Business Information/Systems Specialist - Transportation Services

Job Summary

Assists multiple business units within Transportation Services (TS) and Planning and Resource Management (PRM) Divisions in evaluating, planning, re-designing, and implementing software system solutions. Understands the business unit's current business processes and procedures, software systems, and mobile deployment activities and makes recommendations to help the units operate more efficiently and effectively. Identifies and implements ways to enhance and/or maximize existing software systems and assists the business unit in identifying requirements for software upgrades. Understands and operates software database reports and queries to obtain and maintain data on department's key performance measures and indicators in coordination with the County's Delivering What Matters (DWM) initiative. The employee works collaboratively with managers and supervisors to identify data and measures that will convey program results. Provides guidance in dealing with complex analysis, technical duties, data quality assurance, and operational and capital issues related to software.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Acts as technical liaison when work requires coordination of efforts between departments and work units. 

• Defines, designs, and implements business process improvements through the use of software system enhancements, integration, and delivery of internal and external web-based applications and services for the continued improvement of systems including but not limited to NOVUS, Categraph, and One Gov, and assists the division with the implementation of ERP system as needed.

• Conducts research and analysis related to performance management, process improvement, and strategic planning.

• Coordinates the development of the five-year Highway Operations Plan, updated annually. Works with Program Managers and Highway Engineer to address operating budget gaps to address the five-year needs identified in the Plan. 

• Understands software system gaps and opportunities in Current State Definitions (CSDs) and leads process improvement efforts (change) with the support of the business leads and Information Technology (IT) staff. 

• Addresses and resolves end-user business needs pertaining to software enabled business processes.   

• Creates and runs database reports and queries to obtain data for key performance measures and indicators in coordination with business units and countywide initiatives.   

• Understands application development, database design, and data-modeling concepts and proposes changes to improve work efficiencies, automation, and reporting. Creates and runs database reports and queries utilizing current systems. 

• Assists in obtaining the collection of performance data to include department reports, state reports, and federal reports. 

• Assists in the planning and development of outcome-based measures for programs and services and facilitates discussion with staff to establish appropriate measure and data sources. 

• Works closely with business units and devises ways to maximize existing software functionality and usability. 

• Conducts research and analysis related to performance management, measurement, process improvement, customer engagement, and strategic budgeting.

• Participates on virtual teams as required for technology implementations. Assists managers, subject matter experts, and project team in project delivery. 

• Prepares presentations as needed by the department director. 

• Provides training and guidance to departments and units regarding department and performance measurement, including, assisting in the capture of appropriate data and the use of measures. 

• Facilitates regular user group meetings with internal and external staff to identify current issues or opportunities in software systems. 

• Assists leaders in the development of, edits, and maintains operating procedures and standards manuals as requested. 

• Creates and implements test plans or scripts and cases for projects; conducts appropriate and necessary testing of software (both new and updated versions). 

• Understands software release notes and plays a key role for a successful implementation by coordinating with business units, IT, and vendors including testing of new software and software updates. 

• Conducts and leads meetings as needed to inform, obtain approval, and implement new functions, processes, and efficiencies with leaders in the organization. 

• Understands employees of different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience, helps with issue resolution and training users for successful adoption of changes to existing systems as well as new systems. 

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in computer science, Business Administration, Quantitative or Statistical Analysis, or related field experience and three years progressively responsible experience with technology implementation, testing, and data analysis experience in a government or service-industry organization, or some combination thereof. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for experience in project management, business analysis, software administration, and process analysis and design.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general supervision of the Administrative Services Director, in coordination with managers and Division Directors, who makes work assignments and outlines general procedures and policies to be followed. Work is reviewed through written reports, public presentations, conferences, and results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge - Knowledge of application development and/or database design/data modeling methodologies and tools utilized by the county.

Knowledge in technology and industry solutions, including office automation, data processing techniques and practices, software development methodology, and forms and records management.

Knowledge of statistical, analytical, and research concepts and methods.

Knowledge of relationships between internal and external agencies and governing entities.

Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.

Knowledge of e-business applications and/or content management systems, MS Project, Microsoft Office, Visio, and graphics software.

Abilities - Ability to work in a team environment and effectively work with both technical and functional staff.

Ability to remain flexible without losing focus on priorities, deadlines, and customer service perspective.

Ability to work under the pressure of time constraints and frequent interruptions.

Ability to evaluate and recommend new technologies to support the county business functions in the short and long term.

Ability to apply systems thinking to public sector programs to try to streamline and improve processes.

Ability to gather, analyze, document, and communicate information appropriately based on project goals and audience are valuable skills.

Ability to develop and present information for routine business and project analysis; ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work well with people from different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience.

Ability to initiate and implement problem resolution, escalating issues appropriately.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.