GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision this position is responsible for writing and modifying application
programs for computerized systems. Reports to an IT Project Manager.

There are two (2) levels of Programming Specialist distinguished by the level of work performed and
the qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for writing, debugging and maintaining computer programs to meet specifications as
determined by business processes identified by a user department; analyzes, revises and modifies
existing program logic and coding, considering program capacity and limitations; creates testing
environments and is responsible for thorough testing of programs to include interfacing with other
programs; analyzes test results. Responsible for supporting small applications systems within a
larger enterprise system.

Makes recommendations for automated processes, output displays, on-line formatting, and related
business process solutions based on system specifications and operational needs. Performs data
collection; analyzes information and prepares detailed reports.

Prepares production job stream for each programming job; documents all corrective measures in the
production environment. Develops detailed instructions and technical documentation including
system, operator and user manuals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Information Technology – Thorough knowledge of computer programming languages,

techniques, program design, coding, testing and debugging procedures for the use of system
development and modification in batch and interactive environments. Thorough knowledge of
computer file structures and utilities used for defining files and loading data.

Customer Service - Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAMMING SPECIALIST
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Human Resources Department
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: (757) 926-1800

Fax: (757) 926-1825

PC#22439

REQUIRED SKILLS

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments
and organizations.

Time Management – Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements
work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Analytical – Ability to research, identify and resolve critical problems of information systems to

include troubleshooting for computer programming problems.
Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, to include the preparation of reports

and logs. Ability to listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in
writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy and in a
confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Programming Specialist I – Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer
Science or a related degree with 3 – 5 years experience in programming and software architecture, or
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Programming Specialist II – Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer
Science or a related degree with 5 - 7 years experience in programming and software architecture, or
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

pounds).
Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions