Class Code:........0869B

                                                      Position #:(PTAA).......

                                                      Developed by:........TEP

                                                      Reviewed by:.........JMS

                                                      Approved by:.........RHL

                                                      Date:.........9/92, 5/97

                     UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

                        Position Description

TITLE:            Senior Programmer Consultant

DIVISION:         Academic Affairs

REPORTS TO:       Manager, User Services

GRADE:            12

SUPERVISES:       Support staff

BASIC FUNCTION:

Analyze, design and develop a variety of computer programs to serve the requirements of the Academic Computer Center.  Provide programming expertise and consultation to users with varying levels of proficiency.  Implement and maintain computer software and provide technical support in the development of new systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design systems and programs in accordance with specifications provided by management.

Evaluate project requirements in terms of staff time, programming resources and computer science.

Supervise the development and implementation of programs to meet program specification.

Perform research and structure information to be used by management in the evaluation of Computer Center functions and responsibilities.

Provide varying levels of technical consultation to faculty, staff, researchers and other users of the computer facilities.

Participate in the testing and implementation of systems revisions.

Develop programs and utilities to improve the effectiveness and integrity of existing user services.

Install existing applications packages in compliance with vendor specifications.

Maintain and enhance installed application packages.

Maintain a detailed knowledge of several programming languages, applications packages and job control language.

Teach courses on programming languages, applications packages, job and terminal control language.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain a working knowledge of state-of-the-art computer applications in anticipation of the growing needs of the user community.

Assist in the documentation of programs, applications packages and procedures used throughout the system and prepare articles for the Computer Center newsletter.

As part of the training, perform functions normally assigned to Lead Programmer Consultant, although to a lesser degree.

Perform the duties of a Programmer Consultant.

Perform other duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in a technical field is required, as is two to four years of programming experience; master's degree is preferred.  Must be thoroughly proficient in several programming languages.  Must have substantial understanding of the overall functioning of the operating system.  Must have sufficient experience to work independently on most tasks, requiring only general direction in order to perform the remaining tasks.  Depending on the needs of the Computer Center, specific experience may be required in scientific programming, graphics, numerical analysis, administrative programming, statistics, etc. This position requires that the incumbent possess the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and be able to organize, coordinate and supervise support staff.  Must be able to interpret institutional policies, plans, objectives, rules and regulations and communicate the interpretation to subordinates and others.  Must be able to prepare and present detailed studies and reports to include recommendations concerning the substance of the studies and reports.  Must possess strong interpersonal skills.  Experience with Apple Macintosh network servers is highly desirable. 

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.