Finance and Administration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Positions in the classification of OPERATIONS SYSTEM/NETWORK
ANALYST are primarily responsible at varying levels for the design, analysis, modification, maintenance, installation,
and administration of operating systems, physical databases, and voice, data, and video network to meet campus
needs. Responsibilities include ensuring the availability, integrity, and reliability of assigned systems.

Positions in this classification typically support systems that
serve the entire campus. Operating System/Network Analyst positions may also exist in large administrative departments
or academic schools that have responsibility for their own configuration(s) of multiple main frames, mini-computers,
file servers, workstations and/or networks. Common working titles include Software Systems Analyst/Programmer,
Operating Systems Analyst/Programmer, Systems Programmer, Software Systems Specialist, Database Administrator,
Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Consultant, Telecommunications
Engineer, Network Administrator, Telecommunications Analyst etc.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Responsible for the operating systems and their interfaces to
all other multi-disciplinary systems and/or provides engineering, analysis, and support of all networks carrying
voice, data , video, or broadcast transmissions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The core functions of the Operating System/Network Analyst are:

• Operating systems analysis
  
• Operating systems administration
  
• Network planning and implementation
  
• Network analysis and management
  
• Network administration and support
  

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

Operating Systems Analysis

Operating System Development/Installation: Ensure operating system software is properly installed, tested, and tuned
to maximize operating efficiency. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Develop and implement plans for fully integrated systems, including
  operating systems, network systems, database systems and applications;
  
• Develop plans, schedules, and requirements for the installation
  and maintenance of new and/or revised software;
  
• Install, configure, and tune operating systems software for
  optimal performance;
  
• Integrate operating systems with other systems;
  
• Evaluate and recommend hardware and system software procurements;
  
• Assess the impact of new software on existing systems and users
  and develop modification plans as needed.
  

Operating System Programming/Modification: Customize and upgrade operating and related systems to meet ongoing user
needs. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Plan and implement modifications and upgrades to system configuration
  to improve utilization based on analysis of application and production requirements;
  
• Plan system capacity and develop expansion plans;
  
• Allocate and organize data storage;
  
• Write and develop efficient software and code for operating
  systems;
  
• Develop system utility programs and procedures to enhance operations,
  applications, and general system usage;
  
• Document operations procedures and installation methodologies
  and modifications.
  

Operating System Performance Analysis: Evaluate levels of systems operations and recommend measures to improve overall
performance. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Conduct analytical studies of system processing time and resource
  capacity, measuring system performance against predetermined or standard benchmarks (e.g., operating time, error
  rates, and types);
  
• Determine system compatibility and performance, and impact of
  integration with new systems or upgrades;
  
• Perform analysis, testing, and/or simulation of equipment and
  software configurations;
  
• Research and identify system expansions to meet anticipated
  future workload.
  

Operating Systems Maintenance:
Monitor and maintain operating and related systems to ensure minimal interruption of production systems and to
maintain maximum system availability. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Diagnose and resolve operating systems and program failures;
  
• Develop and execute test schemes and diagnostic procedures;
  
• Monitor and analyze system performance and capacity and install
  corrections as necessary;
  
• Review all systems software and hardware to ensure system integrity;
  
• Work with maintenance vendor to develop and implement solutions
  specific to the campus needs.
  

Operations Support:
Provide technical support to computer operations and applications programming staff to ensure availability of production
and on-line systems. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Analyze application failures and work with computer operations
  and applications programming staff to develop solutions;
  
• Provide guidelines for applications development structure and
  security;
  
• Provide procedures training and support;
  
• Assist in resolving production problems.
  

