You are reading the State of New Jersey Job Descriptions. This is not a Job Vacancy Announcement.

Job Specification

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

DEFINITION:

Under direct supervision in a state department, agency, data center, 
institution, or state college, assists in at least one of the following areas: 
the design and preparation of least complex operation routines and computer 
programs for electronic data processing equipment utilizing required and 
current software, operating systems, and multiprogramming technology; 
the control and/or implementation/maintenance of highly technical operating 
systems associated with new generations of computers to function toward 
optimum utilization  of  available hardware/software using comprehensive 
knowledge of the  operating system function; the development, 
implementation, and maintenance of multi-network, multi-user Local Area 
Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and/or Wide Area 
Networks (WAN), maintenance of centralized, decentralized and remote 
network services, network security, data integrity, network performance 
monitoring, network problems resolution, and user support; does other 
related duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. 
A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this 
job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
 
EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Studies agency work processes and methods.

Prepares flowcharts and block diagrams and codes program modules of 
the least complexity for application systems development.

Performs desk checking of program modules and prepares remote testing 
documentation prior to submitting programs to information processing 
operations for testing.

Checks program module coding to determine program deficiencies and 
corrects coding as necessary.

Prepares systems control statements and utility program parameters for 
later use by data processing analysts in obtaining information processing 
operations signoff and may assist in conducting application parallel testing.

Maintains production application programs/program modules as necessary.

May operate electronic data processing and peripheral equipment to test 
coded programs in analyzing/correcting program error stops.

May study operating systems and available software to determine which 
programming technique will result in optimum timing, storage utilization, 
and overall efficiency.

Prepares complete   program documentation in accord with established 
standards.

May prepare charts, programs, and instructions needed to illustrate an 
operating system and its components.

Studies procedural difficulties and operating problems and confers with 
analysts, programmers, and supervisors toward resolution.

Combines program modules into a complete executable program to test 
module interaction for production purposes, and prepares system control 
statements for the purpose of cataloging application programs.

Monitors production reliability, performs detailed analysis of data processing 
related operational problems, and determines causes and applies temporary 
or permanent fixes.

Provides technical assistance to other data processing personnel on problems 
dealing with operating systems, computers, utility programs, system control 
parameters software/hardware, and application system programs.

Analyzes error conditions which arise during testing or operations, and confers 
with planning/technical services about deficiencies in operating system support 
or in associated program manuals.

May control system library updates, updates of programs, and system 
revisions in accord with established standards.

Installs the proper mix of vendor/manufacturer supplied software, and 
implements new software and operating system modifications minimizing 
adverse effects on current production and testing systems

Installs proprietary software packages designed to measure/improve system 
utilization including hardware/software monitors.

Performs software systems studies, hardware capacity analysis, and 
hardware/software projections to ensure adequate machine resource for 
projected workloads.

Documents the impact, from a hardware/software viewpoint, projected 
on the installation of additional data communications lines, database 
management systems requirements, and online program development 
requirements.

Installs and maintains database/data communications software to ensure 
a working interface and effective performance between applications software, 
systems software, and installed hardware.

May develop, implement, and maintain multi-network, multi-user environment.

Maintains availability of centralized, decentralized, and remote network 
services including but not limited to file service, printing, local electronic mail, 
Internet electronic mail, office applications, remote access, Internet web 
connectivity, and mainframe gateway.

May track/troubleshoot/correct network related issues either logged through 
the help desk and/or recorded through the monitoring of the network.

Installs software updates and patches to network operating systems, 
server-based applications, and centralized services.

Installs hardware upgrades for network servers, gateways, and associated 
telecommunication devices.

Plans, configures, and troubleshoots networked devices including but not 
limited to printers, personal computers, facsimile, modems, plotters, 
and scanners.

May assist in the network design and planning.

May install or troubleshoot network wiring.

Provides support in the maintenance of mainframe connections.

May administer user access to network resources and adds/modifies/deletes 
user accounts for file/print and dial-in servers.

May administer electronic mail gateways, both internal and Internet.

Diagnoses and repairs network hardware.

Monitors performance of servers and telecommunications devices 
(such as hubs, switches, and routers); installs, troubleshoots, tunes and 
optimizes such devices to maximize performance and throughput, and 
minimize downtime.

Checks and responds appropriately to errors logged by the server 
and/or network devices.

Researches network security issues and recommends tools and 
processes to management.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation (manual or through 
an online log file) of all errors of high severity and action taken to 
correct the error.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation and schematics of the 
network configuration, including local and remote sites.

Provides technical support to end-users.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or 
manual recording and information system used by the agency, office, 
or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's 
degree in Computer Science or Computer/Information Technology.

