Software Developer

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Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

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Performs professional duties related to the analysis, development, maintenance and administration of computer hardware and software systems to meet business needs.  Incumbents may perform any of the following functions: analyzes, designs, monitors and administers servers and related platforms; designs, maintains, configures and monitors network and/or telecommunications infrastructures and related system components; consults with departmental customers to identify and analyze business functions that can be improved by the implementation of new hardware and/or software solutions; translates business requirements into system deployments, including the development of design specifications; performs professional-level systems maintenance and customer support duties; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is the journey-level class in the Information Technology Analyst series.  Positions in this class are distinguished from Information Technology Analyst I by the performance of the full range of duties. 

 

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

 

The Information Technology Analyst I and Information Technology Analyst II classifications are distinguished from the Information Technology Specialist classification series in that the Information Technology Analyst series describes positions with professional/analytical responsibilities where the primary duties include the analysis of business and/or system needs, the evaluation of current systems, and the design of solutions to meet the identified business or system needs, including work which emphasizes business systems analysis and the development of technology solutions to resolve application problems or improve efficiency; network/telecommunications systems analysis, design, and administration; system analysis, design, and administration, and/or database analysis, design, and administration. In contrast, the Information Technology Specialist classification describes positions with responsibility for providing a broad range of routine and complex duties in support of specialized systems, including user support, system troubleshooting, review of business processes and communication of user requirements/problems to a vendor or statewide system which then architects and develops the technical solution, implementation of system upgrades or modifications, and user training.

Incumbents at this level work under direction from an assigned supervisor, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures and involves planning and/or determining specific procedures or equipment required in order to meet assigned objectives and solve non-routine problems. Only unusual matters are referred to a supervisor. Incumbents may also receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Information Technology Analyst. Incumbents may provide direct supervision over technical and/or specialist level staff. Incumbents may exercise technical or functional supervision over other professional staff on a project basis.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. Incumbents assigned to the Information Technology Analyst I classification initially perform the following duties in a learning and/or on-the-job training capacity.

 

• Evaluates customer technical needs and recommends solutions; plans, determines requirements, designs, builds, customizes, tests, implements, maintains and/or enhances a variety of hardware and software systems, integrating County network infrastructure and/or other systems; considers protocols, acceptable system security risk, and other related elements.
• Provides professional customer support for system-related software and/or hardware issues, needs, or requirements. Interacts with clients to analyze system requirements; recommends technology solutions to improve operations.
• Determines and develops cost benefit analyses related to recommended technical solutions; evaluates risk options; ensures project compliance with County procedures or protocols, budgetary constraints and staff/resource utilization.
• Is responsible for the coordination and completion of projects that are limited in scope and/or specific to area of assignment; develops and monitors project budgets and resources; interfaces with clients to define project scope and review project activities, recommendations and outcomes; coordinates the use of project resources based on project requirements; designs and implements project testing and quality assurance processes. Project-related duties may include:
  • determining and developing cost benefit analyses for project justifications; developing projected budgets and resources needed to conduct the work; evaluating risk concerns and options; providing technical input into the development of specifications for “requests for proposals” pertaining to external services; reviewing vendor submissions and providing recommendations on vendor selection;
  • monitoring vendor performance to ensure compliance with County specifications; ensuring project compliance with County procedures or protocols, budgetary constraints and staff/resource utilization;
  • serving as the primary client interface on assigned projects; reviewing recommendations with clients and receiving approval to proceed; reviewing final outcomes with the client and obtaining their sign off that all work has been conducted in accordance with client requirements;
  • coordinating the activities of contract personnel and/or vendors, consistent with project plans; identifies and resolves obstacles to progress;
  • designing and directing project testing and quality assurance processes for assigned projects;
• Coordinates information technology activities of County department(s), division staff, and/or vendors consistent with project plans; identifies and resolves obstacles to progress, prepares for and manages delivery and installation.
• Prepares technical documentations, procedural plans, reports, correspondence and other documents; participates on committees and task forces; attends meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• Builds and maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, vendors, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Exercises technical or functional supervision over technical and/or para-professional staff. Exercises functional supervision over other professional staff on a project basis.
• Provides technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Provides after hours technology support as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Functional Assignment Areas

(While the majority of duties assigned to a position typically fall within one of the following areas, incumbents may also be assigned duties that cross multiple areas)

 

When assigned to Business Systems Analysis/Application Development (In addition to general duties) duties may include but are not limited to:

 

• Interacts with clients to analyze their business requirements and recommends technology solutions; identifies and maps business processes; gathers user requirements and translates non-technical business requirements from the Business Process Analyst or other assigned management staff into technical software specifications.
• Writes application and/or system design specifications, designs application and/or system flow diagrams, schematics, file structures, reports, forms and menus; prepares a definition of the problem, the desired output, and performance requirements.
• Coordinates design, development and implementation processes with system programmers, network analysts, database administrators, and server administrators to implement new or modified application software.
• Designs, develops and maintains websites, including the design of website navigation and application frameworks and creates database connections.
• Performs various system quality assurance activities; tests, troubleshoots and debugs system issues using appropriate technology; prepares and executes testing plans to validate functionality and resolve issues.
• Serves as main client interface on all aspects of application development projects. For third party software, coordinates project activities with vendors; maintains effective communications with users regarding vendor activities, problems, status, timelines and other details; ensures compliance with County specifications and drives resolution of identified software bugs and deficiencies.
• Writes, revises, and maintains computer programs based on established specifications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms.
• Conducts training pertaining to the use of new applications or systems for users and/or other information technology staff.
• Provides professional systems support to users of particular applications.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; position occasionally requires travel to other locations. Work environments may include noise, dust and/or unpleasant odors, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and may occasionally require work in confined spaces. Occasional evening, holiday and/or weekend work may be required.

Experience: Two years of professional level information technology experience comparable to Information Technology Analyst I with Placer County

Training: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information technology or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform analytical duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. Possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for some or all of the required education.

Knowledge of:

• General operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information systems program.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in designing, developing, testing and implementing computer hardware and software systems.
• Data processing techniques, including the types of hardware and software currently used to process data with different levels of complexity.
• Basic project management principles and techniques such as organizing and managing a project, developing schedules, identifying critical paths, and breaking down a project into individual tasks.
• Structured analysis and database concepts.
• Computer hardware and software systems similar to those being used by the hiring department.
• Tools and equipment used in testing the functionality of computer applications.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network problems.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate data and information in order to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, take appropriate actions and/or make appropriate recommendations.
• Learn to research, design, implement and maintain various hardware and software technology solutions, including new technology, in order to improve County processes or services.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
• Explain the values and limitations of services requested.
• Recognize that changes made on a local level can affect services and equipment at the system wide level and take appropriate precautions.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Learn and utilize specialized terminology if needed by the specific assignment.
• Interpret and apply technical information pertaining to computer and network systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered during the course of the work.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for procedures, processes, and tables related to area of assignment.
• Read, comprehend, and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Provide on-call service during off hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Functional Assignment Areas

When assigned to Application Development (In addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Information system development lifecycle and design principles using flowcharting techniques and prototype development tools.
• Basic principles and practices of business operations and work flow analysis
• Various programming and scripting languages.

Ability to:

• Conduct business process and needs analysis and propose technology solutions.
• Develop information system designs, flow charts, report layouts and screen designs.
• Read and interpret source code from one the County’s commonly used programming languages; develop a working knowledge of new programming languages.
• Troubleshoot and repair a variety of application issues using appropriate program testing methods and tools.

Mobility – frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing and crawling.

Lifting – frequent lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 80 pounds.

Vision – constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.

Dexterity – frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.

Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.