Applications Analyst - Search Extended

Job no: 496101
Work type: Staff Full Time, Staff Full Time/Part-Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Technology Services
Union: PSU
Categories: Computer & Information Technology

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Applications Analyst analyzes, develops, deploys, administers and supports information systems and related technology to support core business and organizational functions in the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life.

Essential Functions

• Performs Business Analysis: Researches, reviews, and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and processes; develops strategies for enhancing these systems and processes. Makes recommendations and/or identifies alternatives for improving processes. Meets with decision makers, systems owners, and end users to define business requirements and systems goals, and identify and resolve business systems issues. Ensures compatibility and interoperability of in-house and third-party systems and related interfaces. Consults with users to identify current operating procedures and to clarify program objectives. Identifies opportunities that can improve efficiency of business processes. Participates in database analysis activities such as: user interface design, usability, testing, and implementation. Participates in planning, design, development, and implementation of new applications and enhancements to existing applications.
  
  
• Performs Application and Operational Support: Supports staff in the use of various types of software programs and systems to effectively and efficiently fulfill business objectives. Attains proficiency in use and data structure of software applications used and supported by SA Tech Services. Manages the life cycle of problems from identification, root cause analysis, remediation, documentation, and ticket close. Monitors progress of requests for support and ensure users and other interested parties are kept informed. Develops reports and scripts using various reporting tools such as PeopleSoft Query tool, PeopleSoft SQR, Crystal Reports, SQL, Microsoft Access, and Summit Financial Reporting. Requires some off hour and weekend response to meet deadlines, for system upgrades, to resolve critical problems, and for high profile business operations.
  
  
• Database Administration: Configures, administers, monitors, and maintains applications. Defines security roles. Migrates data between systems. Sets and maintains data integrity and standards within applications. Makes customized changes to applications to support business processes.
  
  
• System Acquisition and Deployment: Provides project management for in-house and third party system implementations and enhancement projects including documenting business processes, defining scope, writing project specifications, developing detailed technical and user documents, liaisons with appropriate individuals and groups, and coordinating the work of others assigned to a project. Participates in the creation of the system design and functional specifications for all new development projects. Collaborates with SACL staff, campus IT and vendor staff on technology projects and implementations.
  
  
• Maintains working knowledge of information systems and other services in Student Affairs and Campus Life and related areas. Actively participates and engages in staff meetings, project/planning topics, departmental functions and on work teams. Maintains a positive attitude and serves as positive role model; models inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Understands, communicates and follows University and SACL policies, procedures and guidelines.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience) plus 5 years of experience in systems and database administration, application design, analysis and/or computer applications support
• Working technical knowledge in relevant programming language. Moderate knowledge of SQL; knowledge and experience with relational databases and web applications.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with desktop applications including Microsoft Office and reporting tools. Demonstrated experience in coding, testing and debugging reports using end-user reporting tools.
• Must possess strong customer service, communication, critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills to include the ability to apply knowledge acquired in other circumstances. Ability to work well with people from many different disciplines with varying degrees of technical expertise.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a multiple priority environment. Proven ability to be flexible and work hard, both independently and in a team environment, in an environment with changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree in information technology related field
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix; Experience with supporting web applications in a LAMP environment. Experience working with third party/vendor interfaces and APIs.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Typical work schedule M-F 8:30am-5:00pm. 37.5 hour work week.
• Required to work some nights.
• Required to work some weekends.

Salary Information

• Professional Staff Salary Administration Program Level 26, Associated Position Level 27
• See: https://www.umass.edu/humres/sites/default/files/2015%20PSU%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and names, addresses, email and phone numbers of three references by the priority deadline of March 20, 2019. Applicants should apply by the priority deadline in order to ensure consideration. Search will remain open until suitable candidate pool has been identified. Current applicants do not need to reapply.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Feb 21 2019 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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