EXPERIENCE:
	
One (1) year of experience in at least one of the following areas: 
the design and preparation of programs for electronic data processing 
utilizing current operating systems, modification of systems software 
and multiprogramming technology; or the development, maintenance, 
or installation of application  programs; or in performing technical 
support functions within a direct access device environment, or the 
development, implementation, and maintenance of multi-network, 
multi-user Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks 
(MAN), and/or Wide Area Networks (WAN) environment.

Note: Technical support functions include experience in resolution of
online production and/or communications network problems, and/or 
code modification, testing, and debugging of program modules in an 
online environment, and/or space allocation and control of direct 
access storage devices (DASD management).

Note: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science may be 
substituted for one (1)  year of indicated experience.

SPECIAL NOTE ON SUBSTITUTING EXPERIENCE FOR EDUCATION

NOTE:  A general Bachelor's degree from an accredited college 
or university may be substituted for the Associate's degree.

Experience in the study of work methods/processes, analysis of varied 
types of data, design and preparation of systems/programs, operation of 
multiprogramming computer systems and work in the data processing 
support areas of input/output control or reliability support may be 
substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis with 
thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

NOTE: Evidence of formal training in Computer Science/Information 
Technology received at an accredited institution may be submitted with
your application for evaluation by the Department of Personnel for 
possible credit. These training courses will be examined to see how 
they compare, both in hours/content, to college courses to which they 
equate, sixteen (16) training hours being equal to one (1) college credit. 
In house training courses will not be accepted as meeting this criterion; 
thus, they will not be evaluated.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey 
only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary 
to perform the essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the basics of computer systems hardware.

Knowledge of remote job entry.

Knowledge of facilities generally provided by disk, tape, and systems 
software associated with past/current operating systems.

Knowledge of system control statements and utility program parameters for use 
by information processing operations.

Knowledge of various database access methods.

Knowledge of objectives of information processing programs/terminology.

Knowledge of procedures/techniques involved in evaluation/analysis of 
existing information processing equipment installations and the degree of 
utilization made thereof.

Knowledge of computer programming design considerations and their 
differences, and applications of various programming languages.

Knowledge of one or more access methods including INDEXED SEQUENTIAL, 
DIRECT, SEQUENTIAL, VIRTUAL, and telecommunications.

Knowledge of numbering systems used in computer systems including 
decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.

Knowledge of the analysis and correction of procedures and considerations 
involved in planning, design, and logic of a data processing system.

Knowledge of information systems design concepts and principles of 
production systems, and work efficiency techniques.

Knowledge of the modularized approach to programming.

Knowledge of and ability to apply concepts relating to data base/data 
communications approaches.

Knowledge of techniques used to determine systems capacity and cost 
effectiveness of system utilization considering conventional batch 
applications and an online application and   program development process.

Knowledge of industry standard Network Operating Systems (NOS).

Knowledge of basic networking concepts.

Knowledge of server hardware and associated software.

Knowledge of telecommunication components used to interconnect servers 
to communication devices and clients (PCs and other devices).

Knowledge of countermeasures for dealing with network security and 
virus protection.

Knowledge of techniques to determine system capacity and cost 
effectiveness of system utilization.

Ability, depending on agency requirements, to operate computer 
equipment for purposes of becoming familiar with operating systems 
software and for analyzing/correcting program errors.

Ability to prepare forms, flowcharts, decision tables, and block diagrams.

Ability to program in a time sharing environment after a period of training.

Ability to develop and conduct training programs in data processing as 
they pertain to operating systems characteristics and related use.

Ability to use agency work processes/methods after a period of training.

Ability to write clear, concise instructions and to use the English language 
with reasonable proficiency.

Ability to prepare clear, concise user/operations/programming 
documentation in accord with operating needs and established standards.

Ability to prepare test data to check all specified conditions of a new or 
modified program.

Ability to perform studies to determine economic, technical, and operational 
feasibility of employing advanced data processing/computer science 
techniques to improve operational procedures.

Ability to provide technical assistance on problems relating to operating 
systems, computers, application systems programs, and communications 
software/hardware.

Ability to develop and understand network schematics.

Ability to apply temporary/permanent fixes to resolve operating problems 
quickly/efficiently, and to coordinate with vendors or agency personnel to 
accomplish same.

Ability to schedule and organize work activities and identify/resolve 
problems which arise.

Ability to interact with others and come to consensus on various issues.

Ability to work independently or in a team environment.

Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 
information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English 
sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or 
Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they 
can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation 
is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made 
because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may 
not be eligible.

 
This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which
are different work week or work month of the job class title:
Job
Spec
Code
VariantState,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
53261SN4022N/AP23-
53262SN3522N/AP21-

This job specification is for state government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

MER   08/04/2007