Reports to: IT Deputy Director           Class Code: 1385

Pay grade: 108        FLSA: Exempt

Hourly Wage: $37.95 ~ $47.54

NATURE OF WORK

The Application Analyst is responsible for managing, supporting, and optimizing software applications that are critical to business operations. Their work involves configuring and maintaining applications, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring seamless functionality for users. They collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs, customize software to meet these requirements, and provide user training and documentation. Application Analysts also handle system upgrades, testing, and security compliance, while working closely with IT teams and vendors to resolve complex issues. They play a key role in aligning software solutions with organizational goals, ensuring that applications are efficient, reliable, and user-friendly.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Work involves configuring, supporting, and optimizing software applications while providing technical expertise and troubleshooting for end-users. This role requires a deep understanding of both business processes and application functionality, enabling them to customize software, perform system upgrades, and ensure seamless integration across platforms. The Application Analysts is proficient in collaborating with various teams, translating user requirements into technical specifications, and maintaining system documentation, all while ensuring security, compliance, and system performance in enterprise level systems

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Configures, supports, and maintains various enterprise-level applications to ensure optimal functionality. 

Provides technical troubleshooting and support when issues arise, diagnoses problems, collaborates with other IT teams, and keeping customers informed of the status. 

Maintains and develops documentation for both end-users and Tier 1 and 2 support teams to ensure effective knowledge sharing. 

Updates and maintains the Operating System for internally hosted applications, ensuring their security and performance.

Plans and executes application upgrades, ensuring that new features and functionalities are integrated seamlessly without causing downtime. This involves testing the upgraded system, verifying functionality with customers, and ensuring compliance with security and other IT standards. 

Reviews and provides guidance to customers regarding new software evaluations and purchases, ensuring that the selected software aligns with business needs and IT infrastructure.

Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.

All other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Information Technology Deputy Director or other superior, who reviews work for the effectiveness of services provided, user satisfaction, and results achieved.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision is not usually a responsibility of positions of this class. Functional direction may be exercised over other IT staff in connection with various activities. Employees may provide training, technical assistance and advice regarding assigned areas or to less experienced IT staff. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, and bending. Some travel may be required. Work exposes the incumbent to a number of time-sensitive technical issues that require immediate resolution.  Computer work requires manual dexterity. Installation or presentation work requires occasional lifting of computer units, monitors, printers and related equipment up to 50 pounds.

May require on-call or after-hours availability in case of infrastructure failures or emergencies.  

SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs)

Exceptional customer service skills, with a focus on providing a positive user experience.

A solid understanding of server Operating Systems, networking fundamentals, database design, and experience with interfaces to properly conduct system integration. 

Expertise in software configuration, troubleshooting, and maintaining enterprise applications ensures that systems function optimally and meet business needs as stipulated by SLAs.

The ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex application issues quickly and efficiently is vital to minimizing downtime and maintaining smooth business operations.

Strong analytical skills help in conducting root-cause analysis, identifying system bottlenecks, and recommending solutions or system enhancements to address recurring problems.

Collaborate with software vendors for troubleshooting, upgrades, and implementation of new features.

Proactively identify areas for improvement and propose enhancements to existing systems.

Clear communication is essential for translating business requirements and technical solutions to end users and technicians. 

Good organizational and project management skills. The ability to plan and execute projects on time while minimizing disruptions to business processes.

Ensure applications comply with industry standards, security protocols, and organizational policies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field and four years of experience in the field of information technology; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities.  Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Professional certification Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) is required within one (1) month of employment.

Will require a national background check. 

Availability to respond outside of standard working hours as needed. 

Residency Requirement: 

All employees (except Police and Fire) shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of the Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of completion of their introductory period, department heads and City Administrator shall live within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.