SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission

CLASS TITLE: Systems Engineer

To assume primary responsibility for server-based software and hardware systems ensuring the proper and effective development, implementation, and maintenance of information services, programs, and related software for business application systems and/or learning management systems; to write specialized system routines in support of programming and system development staff; and to assist in the development of feasibility studies and cost/effectiveness studies for new computer applications and operating systems.

This job class exercises responsibility for ensuring that operating systems implemented meet the needs of users and staff and for providing effective technical support. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a broad framework of policies and objectives. Depending on qualifications, incumbents in this job class may be assigned to certain business operating systems or learning management systems.

ESSENTIAL/TYPICAL DUTIES: The following duties are examples of assignments performed by incumbents in this classification. It is not a totally comprehensive list of duties, nor is it restrictive regarding job assignments.

• Develops, implements, installs, monitors, and evaluates existing and/or new operating systems ensuring that system applications meet the needs of users and staff of the data processing center
• Reviews, tests, evaluates, and modifies vendor-supplied operating systems and software for compliance to County office needs and requirements; updates and troubleshoots operating systems and software as needed
• Installs, configures, and maintains learning management systems and related applications
• Designs, installs, configures and/or maintains network servers and related software
• Installs, tests, diagnoses, and maintains operating system application systems utility programs and procedures/scripts, as required
• Troubleshoots and refines networking system software as it affects operating system performance
• Writes procedures and programs to minimize programming effort and automated operations
• Provides technical consultation to technology staff
• Designs, tests, writes, and documents, scripts, procedures and programs to increase system performance and effectiveness
• Assists in the planning, purchase, installation, and/or implementation of new or existing systems
• Confers with software/hardware vendors and marketing representatives regarding their products, capabilities, services, technical requirements, and problems
• Performs problem source identification and resolution
• May conduct training courses in application and system usage
• Assists in training operating staff and users in the proper use of systems
• Writes system and program specifications and other necessary support documents
• Provides information to users, staff, and other information technology personnel regarding the technical and procedural aspects of information technology systems and programs
• Assists with operating system and application administration tasks as needed
• Performs related duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Information technology terminology and language
• Operating systems and associated systems software including their design, development, implementation, installation, configuration, operation and administration
• Specific applications systems related business applications and/or instructional learning applications
• Relational data base systems such as Microsoft SQL, Server and MySQL
• Local and wide area network technologies including TCP/IP
• Routing protocols including OSPF and BGP4
• Data communications and networking theory
• Network security and firewalls
• Installation, configuration and administration of Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls
• Internet services such as DNS, FTP, SMTP and WWW
• Hardware and software interaction
• Programming methods, techniques, languages including C++, Visual Basic, 4GL’s, PHP and XML
• Storage Area Networks (SANs)
• Virtualization systems such as VMware and Microsoft Virtual Server
• Directory systems including Microsoft Active Directory and LDAP
• Messaging systems and services including Microsoft Exchange and SENDMAIL
• Anti-Virus Software
• Internet Content filtering systems
• Email security systems and software and software to protect against SPAM, adware, and phishing
• Disaster recovery processes and best practices

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence
• Reason logically and apply such logic to practical situations
• Quickly identify system/program problem areas and situations, effectively evaluate problem causes, and take appropriate action to resolve problems identified
• Read, interpret, and design system specifications, schematics and diagrams
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports and correspondence
• Maintain accurate files and reports
• Effectively adapt and modify new products/programs to meet existing utilities/applications
• Perform mathematical calculations accurately
• Effectively operate a variety of information technology equipment including computer work stations, printers, and communications equipment
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work assignments in a wide variety of situations.

• Certification as a UNIX and Windows Server Administrator
• Possession of a valid Class 3 California driver's license with a driving record which meets the insurance requirements of the County Office of Education.

Generally, any combination of education and experience that could provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical method of demonstrating these requirements would be:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field from a college or university accredited by any of the six (6) regional accreditation agencies authorized by the Department of Education.
• Experience: Three years of progressive, directly related experience, in management analysis and development including the design, implementation, and maintenance in the specific business application or learning management system software program with at least one year of analyzing systems and procedures and performing technical writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are performed in an office environment. Incumbents may be required to work a flexible schedule evening and weekend hours. Duties may require incumbents to drive a vehicle to visit districts and school sites operated by the County Office of Education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Incumbents regularly stand and sit for extended periods of time, walk short distances on a regular basis and on uneven surfaces whenever necessary; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; seeing to read fine print; hearing and understanding voices over the telephone and in person; moving and transporting program materials, and lifting light objects.

Personnel Commission Approval: March 26, 1998
Revised: May 27, 1999; April 30, 2009