Operating Systems Administration

Database Maintenance/Management: Design, create, manage and maintain physical databases including database storage
management, procedures and tools for access, database security, and monitoring and tuning the database to ensure
ongoing operation and access. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Install, structure, tune, and maintain database operating systems
  and software on mainframe or mini-computers;
  
• Manage database organization and data storage;
  
• Monitor database system usage and performance;
  
• Troubleshoot and resolve database problems;
  
• Create databases and/or migrate databases between machines;
  
• Support client/server database access tools;
  
• Develop benchmarks for testing new software releases;
  
• Provide consultation to programmers on relational database design;
  
• Oversee vendor software fault resolution
  

Security Management:
Ensure safety and security of information system assets and protect systems from inappropriate access or destruction.
Examples of typical work activities include:

• Run checks on data integrity; plan and execute disaster recovery
  plans;
  
• Develop system backup and archival methodology;
  
• Maintain data security and integrity by developing system access
  standards and procedures;
  
• Evaluate the adequacy of controls and security measures;
  
• Conduct virus avoidance procedures;
  
• Work with users to understand security needs and evaluate level
  of security required.
  

Storage Administration:
Design system storage capacity to provide for efficient and timely response and operating time. Examples of typical
work activities include:

• Calculate data storage media and cost alternatives;
  
• Specify sources and methods of data storage;
  
• Plan for efficient allocation of system storage capacity.
  

Network Planning and Implementation

Design and Configuration:
Design and engineer network installations to meet information processing and traffic needs. Examples of typical
work activities include:

• Develop systems and/or network configurations, including hardware,
  software and integration requirements;
  
• Plan, design, and engineering of assigned networks;
  
• Determine network architecture, topology, and transmission media
  appropriate for the installation;
  
• Develop/recommend network standards and protocols;
  
• Design networked facilities (e.g., studios, classrooms, teleconference
  facilities);
  
• Design terrestrial or satellite microwave transmission systems.
  

Evaluation/Research:
Evaluate users needs, systems, and new technologies to recommend the most effective communication and transmission
systems. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Research and evaluate network/systems, performance capacity,
  and compatibility with existing systems;
  
• Analyze information processing, transmission, and data movement
  needs;
  
• Analyze system elements such as system cabling and software
  and expansion capacity;
  
• Evaluate software/hardware network features;
  
• Coordinate network development activities with systems as appropriate;
  
• Act as the technical liaison for network product or system vendors.
  

Network Analysis and Management

Analysis/Performance Monitoring: Analyze and monitor network activity to ensure optimal network operation. Examples
of typical work activities include:

• Monitor network traffic, usage, and performance;
  
• Run diagnostics to forecast performance thresholds;
  
• Perform analysis of network efficiency (e.g., channel, trunks,
  etc.) and routing of traffic, troubleshoot system failures and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken;
  
• Maintain signal quality performance standards in line with regulatory
  requirements and system user's expectations.
  

Control/Security:
Control network activity to ensure sound and secure operations. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Secure network resources from inappropriate access;
  
• Maintain network security and integrity of data on the network;
  
• Implement disaster recovery procedures;
  
• Assure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., FCC and NEC).
  

Network Administration and Support

Network Administration:
Administration of assigned network to optimize services and access to telecommunications and related networks. Examples of
typical work activities include:

• Install, configure, maintain, and support network equipment
  and network operating systems (e.g., routers, bridges, servers, switches, and/or port selectors);
  
• Troubleshoot network problems, referring to vendor or technicians
  as appropriate;
  
• Provide (or order) network connectivity, ensuring appropriate
  integration of data, voice, and video networks;
  
• Conduct network tests;
  
• Recommend and modify network configuration to improve efficiency
  and cost effectiveness;
  
• Recommend network database policies and procedures;
  
• Assist in monitoring network database integrity.
  

Network Maintenance and Support: Ensure that the installed network is fully operational and appropriately integrated
for access with other systems. Examples of typical work activities include:

• Recommend network database policies and procedures;
  
• Assist in monitoring network database integrity;
  
• Install, upgrade, and maintain network software and related
  hardware and maintain documentation;
  
• Oversee compliance with industry and campus standards;
  
• Determine appropriate transmission media requirements for voice,
  data, and video applications;
  
• Act as a liaison with product vendors;
  
• Configure network and/or third party software application programs
  to provide improved response time, quality, or cost effectiveness;
  
• Customize or develop new reports from network control or billing
  databases;
  
• Perform file conversions and system backups;
  
• Develop interface programs;
  
• Ensure adequate inventory of network supplies.
  

