INFORMATION ANALYST

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, meets with directors, managers, and other staff to define and analyze information needs; compiles, and organizes information from multiple database sources to provide Districtwide reports, graphs, and other documents; using a fourth generation language such as QUIZ/POWERHOUSE, develops or modifies complex report processes in assigned application areas (such as planning and assessment, special programs); assists in developing systems for computer applications; and performs other essential job-related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The distinguishing characteristics of this classification are 1) communicating with top management to determine data needs and to produce ad hoc and standard reports, 2) writing computer code in fourth generation languages for new or customized applications to meet end user requirements, and 3) producing a variety of complex and automated reports for professional educators and administrators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Helps analyze and define program objectives in terms of data requirements; studies sources of information and educational operating requirements to determine input and output requirements; confers with school and administrative personnel, including director-level and above; organizes, compiles, and writes computer programs; tests, troubleshoots, and debugs programs; prepares block diagrams and flow charts; writes clear operating instructions, and translates steps to necessary computer languages; participates in continuous inservice training and in training courses at colleges or with manufacturers of equipment; consults with Computers and Technology Services staff to assure consistency with current practices and procedures; tests programs to determine that all requirements have been met by programmers; may provide inservice training to students and staff related to the computer education or support services program.

2.Develops report writing processes to support completion of a variety of state of California and federal reporting requirements (CBEDS, ROP, Special Education, Special Programs) and to respond to information demands from the school district administration.

3.Operates a vehicle to travel from site to site and to perform other off site work as required.

5.Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with director-level personnel, teachers, administrators, coworkers, and others as required.

6.Demonstrates and models safe, prudent, and healthful work behaviors and practices; identifies and works toward the elimination of unsafe or unhealthful work area conditions.

7.Performs other essential job-related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in computer science, electronics, education, or related field, with significant course work in current District hardware and software or similar operating environments, AND three years of high-level information gathering and analysis experience which demonstrates fully-developed consultative skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Well-developed knowledge, skills, and abilities in group communications, presentations, conflict resolution, problem solving, process management, and other consultative skills, preferably acquired in a similar educational and organizational environment; principles, practices, and languages of computer systems and computer programming; capabilities and limitations of computers and peripheral equipment; testing and troubleshooting programmed computer operations; English composition, statistics, and general office procedures.

Demonstrated experience in advanced fourth generation languages such as QUIZ/POWERHOUSE programming systems analysis and design, including experience in sequential, random, and index sequential disk accessing methods; multiple file handling; arrays/table handling; magnetic tape processing; sub-program linkage; report writer; college-level programming, logic, and general computer science courses desirable.

Ability to analyze and develop programs, including writing, testing, debugging, and documenting programs and operating instruction; prepare flow charts and diagrams; utilize abstract reasoning; read and understand technical and educational information; elicit information and communicate effectively with educational and administrative staff; utilize required computer language systems; produce, check and finalize work efficiently; accept continuous training requirements. Current knowledge, skills, and abilities relating to Macintosh and DOS-based microcomputers; demonstrated understanding of a broad range of computer applications, such as COGNOS' Powerhouse 4GL QUIZ report writer, and QTP mass change utilities; desktop applications, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet; skills in accessing, and manipulating information on a variety of networks, including EtherTalk, Novell, and Internet; knowledge of File Transfer Protocols and utilities; oral and technological communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional exposure to elements and cleaning solvents/chemicals. Requires occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and a full range of keyboarding, talking, hearing, visual, and other physical and mental work demands.