DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThe following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Essential Functions:
 
All Assignments:
Assist with the development and implementation of network-related projects.
 
Communicate and work with third-party vendor sales, applications, and support.
 
Implement standards and procedures relating to network and operating systems software products.
 
Utilize current and emerging network, communications, and/or operating system technologies.
 
Monitor the performance of assigned operating systems and communications software; identify problems, as required.
 
Stay current and aware of "state-of-the-art" information technology practices.
 
Prepare procedures, handbooks, manuals, and other documentation.
 
Assist with the development of project proposals and yearly work program/budget.
 
Plan, install, evaluate, monitor, and maintain client/server operating system releases, enhancements, and/or application software.
 
Work with department management, internal customers, and information technology professionals to provide solutions to short and long-range computer services and integrated network needs.
 
Perform project cost estimates and ensure billing procedures and costs are correct, timely, and in compliance with general accounting principles.
Work with the organizational team and vendor personnel to implement changes or resolve technical questions related to the operating system, as necessary.
 
Establish operational and technical procedures for the utilization of client/server systems and program products.
 
Monitor and evaluate system performance, status, and resources; develop and write scripts, as needed.
 
Perform hardware installation, configuration, and maintenance.
 
Prepare and develop budget recommendations related to client/server environment.
 
Provide resolution to systems errors and/or problems; apply "fixes" to system and program product software.
 
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
 
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
 
When assigned to LAN/WAN System Engineering:

Participate in LAN/WAN installations and configurations.
 
Assist with the quality execution of LAN/WAN task(s), within budget while maintaining the schedule integrity.
 
Assist in resolving LAN connectivity issues and maintaining LAN and Internet connections.
 
Execute Networking/Communications (LAN/WAN) projects.
 
Develop LAN/WAN system requirement definitions and functional and technical specifications.
 
Resolve LAN connectivity issues and maintain LAN and Internet connections.
 
Perform LAN/WAN installations, upgrades, support, and maintenance.
 
Develop cost data for LAN/WAN project cost estimating.
Perform LAN/WAN system analysis, at the workgroup, department, and enterprise level.
When Assigned to NOS Engineering:
 Assist with the installation and maintenance of Network Operating Systems (NOS) on small to medium projects.
 
Participate in reviewing new network operating systems and enhancements.
 
Resolve and fix basic system errors and problems.
 
Interface with IT staff and users, regarding changes to existing system software or to resolve technical problems related to system software, as necessary.
 
Assist in documenting standards and procedures developed by senior staff as they relate to network operating systems.
 
Monitor the overall performance of the network operating systems and communications software, and resolve problems as required.
 
Perform installation and maintenance of moderately large and complex Network Operating Systems (NOS) projects.
 
Support client/server application software products, including connectivity with multiple remote sites.
 
Participate in reviewing, evaluating, and installing new network operating systems and enhancements.
 
When Assigned to Telecommunications:
 
Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of telecommunications systems and equipment.
 
Assist with the implementation of telephone systems and networks to meet departmental needs; perform basic telephone system and network traffic analysis.
 
Participate in reviewing and evaluating new telecommunications systems and enhancements; assist in planning their installation; estimate project costs, as required.
 
Ensure Federal Communication Commission requirements are met in regard to licensing, operating, and the technical performance of wireless communications equipment.
 
Prepare Federal Communication Commission license applications.
Marginal Functions: 
Perform related duties as assigned.

Systems Engineer I

Knowledge of:
 
Depending on Assignment:

Principles and practices pertaining to the assigned specialty area including NOS, WAN/LAN or telecommunications, GIS, or Web analysis/development.
 
Emerging technologies pertaining to network technology.
 
Methods and techniques of developing end-user documentation and training materials.
 
Basic network technologies pertaining to TCP/IP communications protocols, Ethernet, installation of routers, hubs, and switches, and implementation and administration of network operating systems such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft NT; network remote dial-up technologies.
 
Basic e-mail systems and technologies.
 
The development and use of quality assurance programs.
Systems engineering problem solving and solution development.
 
Trends in data processing and/or telecommunications.
 
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Depending on Assignment:
 
Perform routine analysis, development, and maintenance of network systems.
 
Assist with network analysis, design, development, system installation/deployment, support, and maintenance projects.
 
Carry out multiple tasks simultaneously.
 
Analyze procedures and instructions, and develop logical conclusions.
 
Organize and prioritize work, establish procedures, and meet deadlines.
 
Stay current and maintain a strong knowledge of emerging network technologies and procedures.
 
Utilize vendor support.
 
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
 
Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
 

Experience and Training Guidelines:Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: 

None is required. One year of experience performing technical level network analysis and support is desirable.

 

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business information systems, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.

 

License or Certificate:Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Additional Requirements:Incumbent must be able to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation prior to appointment for clearance to work on Police Department Information Systems.

 

Systems Engineer II

 
In addition to the qualifications for Systems Engineer I:
Knowledge of:
Depending on Assignment:
 
Principles, practices, and techniques of information systems management including applications, design, hardware, and software options for administrative and business-oriented applications.
 
Methods and techniques for project management including identifying project task, scope, team building, resource allocation, scheduling/timelines, and communicating the deliverables/results.
Methods of designing and deploying network architecture and infrastructure.
Techniques for researching and evaluating micro and mini hardware, operating systems, and communications software.
 
Network printing and print server technology.
 
Telephone network design, configuration, and provisioning; PBX and carrier network technologies and protocols.
 
Radio frequency coordination and Federal Communication Commission licensing processes.
 
Voice messaging systems; local and long-distance carrier providers and rates, Automated Call Distribution (ACD) systems; Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.
Industry standard LAN/WAN, communications protocols, and network speeds; LAN configuration, and topologies; departmental LANs, WANs, and multiple server LANs; LAN/WAN implementation, maintenance, and support.
 
Capabilities and limitations of current micro and mini hardware, operating systems, and communications software.
 
Methods for implementing and managing network operating systems such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft, and administering network security.
 
Data communications, telecommunications, and integration with networks, telephone network design, configuration, provisioning, PBX, and carrier network access technologies and protocols.
Ability to: 
Depending on Assignment:
 
Carry out moderately complex networking/communication/telecommunications project life cycle from analysis through deployment.
 
Analyze moderately complex systems engineering problems and develop appropriate solutions.
 
Manage projects within project costs, resources, and schedules.
 
Develop project plans and reasonable timelines.
 
Recommend measures to optimize network performance and response.
 
Install, configure, and support complex network infrastructure elements, security devices, operating systems, Web servers, Intranet/Internet servers, and other system servers.
Conduct and obtain approval of feasibility study reports for telecommunications projects.

Experience and Training Guidelines:Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing network administration, installation, and implementation, monitoring communications or operating system software and hardware, maintaining high-end computing platforms or automated business systems, technological project management, and the implementation of new systems using client server technology.

OR

 

Two years of responsible experience equivalent to Systems Engineer I with the City of Modesto.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business information systems, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Additional Requirements: 

Incumbent must be able to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation prior to appointment for clearance to work on Police Department Information Systems.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; frequent color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to computer noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to frequent noise from computers and related equipment. Some work may occur at remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.