Finance and Administration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT has a varying level of
responsibility for direct consultative support and training to students, staff, and faculty on information technology-based
systems primarily in the areas of applications software, multimedia, database resources, and network support, but
may include a moderate degree of hardware consultation and support. Positions in this classification may have responsibility
for supporting academic or administrative departments, lab and/or classroom needs, using available information
technologies and resources.

The Information Technology Consultant typically has a broad knowledge
of multiple software and instructional/media technology applications, database systems and sources, and equipment
types, but is not usually involved in design and systems analysis on an ongoing basis, which would require an in-depth
knowledge of engineering or programming techniques.

Positions in this classification may reside in administrative
or academic departments as well as within centralized information technology or academic computing departments.
Common working titles may include Computing Consultant, User Consultant, User Support Representative, Lab Manager,
Instructional Designer/Technologist, Instructional Computing Coordinator, Multimedia Specialist, etc.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Provides consultative support to students, staff, and faculty
to enhance the use and access of technology and information systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The core functions of the Information Technology Consultant are:

• User consultation
  
• Site administration
  
• Instructional/multimedia development
  

These core functions represent major categories of work within
the Information Technology Consultant classification. Typical activities and core skills for each core function
cited below are illustrative; campus assignments may vary.

User Consultation

User Support: Provide
consultative support and services to the user community to ensure problem resolution, system/data access, and optimal
system performance. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Provide telephone or on-site support;
  
• Assist users to develop or use applications and software packages
  and their features;
  
• Install, configure, and modify applications, networks, databases,
  and other systems;
  
• Provide academic course management and related services to faculty;
  
• Act as liaison and interface between faculty, staff, and information
  systems resources and staff.
  

Resource Evaluation and Needs Analysis: Provide technical advice and expertise in the evaluation, purchase, upgrading,
and maintenance of software and/or hardware resources. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Advise and assist faculty, staff, and students in the selection
  of available software, hardware and/or database systems, and sources to meet their needs;
  
• Research available products and systems and recommend alternatives
  to meet identified needs;
  
• Participate in needs assessments and evaluate potential purchases
  for compatibility with existing systems;
  
• Specify maintenance contracts;
  
• Prepare requests for proposals, cost estimates, and justifications.
  

Data Administration and Support: Administer databases and ensure that data sources are accurate and readily accessible
to the user community. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Develop assigned databases using database management packages/system;
  
• Develop and administer data policies, procedures, and standards;
  
• Analyze and define data requirements;
  
• Maintain database archives by acquiring/installing data sets
  and documentation;
  
• Assist in data transfers and file sharing via utility programs;
  
• Monitor, analyze, and verify data to ensure integrity;
  
• Develop policies and procedures for access to remote resources
  and provide access to these resources.
  

Training: Provide
training and communication materials to users that maximize their ability to utilize system capabilities, features,
and other resources. Examples of work activities include:

• Develop and/or conduct formal training programs, lab/equipment
  orientations and demonstrations, and self-guided tutorials on equipment, applications, databases, and related systems;
  
• Write user documentation, user guides, instructor guides, training
  outlines, and technical training publications;
  
• Assess campus training needs, and develop and coordinate plans
  for training delivery.
  

Site Administration

Site Operations:
Ensure lab, studio, classroom, and/or stand-alone information systems are fully operational and secure. Examples
of typical work activities include:

• Analyze and monitor system performance and usage;
  
• Coordinate multimedia components for lab or classroom use;
  
• Coordinate lab or media studio operations and projects;
  
• Schedule facility use and ensure appropriate staffing;
  
• Monitor facilities software and media libraries and inventories;
  
• Establish facility security and operational policies and procedures.
  

Site System Maintenance:
Ensure proper maintenance and support of assigned lab/classroom/stand-alone systems. Examples of typical work activities
include:

• Use utility and file programs to recover and backup data;
  
• Re-install damaged or deleted software;
  
• Troubleshoot errors in system operation and initiate repairs;
  
• Configure media components and/or local area networks (LANS);
  
• Administer site LAN including maintenance of related hardware
  and software;
  
• Maintain file/network servers and all lab stations.
  

