Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Senior Applications Administrator (#20004255)


General Statement

Under direction, provides on-going administration, maintenance and support of software applications to ensure the application continues to meet the customer’s needs.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Directs the work of an assigned group of analysts and administrators in the administration of existing software applications; prioritizes projects.
  • Ensures that applications meet business and functional requirements and goals and fulfills user requirements.
  • Liaisons with operating departments regarding applications; coordinates the resolution of performance problems or proposed enhancements with application developers and third-party vendors.
  • Coordinates feasibility studies under consideration for purchase and gives advice based on findings, in coordination with the Project Management Office.
  • Performs modeling, automation and continuous process improvement of business processes.
  • Conducts testing of programs and software applications to ensure they will produce the desired information or results.
  • Assists with the identification of more complex issues with software applications and recommends revisions and repairs; identifies problems with application performance and recommends solutions.
  • Assists with the design, development and modification of software systems; installs and maintains system software; ensures proper access controls are in place on all systems.
  • Consults with applications developers and other technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems and recommend changes.
  • Evaluates user feedback on application performance and recommends necessary revisions.
  • Manages the implementation of any required patches/fixes for existing applications.
  • Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

  • Prepares budgetary estimates, contracts and purchase requisitions for goods and services within assigned area of responsibility.
  • Provides training to subordinates.
  • Provides after hours and weekend support when required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Technically fluent in at least two programming languages.
  • Thorough knowledge of databases and operating systems.
  • Knowledge of open source development platforms.
  • Knowledge of current Internet technologies.
  • Knowledge of programming languages and software used in the development of computer applications.
  • Knowledge of the operating characteristics and limitations of common computer hardware and software utilized by the District.
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the documentation of application development.
  • Skill in writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot software.
  • Ability to analyze program and application failures and identify errors.
  • Ability to coordinate and manage project teams and provide project oversight.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate analysts and administrative staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science or a closely related field and six years of experience in applications programming and/or development.

Substitution

Graduate study in computer science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Full-time paid experience in applications programming and/or development may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as an Applications Administrator, Senior Systems Programmer or Webmaster.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.

CLASS: 20004255; EST: 1/1/2016;