Department Application Specialist

The principal functions of an employee in this class are the administrative management of software applications and data for support of departmental business processes. The work is performed under the direction of the department director or their delegate. Leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and external application vendors. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

• Graduation from an accredited program of study with an Associate Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or related field; and
• Three years of experience maintaining software applications and data or databases; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination, and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid Iowa driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

NOTE: If you possess an out-of-state license, you must submit a certified driving record by the application deadline. Failure to submit all required documentation may cause application disqualification.

• Assesses support requirements, identifies resources needed to provide support, and coordinates support efforts with resources within the department and other City departments.
• Establishes and maintains user accounts within Department Applications.
• Establishes and maintains application and data security for Department Applications in accordance with City information security policies.
• Gathers and interprets data for administrative and operations reports.
• Creates ad hoc reports and queries utilizing reporting tools available.
• Develops and maintains all business process documentation for Department Applications.
• Interacts with stakeholders and end users to gather requirements for new reports or processes related to Department Applications.
• Coordinates all Department Application testing for upgrades and implementations.
• Tracks, prioritizes, and resolves Department Application issues.
• Coordinates the implementation of Department Applications and special projects.
• Participates in the purchase of Department Applications, including the development of specifications and review of proposals.
• Researches, develops, and implements improvement programs for the department to ensure the most effective use of implemented applications.
• Provides recommendations to department management on application efficiencies and updates that would improve department operations.
• Acts as liaison between department staff and IT technical staff and between outside vendors and the department.
• Completes special projects as requested.
• Provides needed information, training, and demonstrations concerning how to perform department and City application related work tasks, including GIS to new and existing employees.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Coordinates and collaborates with IT to administer change management as it relates to Department Applications.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with stakeholders to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time