INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST, PROGRAMMER/ANALYST Job
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST, PROGRAMMER/ANALYST Position Summary The Information Technologist will analyze and evaluate programming and analytical requirements. Designs, develops, and implements application programs utilizing concepts, techniques, and languages. Plans, develops, tests, and documents computer programs and provides follow up to ensure success of programs written. Primary Responsibilities • Prepares program specifications and diagrams, and develops coding logic flowcharts. • Translates business specifications and designs into language-coded programs, procedures, or scripts. • Interprets and uses computer operating systems and interface tools to code, compile, test, run, and debug programs (e.g., TSO, Solaris, Windows NT, etc…). • Writes basic Job Control Language (MVS), Shell Scripts (UNIX), or Windows (NT) style scripting functions. • Prepares charts and diagrams to assist in problem analysis, and submits recommendations for solution. • Contains analytical and/or technical expertise within a line of business or discipline. • Informs appropriate personnel inside and outside of the Company about events that will affect them. • Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external customers. Gains an understanding of the customer and their business. • Responds promptly to customer needs. • Solicits customer feedback to improve service. • Assists higher-level programmers in the development of programs of a more complex nature. • Develops solutions to routine problems or assists in developing solutions to moderately complex problems primarily related to own work area. • Ensures that a piece of software or system performs to specification and, if applicable, creates the appropriate output. • Performs systems, data quality assurance, stress, and third-party software upgrade testing. • Implements changes to improve code performance. • Helps establish appropriate test environments including adequate test data. • Helps establish and advocates use of common, re-usable functions, services and data. • Implements production programs, systems and infrastructure platforms (hardware/software) for use by internal and external customers. • Updates appropriate scheduling system (e.g.- Control M) when production jobs change as needed. • Assesses the risk associated with production implementations, and develops “back out” plans prior to implementing changes in production. • Validates that production moves are executed appropriately. • Monitors production process after release. • Makes effective decisions that may measurably impact work assignments, scheduling and the daily planning of work. • Determines the approximate size and complexity of tasks in relationship to defined customer requirements. Calculates time, steps involved and deadlines for assigned projects. • Utilizes historical project data to improve the accuracy and consistency of the estimates & plans. • Participates in the review of estimates & plans created by colleagues. • Performs analysis of actuals versus estimates for process improvement. • Can transfer design concepts across environments. • Anticipates problems and proposes multiple solutions. • Understands general business principles (i.e. general finance, profit and loss, ROI, depreciation, profitability, etc.) • Creates complete project documentation to include job steps, input/output files, flowcharts, parameter definitions, job prerequisites, interfaces, operational instructions and troubleshooting information. • Uses code generation tools/templates (e.g.: - MUM’s, Dreamweaver, ETI, etc….). • Works within a specific combination of computer hardware, operating system, and/or compiler configurations. (e.g.: MVS running TSO and/or JES2, UNIX running Solaris and Oracle, PC’s running Windows 98). • Mentors Associate Information Technologists. Secondary Responsibilities • Performs other duties as requested by management. Relationships/Contacts • Works closely with other departments within Information Technology, customers, and sales and production teams. Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not supervise anyone. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with two to four years’ related job experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Advanced languages skills (depending on the department) in ALC, COBOL, JCL, MARG, PL/1, QUICK, C, C++, DHTML, HTML, Java, PL/SQL, Visual Basic, XML, Macros, and/or other Scripting Languages. • Experience working with such platforms as IMS, M204, MVS, AIX, NT, UNIX, and Windows 9x. • Strong conceptual thinking. • Ability to effectively communicate technical or abstract concepts. • Ability to document processes and procedures. • Strong interpersonal, written and communication skills. • A general understanding of Polk’s business functions and how technology fulfills them. • A general understanding of data files and common data processing functions. • Understands the methodology to define, analyze and design an automated solution. • Understands sequential, indexed, random and/or relational file access methods and how they can be applied. • Proficient at using testing tools (Debugger). • Proficient at using scheduling/process tools (e.g.: Control-M/D, KRON, Visual Source Safe, etc…) • Knowledgeable of multiple file access methods, including databases. • Possesses knowledge of hardware and operating system capabilities in multiple environments. • Understands connections between platforms and how to move data between them. • Ability to competently navigate/operate platform specific command sets, utilities, and tools (e.g: IEBCOPY, KRON, File Networking/Sharing). • Can successfully operate language compilers, language interpreters, and system outputs (e.g.: JES logs, UNIX command outputs, log files). • Knowledgeable in available file management systems and their use. • Ability to use code debugging tools (e.g.,.Interdev) This position has a competency matrix that can be found at main job description page. Working Conditions Normal office environment Potential Jobs for Career Progression* Lead Information Technologist, Programmer/Analyst Customer IS Specialist Associate Information Technologist, Database Administrator Project Manager This position can also move into other roles within Infrastructure. * These jobs are meant to show a natural career progression at R.L. Polk & Co. This does not include jobs that would be considered a lateral move using similar skills required for this job. Career progression is dependent upon business needs, ability to meet minimum qualifications of the new job, and employee’s overall performance. In keeping with the Polk culture of promoting from within, special consideration will be given to candidates with Polk experience. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or working conditions. R. L. Polk & Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, citizenship, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, sexual orientation or veteran status. Further, R. L. Polk & Co. provides reasonable accommodation upon request, in accordance with State and Federal laws.
