SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To deliver support to end users in the organization about how to use various types of software programs efficiently and effectively in fulfilling business objectives. This includes providing application and software services for all internal customers, such as operations, development, and other business units. The Applications Administrator is also responsible for assisting in the design, delivery, integration, and improvement of in-house software applications, training programs and related courseware.

1. Meet with decision makers, application owners, and end users to define business, financial, and operations requirements and application goals, and identify and resolve application issues.
2. Orchestrate integration projects and corresponding strategies between business units and development teams.
3. Lead design sessions in prototyping new applications for the purpose of enhancing business processes, operations, and information process flow.
4. Identify and establish scope and parameters of application analysis in order to define outcome criteria and measure-taking actions.
5. Create and deploy feedback mechanisms for end users, analyze results, make recommendations for support process improvement and implement changes.
6. Evaluate documented resolutions and analyze trends for ways to prevent repeated future problems
7. Collaborate in the planning, design, development, and deployment of new applications, and enhancements to existing applications.
8. Conduct research on software application products and services in support of development and purchasing efforts.
9. Provide support for the testing of new and existing software applications under development or consideration for purchase.
10. Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations, or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas in operating systems across the organization.
11. Create system design proposals.
12. Assist application owners in performing cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.
13. Ensure compatibility and interoperability of in-house computing systems.
14. Create systems models, specifications, diagrams, and charts to provide direction to application programmers.
15. Coordinate and perform in-depth tests, including end-user reviews, for modified and new applications, and other post-implementation support.
16. Provide orientation and training to end users for all modified and new applications.
17. Prioritize, schedule, and work with appropriate teams to administer all instances where enhancements and defect resolution are required.
18. Record, track, and document the problem-solving process, including all successful and unsuccessful decisions made, and actions taken, through to final resolution.
19. Communicate application problems and issues to key stakeholders, including management, development teams, end users, and unit leaders.
20. Test fixes and perform post-resolution follow-ups to ensure problems have been adequately resolved.
21. Identify and learn appropriate software applications used and supported by the organization.
22. Coordinate with department heads to assess departmental application training needs and objectives.
23. Participate in the design, development, and delivery of software applications training programs and individual classes.
24. Post software updates, drivers, knowledge bases, and frequently asked questions resources on company intranet to assist in problem resolution.
25. Coordinate preventative maintenance, including the installation of service packs, patches, hot fixes, anti-virus software, etc. with appropriate teams.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education and Experience Requirements
A. Graduation from an accredited technical school or college/university with a degree in a computer information systems related program, plus two years of verifiable experience in application development, system design, integration and implementation; or
B. Four years of full-time, verifiable experience in application development, system design, integration and implementation; or
C. A combination of verifiable education and experience equaling four years which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
D. Project management certification preferred.
E. Experience with GIS preferred.

Knowledge Requirements
A. In-depth, hands-on knowledge of and experience with enterprise and desktop applications, including Financial, HR/Payroll, Utility Billing, Permitting, Licensing, Enterprise Asset Management, and Land Management systems.
B. Working knowledge with troubleshooting principles, methodologies, and issue resolution techniques.
C. Working knowledge in overseeing the design, development, and implementation of software application solutions.
D. Broad knowledge of programming languages and techniques, including Visual Basic .Net, ASP .Net, Java.
E. Knowledge of trends in technology relating to software applications.
F. Knowledge and understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.

Skill Requirements
A. Demonstrated project management skills.
B. Skill in research, preparing evaluations and recommendations for application systems and products.
C. Skill in the use of change management processes
D. Skill at working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
E. Skill in business process and reengineering, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between processes and policies.
F. Analytical and problem solving skills.
G. Skill in documenting and maintaining configuration and process information.
H. Skill in reading, writing and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals.
I. Skill in efficient time management.
J. Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentational skills.
K. Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.

Ability Requirements
A. Ability to develop and interpret technical documentation for training and end user procedures.
B. Ability to absorb new ideas and concepts quickly.
C. Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
D. Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
E. Ability to conduct research into applications development and delivery concepts.
F. Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
G. Very strong customer service orientation and ability.
H. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of City staff, outside agencies and the general public.
I. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Physical Ability Requirements
A. Occasional travel between training locations required.
B. Ability to be available for standby and/or callback.
C. Ability to work flexible schedules as assigned.
D. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
E. Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to exchange information in person and by telephone.
F. Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy objects weighing up to 30 pounds maximum frequently such as computers and peripherals.
G. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.
H. Ability to attend work on a regular basis.

Education & Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point)
Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience, as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.

VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional information about Veterans' Preference.