Senior Applications Administrator

MWRD; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is seeking a Senior Applications Administrator to provide ongoing administration, maintenance and support of software applications in a demanding environment. You will lead a team of analysts, coordinate with departments and vendors, test and implement patches, and drive continuous process improvements to meet business needs.

Applicants should have a four-year IT degree and at least four years of applications programming/development

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in information technology or computer science and four years of experience in applications programming and/or development.
• Experience leading analysts/administrators and coordinating with departments and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of databases and operating systems; familiarity with software development practices.
• Ability to coordinate feasibility studies for purchases and provide guidance to PMO.

Responsibilities

• Directs the work of analysts and administrators in app administration and prioritizes projects.
• Ensures applications meet business requirements and user needs.
• Coordinates with departments and vendors to resolve performance problems and implement enhancements.
• Tests programs and applications to ensure desired results are achieved.
• Identifies complex issues and recommends revisions or repairs to improve performance.
• Participates in design/development and modification of software systems and ensures proper access controls.
• Monitors implementation of patches/fixes and manages project oversight.

Skills

Programming languages

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Project coordination

Communication

Business analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Tools

Databases

Operating systems

Open source platforms

Web technologies

Job description

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Senior Applications Administrator (#20004255)

Under direction, provides on-going administration, maintenance and support of software applications to ensure the application continues to meet the customer’s needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Directs the work of an assigned group of analysts and administrators in the administration of existing software applications; prioritizes projects.
• Ensures that applications meet business and functional requirements and goals and fulfills user requirements.
• Liaisons with operating departments regarding applications; coordinates the resolution of performance problems or proposed enhancements with application developers and third-party vendors.
• Coordinates feasibility studies under consideration for purchase and gives advice based on findings, in coordination with the Project Management Office.
• Performs modeling, automation and continuous process improvement of business processes.
• Conducts testing of programs and software applications to ensure they will produce the desired information or results.
• Assists with the identification of more complex issues with software applications and recommends revisions and repairs; identifies problems with application performance and recommends solutions.
• Assists with the design, development and modification of software systems; installs and maintains system software; ensures proper access controls are in place on all systems.
• Consults with applications developers and other technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems and recommend changes.
• Evaluates user feedback on application performance and recommends necessary revisions.
• Manages the implementation of any required patches/fixes for existing applications.
• Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

• Prepares budgetary estimates, contracts and purchase requisitions for goods and services within assigned area of responsibility.
• Provides training to subordinates.
• Provides after hours and weekend support when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technically fluent in at least two programming languages.
• Thorough knowledge of databases and operating systems.
• Knowledge of open source development platforms.
• Knowledge of current Internet technologies.
• Knowledge of programming languages and software used in the development of computer applications.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics and limitations of common computer hardware and software utilized by the District.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the documentation of application development.
• Skill in writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot software.
• Ability to analyze program and application failures and identify errors.
• Ability to coordinate and manage project teams and provide project oversight.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to work in a team‑oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate analysts and administrative staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four‑year accredited college or university majoring in information technology, computer science or a closely related field and four years of experience in applications programming and/or development.

Substitution

Graduate study in computer science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis to a maximum of two years. Additional professional experience in applications programming and/or development may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Promotional Requirement

• One year of service with the District as an Applications Administrator, Senior Systems Programmer or Webmaster.
• Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.