This is a professional, Information Technologies position responsible for increasing the efficiency (access, speed and reliability) of complex operating systems/platforms being supported.  Incumbents work independently or with a team to design and implement new hardware platforms and operating systems networks, and to recommend optimum configurations.  Analyzes, documents, installs, develops and maintains operating system software including utility software and job control languages. Provides technical support to users concerning system software and utilities.
There are different fields that a systems administrator can pursue.  Probably the most traditional is that of operating systems. An operating system is what controls how a computer runs itself. Another field is that of communications. These are software packages that establish an environment to deliver data to a terminal in a format that can be viewed and modified by that terminal operator. Related to communications is networking. This software allows several terminals, PCs, and /or mainframe computers to share information between them.  This job description is focused on the support of operating systems.  In departments where there does not exist specialized personnel for network support, telecommunications and system security, the Systems Administrator and series will be assigned and duties include those described by the job descriptions for more specialized network and security titles.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

Systems Programming & Administration
Design, prepare software specifications and code software programs for limited-scale to complex interactive systems, including language compilers, special utility programs, input-output routines, translators, operating systems, communications support programs, and other subsystems.  Ensures systems' efficiency and integrity.
Maintain custom and vendor-supplied mainframe, operating systems and related software, including testing, evaluation and installation of new versions or authorized modifications.  May have similar responsibilities involving communications support programs and other subsystems.  Ensures the system's efficiency and integrity.
Monitor and evaluate operating efficiency, analyze hardware/software performance and tuning, design, code and install modifications to tuning parameters that correct or improve less than optimal efficiencies.
Individually or as part of a team will schedule, install and activate equipment interfaces and peripheral devices.  Coordinate all activities with end users and hardware operators/schedulers to minimize disruption of business processes.
Coordinate planned and researched system enhancements/modification activities with administrative and technical personnel to ensure a continuing supportive environment for existing and planned application systems and a coordinated and transparent conversion.
Analyze and write specifications for possible improvements to operating system software; design, develop and install authorized new or revised systems or system utilities as necessary.
Analyze and prepare documentation concerning the feasibility of adapting software systems and processes to current or planned computing equipment.  Assess competing alternatives and recommend optimal solution.
Review current and proposed applications/operating systems specifications for possible improvements to be achieved by utilizing operating environment efficiencies.
Monitor systems backup procedures and executes recovery operations in the event of destruction of all or part of the operating system or other system components.
Prepare documentation of programs for permanent records.
Process and maintain various data sets and manage data sets storage.
May be required to perform other duties requiring less or similar skills and knowledge as business needs require.

Problem Resolution
Troubleshoot hardware/software problems and system failures.  Determine and initiate appropriate and immediate actions needed to restore normal services with minimal down time.  Document occurrence and actions taken.  Assess operating procedures followed in resolving issue for effectiveness; may recommend modifications to standard procedures found to be inadequate, unclear or ineffective.
Investigate recurring and related operating system failures/inefficiencies by reviewing system logs, dumps and other information from users or technical personnel.  Identify trends and source of problem(s), and recommend/initiate corrective action.
Work with hardware and software venders to diagnose and correct problems.

Capacity Planning
Perform long-range and capacity planning studies to determine the type of resources needed to support expected volume, types of application systems and operating assurance.
Prepare evaluation studies and feasibility reports on new or upgraded systems support software; prepare recommendations based on established standards.
Prepare evaluation studies and feasibility reports on computer, hardware components and terminal equipment; prepare recommendations based on established standards.
Monitor ongoing system statistics (volume, reliability, intervention, etc.) in order to identify operating trends and project future requirements.
Research information on enhancements to current and future directions in the industry.
May plan future enhancements and environmental strategies; assist with generating policies for such plans.

Technical Assistance
Inform systems users about operating system capabilities and recommend changes in procedures or other solutions to improve efficiency and resolve problem operations.
Analyze software specifications for completeness and compatibility with operating system capabilities.  Advise applications development and support staff on design issues that optimize end user services and operating environment efficiencies.
Research technical software and related questions and problems identified by users, management, programming, operating and systems personnel.  Document findings and communicate to all responsible parties.
Provide technical assistance and training to all appropriate computer personnel and system users on hardware/software features associated with the computer installation, operation and maintenance.

Training
Provides technical assistance and training to all appropriate computer user personnel on hardware/software features associated with the computer installation, using operating system components and maintenance.
May assist in training new staff members.
May be required to perform other duties requiring less or similar skills and knowledge as business needs require.

In appraising the relative qualifications of candidates for all levels, consideration will be given to the extent and type of experience with various information technology functions and to the extent and type of pertinent education and formal training.

Working knowledge of or proven capability to quickly learn programming language(s), operating systems, a text editor, report generators, database management, direct access techniques, remote processing and virtual systems to be utilized/supported within the hiring operating unit.
Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of systems and application programming.
Knowledge of computer security procedures.
Demonstrated ability to research, quickly identify and correct computer problems (debug) using system utilities / diagnostics.
Ability to write and modify utility programs.
Familiarity with systems analysis procedures and techniques.
Evening, weekend and call-in work may be required to meet deadlines and correct system failures.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Practical experience writing in one or more programming languages or 4th generation languages for multi-use/multi-tasking environments.
Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of software and operating system features currently utilized by the hiring unit.
Practical experience performing systems design; installing and customizing one or more computer operating systems
Effective communication and interpersonal skills - sufficient to effectively elicit IT information from users, train users in technical procedures / design, and document IT related procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of a work assignment and to participate as a member of a cross departmental project team.
Time management skills and organizational ability for project management.
Ability to work under pressure; meet inflexible deadlines; deal with difficult individuals while maintaining composure.
Ability to interpret and apply broad regulatory standards and technical specifications to assignments.  Based on specialized assignments, a position may also require background, and/or licensure if required, in computer operating systems, broadcast network functions, or telecommunication switching systems.
Knowledge of telephone switching technology support, data/video communications, and transmission media and their performance capabilities.