System Analyst

City of Tuscaloosa•Tuscaloosa, AL

17h

About The Position

This classification serves as the primary liaison between Information Technology and city departments, users, and business technologists to ensure technology platforms and services meet stated needs and business objectives. The System Analyst works with departmental representatives and stakeholders to support software and hardware platforms that enable municipal services and meet the needs of departments and citizens. The role manages application platforms throughout their lifecycle, from requirements and planning through deployment and ongoing support. Assigned platforms may include Windows or Linux operating systems, enterprise resource planning, public safety computer-aided dispatch and records management, document management, human resources, engineering, and other municipal-government systems. The position also supports technology procurement, vendor coordination, application and database integration, data security, documentation, training, troubleshooting, and strategic planning. The work requires collaboration with executives, IT staff, stakeholders, users, vendors, and service providers. The System Analyst translates business needs into functional specifications, supports effective adoption of technology, maintains data integrity and security, and contributes to quality service delivery. A high school diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A vocational or technical diploma in a related field is preferred. Vendor-required certifications must be obtained and maintained where applicable, and a valid driver's license is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in computer system administration, computer programming, database design or maintenance, technology training, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify.
Obtain and maintain vendor-required certifications for application platforms where required.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Knowledge of database design and administration, SQL, and XML.
Functional knowledge of access-control structures, including user accounts, user groups, and permission models for Windows and Linux.
Strong written communication skills sufficient to maintain system documentation, change-management records, and end-user training materials.
Ability to present ideas and concepts to stakeholder groups and train users in technology platforms.
Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware issues and work collaboratively with stakeholders, IT staff, and vendors.
Ability to meet the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, coworkers, managers, and citizens.
Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary-to-light work, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects weighing 5–10 pounds, and to work for extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades, sounds, odors, textures, and visual cues or signals, and to communicate orally.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical school diploma in Data Processing, Computer Sciences, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Manage and administer application platforms throughout their lifecycle, working with stakeholders and users to meet functional requirements and expected outcomes.
Plan, analyze, test, and deploy patches, releases, and version upgrades; coordinate changes to minimize downtime and business interruptions.
Coordinate with executives, stakeholders, and organizational staff to identify, evaluate, procure, and implement application platforms.
Identify technology opportunities; evaluate vendors and service providers; and assist with vendor management and procurement.
Assist the Chief Information Officer and other IT staff with budget planning and operational functions as requested.
Determine opportunities and strategies for integration between software applications and related databases.
Participate in short- and long-term strategic planning for technology platforms and services, including hardware and software resources.
Maintain data integrity and security across application platforms; define user roles and permissions; and evaluate audit and event logs as needed.
Develop understanding of departmental functions and business needs, identify technology and process improvements, and support departmental technology requests and inquiries.
Translate business requirements into functional specifications; assist with process alignment or redesign; document needs for new technology; and manage changes to documents and specifications.
Liaise among stakeholders, users, vendors, and service providers; perform root-cause analysis and help resolve issues.
Work with IT staff, stakeholders, and external partners to meet federal, state, and local data-security and privacy requirements, including HIPAA, CJIS, and PCI requirements.
Troubleshoot software and hardware issues and work with stakeholders, IT staff, and vendors to resolve them.
Maintain effective working relationships and provide customer service to stakeholders and users.
Represent assigned application platforms and advocate for technology solutions that meet stakeholder needs.
Evaluate technology solutions with vendors and facilitate vendor interaction with stakeholders.
Maintain system documentation, change-management records, and end-user training materials; present concepts and train stakeholder groups.
Substitute for coworkers when necessary.
Recommend policies and procedures that support quality departmental services and incorporate continuous quality improvement into daily activities.
Meet regular attendance requirements, maintain effective interpersonal relationships, and perform other related duties as required.