Systems Application Specialist

(Formerly: Systems Application Specialist)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Senior Systems Application Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to all users of administrative computers and applications and is involved with the planning, training, implementation and evaluation of applications.

The Senior Systems Application Specialist works with the application development life cycle, including user requirements, systems analysis, detailed analysis, development testing, user testing, implementation, and post implementation. The position also conveys project management techniques to subordinates.

The Senior Systems Application Specialist reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Employs project management and application development techniques to assure successful implementation and outcome of applications and/or systems.

Assists in the development, planning, prioritization and implementation of departmental objectives for existing and new projects.

Ensures quality assurance cycles are completed for in-house and externally developed modules for applications systems.

Analyses complex problems and prepares feasibility analysis for user requirements and detailed systems specifications. Identifies alternatives and makes recommendations.

Prepares data, based on user needs.

Assembles, tests and debugs programs, modules and applications.

Ensures existing and new programs and documentation are maintained.

Provides leadership, direction and scheduling to staff and external contractors, etc., in the development and implementation of applications/systems, and in renovations to administrative offices and buildings in relation to computer systems.

Coordinates work on multiple projects, prioritizing application enhancement requests within and between projects.

Assists in the provision of professional development and training through training programs and courses to keep department staff current in technological changes in the information systems network as required.

Assists in the review of possible training applications for potential benefit to the district and implements services to meet the needs of users.

Assists newly automated areas in developing policies and procedures for their departments as it pertains to data integrity and systems usage issues.

Advises users of new or changing systems through verbal and written communication.

Coordinates, analyses and provides recommendations for upgrades, enhancements and modifications to the core computer programs of the district and school-based systems, including cost/benefit considerations.

Liaises with administrative officers, ministry staff, vendors, and other district(s) staff, as required.

Provides input into the hiring and evaluation of employees within the department.

Assists in the day-to-day troubleshooting of problems and provides technical advice to users, and staff.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Ability to learn and maintain an understanding of district systems/applications, including file and modular dependencies and relationships.

Ability to become proficient and familiar with main and submodules of existing and developing applications.

Ability to independently learn the use of on-line and manual resources.

Ability to successfully develop and manage projects.

Ability to gain and maintain an understanding of users' needs in the district office(s) and school offices as they pertain to current or new systems.

Knowledge of VMS, DCL, and networking in a WAN environment.

Proficient in third and fourth generation languages.

Interpersonal skills with an emphasis in communications, leadership, teamwork, and the ability to work within given organization structures and timelines.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Two year Diploma in Computer Information Systems from a recognized community college or technical institute.

Six years' previous programming and analysis and/or related experience in a computer systems environment utilizing the Software Development Life Cycle methodology.

or

Combination of training and experience where the experience is extensive and directly related to the work.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

None