Faculty/ School/Department. Job Purpose

Transcription

1 Job Title Faculty/ School/Department Responsible to: Applications IT Services Senior Applications Job Purpose Define the integration build and produces a build definition for generation of the software. Accept software modules from software developers, and produce software builds for loading onto the target hardware from software source code. Configure the hardware environment, produce integration test specifications, conduct tests and record the details of any failures. Carry out and reports fault diagnosis relating to moderately complex problems. Use the tools and techniques for specific areas of release and deployment activities. Administer the recording of activities, logging of results and documents technical activity undertaken. May carry out early life support activities such as providing support advice to initial users. Maintain application support processes, and checks that all requests for support are dealt with according to agreed procedures. Use application management software and tools to investigate issues, collect performance statistics and create reports Main activities and responsibilities 1. Integrates and tests components and/or subsystems and their interfaces in order to create operational services 2. Manage processes, systems and functions to package, build, test and deploy changes and updates into a live environment, establishing or continuing the specified service, to enable controlled and effective handover to Operations and the user community. 3. Provide application maintenance and support services, either directly to users of the systems or to service delivery functions. Support typicaly includes investigation and resolution of issues. 4. Receive and log requests for support from help desk, other service delivery staff and/or users. Prioritises requests in accordance with agreed criteria and the needs of the organisation. Monitor progress of requests for support and ensures users and other interested parties are kept informed. Takes corrective action to avoid or minimise delays. 5. Within a broad area of competence, investigate issues and other requests for support and determines appropriate actions to take. 6. Within own area of competence, provide correct responses to requests for support by means of for example: making system modifications, developing work-arounds or sitespecific enhancements, manipulating data, reconfiguring systems, changing operating procedures, training users or operations staff, producing additional documentation, or escalating requests to systems development staff or software suppliers. Ensures all work is carried out and documented in accordance with required standards, methods and procedures. 7. Provide advice and guidance to less experienced colleagues where required.

2 8. Liaises with systems development staff or software suppliers on the development of system enhancements to overcome known problems or further fulfil user requirements. 9. In accordance with agreed procedures, monitors application systems for which responsible by regular scrutiny of reports from the applications software, systems software or service delivery staff. Note problems and identify performance trends. Take corrective action to improve performance and to avoid problems arising. 10. Accept new releases of applications software from systems development staff or software suppliers. Use the tools and techniques for specific areas of release and deployment activities. 11. Administer the recording of activities, logging of results and document technical activity undertaken. 12. May carry out Early Life Support activities such as providing support advice to initial users. 13. Defines the software modules that comprise an integration build and produces a build definition for generation of the software. 14. Accept software modules from software developers, ensuring that they meet the defined software test criteria and produces software builds for loading onto target hardware from software source code (typically held within a configuration management system). 15. Configure the hardware/software environment as required by the system being integrated. 16. Produce integration test specifications as required by project integration plans, conduct tests as defined in these specifications and record the details of any failures in a concise but complete manner 17. Carry out fault diagnosis relating to moderately complex problems, reporting the results of such diagnosis in a clear and concise manner. 18. Produce system integration reports as required by the project integration plan. Additional Key Requirements: Managing People and Resources Has some responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources Communication Required to communicate fluently orally and in writing, and to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborative working Works with and influences team and specialist peers. Influences customers at account level and works collaboratively with colleagues across the University. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who share common objectives Has a good appreciation of the wider field of information systems, their use in relevant employment areas and how they relate to the business activities of the employer or client. Initiative, problem solving and decision making Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability. Exercises substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Plans own work to meet given objectives and processes. Makes decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives.

3 Performs a broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of contexts. Investigates, defines and resolves complex problems. Participates in external activities related to own specialism. Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications. Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Plans, schedules and monitors work to meet time and quality targets and in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures. Rapidly absorbs new technical information and applies it effectively. Maintains an awareness of developing technologies and their application and takes some responsibility for personal development. Work Environment Be aware of the risks in the workplace and potential impact on own work and that of others. Depending on area of work, conduct risk assessments, take steps to reduce hazards and take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others. Person Specification Degree or equivalent. Relevant professional qualification Has achieved proficiency in the Task of Application support - Level 3 or at Level 3 in another related SFIA skill. Able to demonstrate experience of working on projects and of communicating with users on technical issues. Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills. Is effective and persuasive in the presentation of local procedures, both orally and in writing. Has a thorough knowledge of business aspects of the application(s), and of technical aspects of the application system(s) and the hardware and software environment in which they run. Has a thorough knowledge of information systems development processes or networks or other skill areas which are relevant to the role and the applications to be supported. Has achieved proficiency at Level 2 in any SFIA Skill. Demonstrates a meticulous method of working and attention to detail. Has general awareness of all phases of the systems development life cycle. Has achieved proficiency in the Task of Systems integration - Level 2 or at Level 2 in any Development Skill which involves systems implementation. Demonstrates a rational and organised approach to the tasks undertaken and an awareness of the need to achieve quality. Able to demonstrate some knowledge of testing procedures. Able to demonstrate proficiency in: The application of automated systems to the support of specific business functions or processes for example: enterprise resource planning, sales forecasting, airline reservations, petroleum reservoir modelling. Techniques which help in modelling and understanding a business and its operation for example: functional business models, statistical process control, relational data modelling, use case.

4 The application of automated (software) tools which enable selective access to information held within some form of database or "data warehouse for example: exporting data to a spreadsheet via ODBC. Knowledge of the IT infrastructure (hardware, databases, operating systems, local area networks etc) and the IT applications and service processes used within own organisation. Techniques for ensuring that full account is taken of customers real and stated needs in the delivery of IT services Activities, structure, and position in the organisation of the functions or departments for which services are provided. Special requirements Able to undertake duties at different premises including any University campus as required. Travel may be necessary from time to time in order to attend conferences and events, undertake University business and effectively represent the University in key professional networks. IT Services provides services across extended hours. A variety of shift patterns, duty management rotas and on-call arrangements will be applicable. Expectations of all staff Professional standards All staff employed by Birmingham City University are expected to exhibit high professional standards which promote and demonstrate the University s core values of Excellence, People Focused, Partnership Working, Fairness and Integrity. Equal Opportunities All staff are expected to understand and enact the University s commitment to ensuring equality and diversity in all activities. This commitment is enshrined in the Equality Statement and core values. Dignity at work Every member of staff has a responsibility to ensure colleagues are treated with dignity and respect. The University is committed to creating a work environment for all staff that is free from harassment, intimidation and any other forms of bullying at work, where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and professional courtesy. Health and safety The arrangements for meeting the University s health and safety objectives are contained in the Birmingham City University Health and Safety Policy. This includes the responsibilities of key staff and procedures covering the main activities of the University. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and those that may be affected by their actions. Dress code The University does not operate a formal dress code for its employees, other than for those who are provided with uniform and/or protective clothing. However, employees must

5 ensure that their dress is professional, reasonably smart and appropriate for the situation in which they are working. All staff should ensure that they present a professional image and one that reflects sensitivity to customer perceptions. This may reflect their ethnicity and lifestyle, but should not be provocative or cause offence to those with whom they have contact. Citizenship All staff are expected to adhere to good citizenship, being generous with help and support to others, collaborating with colleagues and working for the benefit of the University as a whole. In particular working to provide a positive student experience and achieving excellence in all the University s activities. This job description indicates the expectations of staff at this level. Job descriptions are not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties of a similar level and responsibility. Birmingham City University has adopted the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) to describe and manage competencies required of its ICT professionals. Further detailed information about job requirements, skills and knowledge requirements and additional work activities can be found in the full SFIA profile for this role.