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 advance technical skills may work with a high degree of independence.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This classification requires a basic foundation of knowledge
in operating systems programs, maintenance, systems administration, and network systems that would normally be
obtained through a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science, engineering mathematics, telecommunications
or a related technical field, or equivalent technical training and/or experience.

Typical skills for each core function are cited below.

Operating Systems Analysis

• Knowledge of internal operating system technology, computer
  operations and hardware, and network communications theory;
  
• Ability to use operating system languages as defined by the
  campus and ability to perform systems level programming in a distributed, networked environment;
  
• Ability to use performance monitoring software and interpret
  results;
  
• Ability to perform preventative and remedial maintenance to
  operating system(s);
  
• Ability to interface/integrate campus defined operating system(s)
  with software and other systems;
  
• Ability to evaluate existing and proposed systems and recommend
  upgrades and/or modifications;
  
• Knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures;
  
• Understanding of job control and production procedures with
  an ability to troubleshoot and isolate production problems and application code;
  
• Ability to research and survey new products and/or releases,
  such as productivity tools;
  
• Ability to establish and document operations procedures;
  
• Knowledge of network operating system and network architecture,
  configuration, and protocols;
  
• Knowledge of client server technologies.
  

Operating Systems Administration

• Knowledge of system management and security/control procedures;
  
• Knowledge of database design, structure development, features,
  operations, programming, and data access principles;
  
• Knowledge of data communication network architecture, configuration,
  protocols, and interfaces;
  
• Knowledge of operating systems and storage capacity, including
  ability to perform capacity planning;
  
• Ability identify and implement critical maintenance fixes and
  to isolate and correct malfunctions, including interface problems;
  
• Ability to develop and execute disaster recovery plans;
  
• Ability to establish data security standards and procedures;
  
• Ability to tune database systems and maintain database software.
  

Network Planning and Implementation

• Knowledge of network activities, configuration, protocols, and
  interconnectivity requirements for internal/external information transmission;
  
• Ability to use engineering techniques in the design of network
  and transmission systems;
  
• Computer/video skills on specific applicable hardware and software;
  understanding of system functionality and components;
  
• Specialized vendor training or licensing to meet a specified
  departmental need;
  
• Ability to interpret data on system usage and develop engineering
  specifications to support changing service levels;
  
• Ability to interpret and apply broad regulatory standards and
  technical specifications to assignments;
  
• Ability to monitor and manage vendor relationships to ensure
  responsiveness and quality.
  

Network Analysis and Management

• Knowledge of communication transmission technologies (e.g.,
  circuit and packet switching, satellite uplink, etc.);
  
• Knowledge of network traffic and performance parameters to interpret
  variance and service impact to users;
  
• Ability to analyze network/systems problems using appropriate
  test structures and related diagnostics (e.g., protocol analyzer, T-bert analyzer, spectrum analyzer, etc.);
  
• Ability to operate applicable network equipment and application
  software programs; Understanding of information distribution systems access and security systems (e.g., E-mail,
  digital voice processing equipment, electronic media distribution systems, etc.);
  
• Ability to resolve impaired service conflicts;
  
• Understanding of connectivity, system integration, and traffic
  issues;
  
• Ability to determine most cost-effective structure and design
  for network.
  

Network Administrative and Support

• General knowledge of telecommunication network design, topology
  system interface, and protocols to meet support requirements;
  
• Understanding of telephone switching technology support, data/video
  communications, and transmissions media and their performance capabilities;
  
• Knowledge of telecommunications and video industry standards;
  
• Ability to use specified software application packages and query,
  utility, or report generation features, and database systems;
  
• Ability to install network subsystems and to modify local, customized
  software programs/features (e.g., voice mail, electronic mail, and telecom features);
  
• Ability to interpret variance reports and resolve connectivity,
  traffic, and congestion problems as they impact services provided.