County of Alameda

Programmer I (#1821)

Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Misc Prof/Tech (011)
$41.86-$50.16 Hourly / $3,348.80-$4,012.80 BiWeekly /
$7,255.73-$8,694.40 Monthly / $87,068.80-$104,332.80 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This flexibly staff classification series specification describes the entry-level classification in the Programmer series. Under general supervision, monitors operational data processing information systems, makes corrections, revises, and enhances existing computer programs and procedures; designs, codes, and tests small to moderately complex computer programs or program modules; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry-level classification in the Programmer flex series located in the Information Technology Department. Programmer I maintains the least complex programs and defined, small segments of larger programs. Supervision is received from higher-level Application Systems staff, including technical or supplementary guidance and training, consultation and review of work. At the Programmer I level, all work is reviewed for accuracy and content. Additionally, Programmer I differs from Programmer II in that the latter has oversight for more complex programs, and has responsibility for monitoring complete systems.

Employees appointed to Programmer I are eligible to flexibly promote to the higher-level classification of Programmer II after one year in the classification, and upon a positive performance evaluation and successful demonstration of proficiency to perform the duties of the higher-level classification.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are typical duties performed by employees in this classification. Employees may not necessarily perform all duties listed, however, they may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.

Writes new computer programs or modifies and maintains existing ones by analyzing problems and designing limited modifications; codes and assembles test data; develops test plans, and test programs.
On assignment from supervisor, analyzes user requests to develop specifications for new programs of changes or modifications to existing programs; revises program documentation as required; reviews results by analyzing output for successful completion.
Does troubleshooting, problem analysis, and updates error tracking mechanisms.
May participate in training sessions to acquire knowledge of contemporary application development and technologies.
May configure, customize, and integrate commercial enterprise software platforms using scripting, workflow automation, and configuration tools

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Education:

Possession of an associate’s degree, or equivalent units completed, from an accredited college or university with a major in IS, computer science, or a related field.

OR II

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience programming as broadly defined in the description above.

OR III

Certification:

Possession of a computer programming, or related, certification from an industry-recognized technical institution or trade association.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

Methods and practices of computer systems design, programming and implementation.
Structuring techniques for efficient program construction and maintenance.
Standard application design methodology.
Industry standard practices for the software development life cycle.
Principles and practices of technical problem solving.
Low-code or no-code tools.
Basic software systems testing.

Ability:

Design simple system interfaces.
Use appropriate utilities and available software products.
Apply testing theory and quality standards to software development.
Understand and implement detailed functional specifications.
Deliver elements of systems design, including data migration rules, business rules, wireframes, or other detailed deliverables.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Coordinate and manage information technology related activities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and internal support units.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: JE:lh

Revised: 2/27/75

BG:ijm

Revised: 1/30/79

WW:lfm

Revised: 9/16/81

New document: Jobspecs/1821

ys/4/01

CSC Date: 10/13/81

EL;jf Revised 6/20/2017

CSC Date: 8/2/2017

SK:saa Revised 12/23/25

CSC:1/21/26

BENEFITS

The County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall wellbeing. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.