Application Specialist

Notice of Employment Opportunity

The following full-time job posting will remain open until Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Application Specialist (Full-Time)

2023 Salary Range: $66,224 to $86,091

Canton Township is a reciprocal unit as defined in the Reciprocal Retirement Act, Act 88 of 1961

• This is an external posting open to all applicants.
• Must meet the minimum requirements of the position.
• Applications not completed in their entirety will not be considered.
• Paper applications are available in the Human Resources Department.
• Only those applications that are received by the posted deadline will be considered.
• See attached job description and hiring process for minimum qualifications and timeline.

The Charter Township of Canton provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Canton Township takes great pride in the diversity of our community and promotes diversity in the workforce.

Dated Posted: December 1, 2023

Job Description and Hiring Process Attached

JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST

__EXEMPT__

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This is a professional position involving technical and administrative work. An employee in this classification is responsible for assisting the Information Technology and Innovation Department in planning, organizing and conducting detailed assessments. These assessments define problems and opportunities, identify deficiencies and deliver improvements that impact the enterprise's operational efficiency and effectiveness related to software and technology utilization and the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

The employee in this classification will coordinate technical support from contractors and vendors for all applicable software solutions, including but not limited to municipal software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), asset and inventory software, project management, web content management systems (CMS), and cloud-based applications. Additionally, the position provides consulting and support services for third party software systems and customs; in-house data exchange and integration services. The employee plays a key role in client relationship and communication; and enhances relationships with business units. The position operates in a team environment focused on continuous improvement, development, implementation, and maintenance of applications that service internal and external customers. The employee in this position must strive to provide exemplary customer service while performing all functions of the position as expected and required from the goals of the ITI strategic plan.

An employee in this role will report to the ITI Applications Delivery Manager and operate under their guidance However, this position will be assigned to work closely with Township Managers, Supervisors and Specialist to support various software applications The position involves using significant independent judgment, discretion and initiative gained from extensive work experience.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Note: These examples are intended merely as illustrations of the various types of work performed.)

• Provides consulting and support services for third party software systems, in-house data exchange and integration services.
• Provides recommendations for business process improvements, systems analysis, and system compatibility testing and software systems installations.
• Provides software support by maintaining, upgrading and troubleshooting business applications.
• Provides software support for cloud-based applications.
• Coordinates stages of the implementation process for new application systems, including but not limited to planning, testing and deployment.
• Coordinates and oversees external service providers in the installation, performance, maintenance, upgrading and/or deployment of applications.
• Coordinates the implementation and optimization of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to make business processes smoother and more efficient.
• Fosters collaboration and cooperation with departments impacted by technology changes.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve ITI operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes.
• Coordinates resolution of software technology conflicts that arise or escalate.
• Works cooperatively with ITI Applications Delivery Manager and other department personnel to ensure the technology needs of the organization are being met.
• Meets with the ITI Applications Delivery Manager, Department Heads and department designees to discuss technology needs; researches, provides input and makes recommendations related to computer applications that are designed to meet the department and Township's technology and business needs.
• Keeps the ITI Applications Delivery Manager and other staff members apprised of technology related incidents which could impact operations.
• Assures development projects receive appropriate review and provides technical and project analysis.
• Attends and participates in monthly ITI Steering Committee meetings to assist with scheduling and resourcing of application projects.
• Ensures consistent and reliable operation of systems and processes; including be not limited to, managing system and process documentation, scheduling employee training and completing software testing and verification.
• Sets priorities, and coordinates activities to ensure the needs of external departments are being met.
• Provides input with the negotiations of services and purchase agreements for software, consulting, and outsourced services.
• Prepares and/or provides business case or input for technological systems and solutions.
• Represents Canton Township in outside governmental activities and functions as assigned.
• Keeps detailed and accurate records.
• Fosters customer and external provider relationships as assigned.
• Performs additional responsibilities in the absence of other ITI Personnel as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills Bachelor's Degree or above in Computer Science or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of progressively more responsible ITI related professional experience required.
• Must possess a current, valid Michigan Driver's License with a driving history that does not create liability concerns; which includes, but is not limited to, convictions for reckless driving, careless driving, suspended license, or convictions involving drinking and impaired driving.
• Working knowledge or Structured Query Language (SQL) preferred.
• Considerable understanding of Software/Systems/Application Integration requirements and procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, SharePoint, and Power Automate
• Proven work experience in troubleshooting and problem resolution required of software applications.
• Experience with public service software solutions preferred.
• ESRI GIS application systems experience highly preferred.
• Some administrative experience preferred.
• Familiar with working with a ticketing system to receive and respond to request from customers is required.
• Strong skills in managing complex problems and identifying and setting priorities.
• Considerable knowledge of information technology systems, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to research and operationalize new computer applications.
• Strong technical and analytical abilities required; ability to analyze and comprehend complex data.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written format.
• Ability to clearly communicate procedures, problems, and policies with others in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to set priorities and work in multitasking environment.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to deal effectively with all level of staff, contractors and vendors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of management information systems presentations and reports.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with Township Officials, Department Heads, vendors, contractors and to work harmoniously with all staff.
• Ability to use initiative, discretion, and specialized knowledge to achieve and maintain desired objectives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable Accommodations: Canton Township provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (734) 394-5260. We encourage all interested qualified applicants to apply for open positions. Request for accommodations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Demands

