Performs analysis, system design, acquisition, installation, maintenance, programming, project management, quality assurance, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and/or consulting tasks for complex computing system, application, data access/retrieval, multi-functional databases or database management systems, telecommunication, project or operational problems.

As a senior-level specialist in an assigned area of responsibility and/or as a team or project leader, applies advanced technical knowledge and considerable discretion to evaluate and resolve complex tasks such as planning and directing large-scale projects; conducting capacity planning; designing multiple-server systems; directing or facilitating the installation of complex systems, hardware, software, application interfaces, or applications; developing and implementing quality assurance testing and performance monitoring; planning, administering, and coordinating organization-wide information technology training; acting as a liaison on the development of applications; representing institution-wide computing and/or telecommunication standards and philosophy at meetings; or developing security policies and standards.

Incumbents understand the customer's business from the perspective of a senior business person and are conversant in the customer's business language. Projects assigned to this level impact geographical groupings of offices/facilities, and/or regional, divisional, or multiple business units with multiple functions. The majority of tasks performed have wide-area impact, integrate new technology, and/or affect how the mission is accomplished.

Conducts capacity planning to determine the needs of an assigned area. Analyzes new capabilities that may be applied. Tests and evaluates new software and/or hardware products, document characteristics, and make recommendations;

Coordinates user/client requirements for computing services. Designs multiple-server systems or telecommunications configurations to meet regional, divisional, or multiple business unit needs. Designs specialized interfaces, file transfers, data gathering and integrator systems, control apparatus, or telecommunication equipment;

Designs/re-designs systems which may include such tasks as system modeling, system mapping and planning system connectivity; or re-configuring existing systems. Builds systems to meet required standards and integrates and certifies software/hardware;

Plans, consults, coordinates and directs or facilitates the installation of systems, hardware, software, application interfaces, or applications. Resolves complex installation problems, may coordinate with an installation vendor. Creates and supports processing environments (test, demo, production);

Coordinates and directs multiple-server regional, divisional, or multiple business unit systems. Identifies and resolves multiple-server problems, transmission problems, etc. Works with vendors to solve complex problems. Uses advanced diagnostic tools to analyze work of others and personally resolve complex problems. Leads problem solving teams;

Develops, codes, tests, and implements specifications for complex regional, divisional, or multifunctional applications;

Designs and implements physical databases from logical models. Requests disk space, develops load procedures and prepares data for loading. Monitors database management system and application performance. Analyzes and documents performance problems. Designs, develops, and maintains common modules of a database management system;

Performs data analysis. Develops and maintains logical data models. Maintains data repository, including design and development of applications for maintaining and reviewing repository information. Trains and assists staff in use of repository;

Acts as a liaison on the development of applications and modifications to existing applications. Represents organization-wide computing standards and philosophy at meetings, and reports information back to unit administrators;

Develops and implements quality assurance testing and performance monitoring, utilizing quality assurance techniques and practices;

Conducts traffic studies, analyzes information and trends, makes recommendations and takes action to improve system performance and efficiency;

Conducts unit, system, or usability testing for applications;

Assesses and develops training materials and conducts advanced instruction on the use of information technologies. May direct organization-wide information technology training including establishing training program goals, objectives, and priorities; preparing requests for proposals and contracts for development on instruction where required;

Recommends disaster recovery approaches. May assist in the testing of disaster recovery processes. Develops back-up plans and processes, performs recovery as needed and arranges for disaster recovery environment for a region, geographical grouping of offices/facilities, or multiple units with multiple functions;

Develops security policies and standards. Tests and installs security systems. Analyzes and designs security access. Establishes and implements security environments and risk-based access profiles such as firewalls. Analyzes security reports, billings, etc. to detect violations or intrusions. Provides required security access. Conducts security awareness training;

Develops and coordinates with organizational acquisition plans. Specifies requirements, works with established vendors to acquire hardware/software. Writes requests for proposals and evaluates responses for computer or telecommunications software or hardware;

Positions may supervise lower level staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Four years of information technology experience such as consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment; directing projects; providing customer or technical support in information technology; or administering or supervising staff who performed work in any of these information technology disciplines.

New classes effective: June 1, 2005; Information Technology Specialist 4 (replaces 03274 Information Technology Systems Specialist 4, 03294 Information Technology Applications Specialist 4, 2408 Information Technology Systems Specialist IV, 2418 Information Technology Applications Specialist IV).
Revised: Deleted class series concept; changed subject heading from distinguishing characteristics to definition, same content (June 11, 2009).