Applications Support Analyst (AMI)

The City of Gastonia Technology Services Department is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as an Application Support Analyst. The primary focus of this position will be on providing technical support for the City’s Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system and related technologies. This is a new position which will be involved in the implementation of the system from start to finish.  This role will serve as the initial escalation point for resolving technical problems between various software applications used for AMI/AMR data collection and data processing. Initially, it will involve leading a project team, coordinating the appropriate City staff and business partners, and providing status reports. The position will assist with collection and validation procedures to identify potential technology limitations and/or failures, as well as providing AMI/AMR information to City staff across the various departments that will utilize different components of the system.  Additionally, this role provides the opportunity to oversee, direct, and train lower-level staff on the necessary and appropriate technology solutions, and performs related duties as assigned.


The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily.  Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned.  Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.

Provides highly technical support to the AMI/AMR program and operates all related software and equipment; analyzes AMI/AMR data, validating data and searching for anomalies (e.g. usage extremes, constant water consumption, non/negative reporting, etc.); Identifies and troubleshoots communication failures, recurring errors; researches and assembles information from a variety of sources.	30%
Performs a wide array of tasks in support of ongoing reporting requirements.	10%
Assigns AMI/AMR repair orders; documents results; maintains necessary records and prepares oral and written reports	10%
Provides support to system users regarding custom data and usage patterns; trains users on AMI/AMR software systems and uses expertise to assist end users.	20%
Directs and leads project teams; manages coordination of project partners and working groups; coordinates project deliverables, issues, project scope, and change control, progress, and performance; provides project status reports.	15%
Serve as vendor liaison, ensuring the fulfillment of support and technical requirements, and reviewing quality/accuracy of system performance and project deliverables.	5%
Assists with all direct future product development, testing, and documentation related to the AMI/AMR system.	5%
As necessary, assist with / perform routine maintenance, updates, and upgrades to applications.	5%

• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of Utility Billing concepts and principles and Water and Electric Metering operations and communications 
• Knowledge of contemporary Windows Server and Client OS, Active Directory concepts and functionality
• Knowledge of computer networking (Wired/Wireless, OSI Model) terminology, concepts and functionality; of RDBMS structure, SQL and associated tools (SSMS, Toad, etc.) for basic DB analysis functions
• Web Server (IIS, Apache) and API concepts, terminology and functionality proficiency 
• Experience with TLS Certificate concepts, terminology and principles
• Knowledge of the SDLC and how it relates to specific, assigned, applications 
• Demonstrated skill in reading / interpreting, critiquing and generating SQL code for various applications / solutions
• Knowledge of generating and/or critiquing Business Systems Requirements documentation; analysis and logical troubleshooting of basic RDBMS issues 
• Experience with implementing medium to large to size/scale software solutions involving multiple operational areas of the organization.  
• Proven ability to understand RDBMS structure and generate the appropriate SQL code for the desired solution (e.g. Report, Query, ETL, etc.)
• Ability to employ a logical, structured, troubleshooting methodology based on the context of the given / reported incident
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly transition focus between them at varying levels of detail; to interpret / understand Business Systems/Specifications Documentation and translate those into practical solutions across the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimally qualified starting pay: $40.20 hr.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in project management and software applications support
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience in project management and software applications support  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant may be required to complete all job screening(s) necessary to work in the Public Safety environment including fingerprinted and successfully passing a background investigation
• Valid driver’s license 
• NIMS IS-700 training within 12 months of hire 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT 
The physical activity of this position includes

• Stooping:  Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist.  This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Crouching:  Bending the body downward and forward by bending the leg and spine
• Pushing:   Using the upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Pulling:   Using the upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting:  Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.  This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles
• Fingering:  Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling
• Grasping:  Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm
• Talking:  Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word.  Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing:  Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction.   Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts
• Repetitive Motions:  Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. 

The physical requirements of this position
The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception, and field of vision
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: 

• Preparing and analyzing data and figures
• Accounting
• Computer terminal
• Extensive reading

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position include: 
None:  The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).

Salary : $83,618 - $106,416