code to meet user specifications;
  • Use productivity tools to develop and modify applications software to meet user needs;
  • Work with users to test and debug programs;
  • Verify data acquisition and output media and format;
  • Modify existing or third party software;
  • Write documentation to provide user support for new or modified programs and production/operation procedures.

Applications Installation and Maintenance: Maintain and support assigned systems to ensure minimal downtime and loss of productivity and service. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Evaluate and enhance the efficiency of existing programs in meeting current and future user needs;
  • Maintain and support associated databases;
  • Install new, modified or third party software releases and/or updates;
  • Evaluate and supplement vendor supplied documentation for third party software.

Database Analysis

Analysis: Structure, implement and maintain database systems to optimize data access and security. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Design database systems and programs which include access methods, access time, file structures, device allocation, validation checks, statistical methods, and security;
  • Work with user community to understand data access and integration needs;
  • Ensure the integration of systems through the database structure;
  • Monitor database standards and procedures, system usage and performance;
  • Troubleshoot and resolve database and data problems;
  • Develop and administer disaster recovery plans.

Data Administration and Support: Establish and administer policies, standards and procedures for strategic data planning, data analysis and modeling, and data element standardization and use to ensure accurate, useful and readily accessible data. Examples of typical work activities include:

  • Develop and administer data use policies, procedures, and standards;
  • Monitor, analyze, and verify data to ensure data integrity; develop assigned databases to support specific applications;
  • Analyze data requirements, develop and document data dictionary, and develop data models;
  • Maintain the database archives by acquiring and installing data sets and docummentation;
  • Assist in data transfers or sharing of files;
  • Develop policies and procedures to access or interact with remote resources;
  • Conduct file maintenance;
  • Maintain the data dictionary.

 

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular contact in person, by e-mail, or by telephone, with university staff and colleagues in the Information Systems Department. Employees in this class may act as a team leader/supervisor of other Analyst/Programmers in some circumstances.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The level of supervision will vary depending upon the individual's skill level. Inexperienced employees, or those with limited technical skills, will receive close supervision. Whereas, employees with advanced technical skills may work with a high degree of independence.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found on campuses throughout the Oregon University System and in the Corvallis Chancellor's Office.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This classification requires a basic foundation of knowledge and skills in systems analysis and related programming support functions generally obtained by a bachelor's degree in computer science, or an equivalent amount of training and applied experience.

Typical skills for each core function are cited below.

Systems Analysis and Development

  • Knowledge of campus-defined systems, applications, and standards;
  • Ability to identify hardware/software interface problems;
  • Knowledge of system/equipment capability, design restrictions, and security requirements;
  • Knowledge of structured systems development concepts;
  • General knowledge of network connectivity, integration, configuration, and protocols;
  • Understanding of and ability to integrate all systems including operating systems, applications, networks, and databases, as well as knowledge of distributed processing technology;
  • Knowledge of client/server, database, and web-based technologies;
  • Ability to communicate effectively;
  • Ability to apply consultative skills to assess user needs and communicate technology systems and solutions;
  • Ability to perform systems and applications needs analysis, prepare requests for proposals, and conduct feasibility studies;
  • Ability to research and evaluate the functionality of vendor software to meet user needs, assess vendor proposals, and serve as a technical/vendor liaison;
  • Ability to define and set up an effective testing environment and plan.

Application Programming

  • Ability to use one or more industry standard programming languages and various report/screen generators as required by the position;
  • Ability to use applications software, data structures and utilities, operating systems, and communication interfaces within the computing environment;
  • Ability to perform interactive debugging and to test and analyze program failures;
  • Ability to use appropriate productivity tools to provide for more rapid development of applications;
  • Ability to develop program implementation plans, install software, and apply fixes;
  • Understanding of technical and vendor documentation and ability to maintain internal documentation
  • Knowledge of network configuration, programming, and protocols;
  • Specialized skills in new systems and programming technologies.

Database Analysis

  • Knowledge of formal data structure design, relational database design, and file structure;
  • Ability to design data structures to maximize efficiency and flexibility;
  • Ability to perform database maintenance tasks, develop access routines,and maintain dictionary;
  • Knowledge of data administration principles and data modeling concepts;
  • Ability to identify and resolve software/hardware interface problems, data requirements, and access methods;
  • Ability to establish and execute data security standards and procedures and disaster recovery plans;
  • Knowledge of distributed processing and client/server technologies;
  • Ability to perform database backup and recovery procedures as part of database management system utilities;
  • Ability to use data resource and productivity tools applicable to the database management system;
  • General knowledge of network configuration, programming, and protocols;
  • Ability to provide database support in multiple hardware platform and operating system environment;
  • Ability to work and communicate with users to define and meet database needs and requirements.

Revised: 02-01-99