Computer Applications Analyst - Water Utilities

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is a highly technical position responsible for specialized computer applications in support of the department's goals and objectives. The performance of the essential functions of the position requires a background closely related to the department's functional responsibilities, combined with technical knowledge of computerized information systems. Work activities involve contact with the public, City officials, and employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans and organizes data systems management functions to support the organizational mission, utilizing functional literacy and technical expertise.
• Learns the supported computer applications specific to the departmental area, including understanding their interrelationship and dependencies.
• Works with vendors to maintain and support these applications, perform upgrades, and implement new features as released.
• Identifies and considers both the business and technical needs of customers to deliver high-quality solutions that meet user requirements.
• Configures, executes, tests, and implements the solution.
• Ensures that solutions implemented align with the supported specific departmental mission.
• Configures computer applications to achieve desired results.
• Determines facility, equipment, and supply requirements for data systems activities to facilitate analysis, reports, forecasts, estimates, computations, records maintenance, and department operational needs.
• Maintains necessary records and prepares reports and documentation.
• Coordinates system actions and plans with user agencies to ensure integrated programs.
• Develops relationships with business units, external consultants, and vendors.
• Interprets laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they affect the organizational mission.
• Identifies requirements, determines appropriate courses of action, and organizes data to prepare reports supporting existing or proposed policies and ordinances.
• Performs top-level troubleshooting of technical issues related to application functionality.
• Tracks and follows issues through to resolution; communicates to all stakeholders.
• Develops computerized solutions to business and operating needs of user departments using desktop spreadsheet, database, and word processor systems.
• Assists in implementing, supporting, and maintaining new computer software packages.
• Manage application projects of simple to moderate complexity, which may include sub-components of larger-scale projects as directed by Management.
• Tests, analyzes, and maintains assigned computer applications.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• May require 24/7 availability to support Mission-Critical applications.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

• May formulate policies for the department utilizing City requirements and sound research procedures; prepares correspondence and maintains detailed documentation of actions.
• Develops and maintains troubleshooting, solution processes, and procedure documentation to build an enhanced knowledge base.
• Provides individualized training to others using computer-based information retrieval and processing.
• Supervises subordinate employees as directed.
• May require attending meetings, visiting, and working at job sites other than the primary work location.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a field related to the essential duties of the position or function of the department.
• Three years of experience in a computer application or information technology support role.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• Three years of experience in performing the following functions is highly desirable:
  • Preparing and maintaining data using electronic systems.
  • Developing data collection and reporting programs.
  • Analyzing and auditing automated data reports.
  • Supervisory experience.
• May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE

• Standard office practices and procedures.
• Apply various computer software programs, including word processing and spreadsheets; Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and MS Project preferred.
• Relational databases and SQL Querying for computer applications specific to the employing department.

• Operating microcomputer equipment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Maintenance, support, configuration, or implementation of applications specific to the employing department.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the efforts of one or more employees to complete specified projects with minimal supervision.
• Work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Perform in a functional capacity for the employing department.
• Learn the operation of the employing department and its functions.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees and the public.
• Communicate effectively with business users and technical staff.
• Interact and maintain effective relationships with supervisors and other employees to accomplish the required tasks.
• Interpret business and technical needs to provide quality solutions that meet the user needs and ensure that solutions implemented align with the supported specific departmental mission.
• Conduct department activities with competence, initiative, and professionalism.
• Work within the principles, practices, and project management techniques.
• Apply knowledge of computerized capabilities and processes to implement new vendor-supplied software packages.
• Learn new applications and related capabilities as required.

• Requires sedentary work that involves some walking or standing, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
• No significant environmental hazards.
• Requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.