SENIOR DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER DEFINITION:nUnder direction, controls and/or implements and maintains the highly technical operating systems associated with modern computers to achieve optimum utilization of available hardware and software using comprehensive knowledge of the operating system, systems design, and programming; does related work as required.nNOTE:nThe definition and 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.nEXAMPLES OF WORK:nnStudies operating systems and available software for familiarization with programming technique which will result in optimum timing, storage utilization, and overall efficiency.nPrepares complete program documentation in accord with established standards.nPrepares and directs the preparation of charts, programs, and instructions to illustrate, explain, and implement data processing procedures and programs utilizing an operating system.nStudies procedural difficulties and operating problems and confers with planning and technical support on their solution.nReviews completed computer programs for adherence to established agency policy and to ensure thoroughness and quality in accord with prescribed standards.nCombines program modules into a complete executable program to test module interaction for production purposes.nPrepares system control statements for the purpose of cataloging application programs.nMonitors production reliability and performs or supervises the performance of detailed analysis of data processing related operational problems.nDetermines causes and applies temporary or permanent fixes.nProvides technical counsel and assistance to other data processing personnel on problems dealing with operating systems, computers, utility programs, system control parameters, software and hardware, and application system programs.nAnalyzes error conditions which arise during testing or operations and confers with planning and technical services about deficiencies in operating system support or in associated program manuals.nAssists in developing conversion plans, in conducting parallel testing to critique the application to enable production efficiency, and as required in training users and operations data processing operations staff.nAssists in planning machine and software modifications to meet increased workloads.nAssists in evaluating hardware and software needs, and vendor hardware, software, application systems design proposals, and documentation.nControls system library updates, updates of programs, and system revisions in accord with established standards.nSupervises the maintenance of backup libraries of systems software to enable offsite processing in the event of emergency.nStudies technical publications to keep current with new advances in operating systems and with the difficulties that may arise in the use of existing systems and their effect on computer programs in use in agency applications.nPrepares sound, accurate, and informative statistical progress and other reports of programming and related matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.nMaintains essential records and files.nWill be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.nnREQUIREMENTS: NOTE:nnBachelor's degree; and three 3 years of the above-mentioned professional experience or 7 years of experiencennKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:nnKnowledge of procedures and techniques involved in the evaluation and analysis of existing data processing equipment installations and the degree of utilization made thereof.nKnowledge of computer programming design considerations and the differences between and applications of the various programming languages.nKnowledge of one or more programming languages and various data base access methods.nKnowledge of the numbering systems used in computer systems including decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.nKnowledge of the analysis and correction of procedures.nKnowledge of the considerations involved in the planning, design, and logic of a data processing system.nKnowledge of information systems design concepts and principles of production systems and work efficiency techniques.nKnowledge of office methods and procedures and modern accounting and statistical principles methods and practices.nKnowledge of the modulized approach to programming.nKnowledge of the objectives of data processing programs.nKnowledge of the objectives of data processing programs.nAbility to conduct training programs in data processing systems analysis or programming.nAbility to learn the work processes and methods of the agency.nAbility to write clear and concise instructions and to use the English language with reasonable proficiency.nAbility to prepare clear and concise use, operations, and/or programming documentation in accord with operating needs and established standards.nAbility to prepare test data to check all the specified conditions of a new or modified program.nAbility to communicate well with supervisors and coworkers.nAbility to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff and with others interested in or concerned with the work of the unit.nnWe are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, uniform service member status, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This practice extends to all aspects of our employment practices, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, firing, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, and other terms and conditions of employment.