Instructional/Multimedia Development

Instructional Design:
Develop instructional and/or research techniques and applications using technology to enhance and facilitate academic
and educational objectives. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Devise methods for integrating technical tools and applications
  into faculty instructional delivery and student projects;
  
• Develop models and prototypes for research projects using appropriate
  software packages, utilities, and product features;
  
• Develop courseware and curriculum software tools;
  
• Aid faculty in researching computing and media software materials;
  
• Conduct needs analysis and monitor instructional/research needs
  on campus;
  
• Conduct research and prepare technical justification for grants.
  

Multimedia Origination:
Create multimedia programs that meet academic and administrative goals. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Develop and execute multimedia presentation proposals that incorporate
  all technical and media elements;
  
• Develop detailed production plans for multimedia projects including
  staff, budget, facility contracted services, and production schedules;
  
• Develop multimedia and/or computer-based interactive instructional
  applications and materials that include such elements as moving video, sound, computer animation, and text for
  faculty use in classrooms and tele-classrooms;
  
• Function as a producer and director for multimedia projects
  ensuring coordination of all media and technical elements including narration, computer graphics, audio and visual
  effects, recording, mixing, and transmissions as appropriate to the project.
  

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular contact in person, or by
telephone, with university staff and colleagues in the Information Systems Department.

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 of technology and information systems generally obtained through an AA degree in computer science, information
systems, educational technology, communications, or related fields, or similar certified course work in applicable
fields of study and at least one year of related work experience.

Typical skills for each core function are cited below.

User Consultation

• Ability to apply consultative skills to assess user needs and
  provide appropriate support;
  
• Knowledge of information technology systems and/or applications,
  including campus-wide systems and multimedia environments, access procedures, networks and/or databases;
  
• Ability to integrate multiple applications and/or systems;
  
• Proficiency using standard software packages;
  
• Ability to analyze data requirements and research data availability
  and access methods;
  
• Knowledge of data administration principles and techniques;
  
• Knowledge of network administration;
  
• Ability to coordinate and implement data exchanges and conversions;
  
• Knowledge of training theory and practices demonstrated by an
  ability to develop and deliver technical training and user documentation;
  
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills in working
  with users to interpret needs and provide appropriate solutions;
  
• Knowledge of statistical and/or research databases;
  
• Subject matter expertise in a specialized discipline or body
  of knowledge.
  

Site Administration

• Ability to identify, develop, and coordinate plans for use of
  site resources (e.g., staffing, budget, and materials) and to define site procedures for ongoing administration
  and maintenance;
  
• Ability to maintain materials, inventory, and technical references
  and administer facility and system security practices;
  
• Knowledge of system utilities, features, installation and maintenance
  procedures, and general operation;
  
• Basic knowledge of data and file structures, database systems
  and related utilities, operating systems, and communication interface programs;
  
• Ability to perform system, database, and network maintenance
  tasks and to use standard software packages;
  
• Knowledge of local area network system configuration, protocols,
  and/or transmission media;
  
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot system connection and interface
  malfunctions;
  
• General knowledge of operating systems and hardware for problem
  identification and analysis;
  
• Knowledge of copyright laws and industry standards;
  
• Demonstrated ability to assist others in completing work assignments
  including the ability to provide basic work direction and training.
  

Instructional/Multimedia Development

• Knowledge of instructional design theories and methodologies
  and ability to apply them;
  
• Knowledge of database sources and large-scale computing and
  information resource networks;
  
• Knowledge of and ability to evaluate instructional software,
  courseware development, and multimedia applications;
  
• Ability to perform research design using statistical methodology
  and application resources;
  
• Knowledge of systems design and technology integration techniques;
  
• Ability to provide software development and programming support
  for instructional applications;
  
• Knowledge of user interface design principles and applications;
  
• Ability to develop and create multimedia/video productions;
  
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with users to effectively
  identify and efficiently meet their requirements;
  
• Ability to design, develop, and implement instructional applications;
  
• Subject matter expertise in a specialized discipline or body
  of knowledge.