Job & Business Opportunities

Job Summary

An incumbent in this classification is responsible for Enterprise software systems management, operations and maintenance as well as performing highly advanced and complex analytical, technical and administrative duties within the Information Technology Department. Specific areas of assignment typically involve: Software design, development and maintenance; supervision and coordination; application integration; contract, consultant and project management, SAP functional and technical configuration management and system administration. An incumbent is expected to be fully competent to independently supervise and perform the most complex technical work of the department. Work mainly involves problem solving and mediating highly conflicting, unexpected and unusual problems involving multiple groups. Oversees the daily operational activities of various technology systems, support staff and consultants.

Supervision

Supervision Received
Reports to the Director of Information Technology, receiving general administrative support and guidance in establishing program outcomes and specific objectives rather than direct control over methods. Work is usually received in terms of goals; review is received in terms of results.

Supervision Exercised:
Supervises professional and technical staff who, in turn, exercise some independence in their assignments; serves as acting head of the Department in the Director’s absence.

Distinguishing Characteristics

N/A

Essential Functions

Software Design, Development and Maintenance:
Duties may include:
Design, develop, test, integrate, implement and maintain custom business software applications using a wide range of software languages, programs and development tools. Analyze existing business processes to match process needs with software development options. Make recommendations regarding “best business solution” for requested system enhancements. Design, develop and maintain custom programs to enhance functionality of legacy systems (e.g., SAP). Design, develop and manage SQL data structures for advanced data management, data warehousing, and web portal development/administration. Utilize HTML, XML, ASP and .NET and/or other tools to develop custom Internet and Web applications.

Supervision and Coordination
Duties may include:
Supervise subordinate staff. Assign, train, direct, monitor and evaluate staff performance. Coordinate departmental software development/database management functions with support and network administration staff to ensure efficiency, quality and overall effectiveness.

Application Integration and Management
Duties may include:
Design, develop and maintain custom programs to integrate new and enhanced software with legacy systems (e.g., SAP). Develop custom applications to facilitate third party access to, and interface with, District systems as needed. Oversee and direct the establishment and management of database security, user access, monitoring, backup, upgrades, and other maintenance activities.

Contract, Consultant and Project Management
Duties may include:
Coordinate and manage assigned system (e.g., SAP) configuration efforts via internal resources or consultants. Oversee and manage software development projects from inception to maintenance status, coordinating and communicating with District staff throughout the process. Develop project budgets and identify hardware/software procurement needs. Develop project implementation plans, including goals, objectives and milestones. Communicate and negotiate with vendors, contractors and others as needed. Direct and assign project workload to subordinates as appropriate. Oversee project testing and evaluation. Prepare management reports regarding project success. Perform other duties as assigned.

Enterprise Systems Management
RT owns and operates two major enterprise software applications: SAP for business applications and Trapeze/OTIS for transit operations.
Duties may include:
Enterprise Configuration Management and Administration
Analyze the need for modifications, upgrades and enhancements to existing SAP system software and/or hardware by evaluating the effectiveness of the current system; performing needs; feasibility and gap analysis; provide consulting expertise to SAP functional teams and technical staff; create and modify the production and non production environments; communicate the plan, activities and expected results of upgrades/enhancements/mini releases; and provide technical consultation and solutions. Support the District's goals and direction while continually enhancing the reliability and productivity of the SAP system. Manage SAP functional configuration and business process implementation projects.
Other Transit Related Applications
Assist in planning, reviewing and conducting work activities and researching required project information associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract. Support the overall achievement and completion of department projects.

Job Demands

Physical and Mental Requirements:
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional 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 co-worker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

Knowledge and Abilities

Required Knowledge of:
Specific software development languages and tools currently required for District technology systems.
Programming interfaces currently required for District technology systems.
Operating system platforms and other software/hardware technologies currently in use by the District.
Software development principles and processes, including object oriented and procedural software development.
Principles and practices of information technology project management.
Methods of determining “best practice” options for business services.
Transit specific business operations and procedures.
Generally accepted accounting, payroll and benefits procedures.
Principles and practices of supervision and management.

Required Ability to:
Plan, organize and direct the work of a technical staff.
Work effectively at a technical level across multiple business disciplines; i.e. Finance and Accounting, Human Resources and Benefits, Material and Inventory Management
Manage software development, configuration and implementation projects
Monitor and tune the SAP Servers and Database, monitor, configure and tune the various SAP Applications; weigh various suggested technical solutions against the original business needs, ability to effectively communicate technical solutions.
Ensure the District's SAP system is optimally maintained and supported.
Plan strategically and think creatively
Prioritize and deal with conflicting workload requirements.
Handle all internal/external contacts with courtesy, diplomacy and tact.
Read and interpret complex policies, professional journals, technical publications and government regulations.
Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, customers and the general public.
Select, assign, train, direct, monitor and evaluate subordinate staff; initiate disciplinary action as necessary.
Work well with others.
Deal with difficult people and situations.
Learn District and departmental operating policies, procedures, systems, methods and tasks.
Speak clearly and communicate messages to appropriate individuals.

Required Computer Skills With:
Standard Software development tools such as MS Visual Studio .Net 2.0, MS Visual Basic 6.0, MS Visual InterDev, SQL Server 2005, TSQL, MS Source Safe, and SAP ABAP Workbench, SAP BAPIs and RFCs.
SAP Basis Administration, SAP Configuration Tool (IMG)
SQL Server Administration and Development
Relational Database Design Techniques / Structured Query Language
Project Management Skills
Visio Mastery

Minimum Qualifications — Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Required Experience:
Five years experience in enterprise software systems management, operations and maintenance, which includes software development, resource management and database management experience requiring familiarity with the full software development life cycle, as well as extensive work with large and complex databases and multiple operating systems.

Specific experience related to SAP system basis and transport, performance monitoring, software security implementation, administration, and technical configuration/IMG is highly desirable.

Required Education:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field. An additional six years of qualifying experience in enterprise software systems development and management may substitute for the required education.