• Stand-Frequently
• Walk-Frequently
• Sit-Frequently
• Use of Hands/Fingers-Frequently
• Reach-Occasionally
• Climb-Rarely
• Crawl- Rarely
• Squat or Kneel- Rarely
• Bend-Rarely

Lift/Carry

• Less than 10 lbs-Frequently
• 10 - 29 lbs-Frequently
• 30 - 59 lbs-Occasionally
• 60 - 100 lbs-Occasionally

Push/Pull

• Less than 10 lbs-Frequently
• 10 - 29 lbs-Frequently
• 30 - 59 lbs-Occasionally
• 60 - 100 lbs-Occasionally

REPORTS TO: Information Technology Innovation Applications Delivery Manager or designee.

Job Description Updated: November 2023

HIRING PROCESS - APPLICATION SPECIALIST (Full-Time)

Friday, December 1, 2023 through Tuesday, January 2, 2024 - Employment Application

1. Submit a Canton Township Employment Application Form (online or paper), completed in its entirety prior to posted deadline date.
2. Online applications must be completed and submitted electronically before 11:59 p.m. on deadline date.
3. Applications not completed in their entirety will not be considered.
4. Paper applications are available in the Human Resources Department. Paper applications must be received in the Canton Township Human Resources Division by 4:30 p.m. on the posted deadline date. Applicants choosing to submit a paper application need to be conscious of postal delivery times.
5. Faxed or emailed paper applications will not be accepted.
6. Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
7. All communication will be via email. Applicants must provide a valid email address on the application. Please add jobs@cantonmi.gov to your safe sender list.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 - Application Screening Process

Employment applications and job question responses will be screened to determine which candidates will be interviewed. The preferred candidates will meet the following criteria:

1. This will be a competitive process, a limited number of candidates will be selected for the pre-interview assessment test and interview based on their relevant work experience, education and training as compared to the other candidates in the application pool.
2. Demonstrated ability to meet the minimum requirements of the job description as determined by responses to the initial job questions and employment application. Candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the position as posted on the job description to be considered.
3. Application prepared representing the quality of desired professional work (spelling, grammar, and presentation are essential).
4. Must possess a current, valid Driver's License with a driving history that does not create liability concerns; which includes, but is not limited to, convictions for reckless driving, careless driving, suspended license, or convictions involving drinking and impaired driving. Candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a driving record check.

On or After Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - Assessment Testing and Oral Interviews

1. Oral Interviews will be held on or after January 10th.
2. Candidates selected for the Assessment Testing and Oral Board Interview will be notified via e-mail on January 3, 2024.
3. This position requires Public Safety clearance, the Oral Interview may include extensive questions that explore sensitive or confidential aspects of a candidate's personal life.
4. Applicants not selected for the Oral Interview will be notified via e-mail on January 3, 2024.
5. Candidates that do not receive an email regarding the status of their application on January 3rd are asked to contact Human Resources at 734-394-5251.

Upon Completion of Oral Board Interviews - Conditional Offer of Employment Extended

1. Offer letter sent to candidate.
2. All offers of employment are contingent on the results of reference checks, thorough background investigation, social media check, working history verification, pre-employment physical examination, drug screen and satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
3. This position requires a public safety background check which takes approximately 3-6 weeks.
4. Eligibility list must be approved in accordance with the Merit System Commission Human Resources Policy Manual.