Senior Systems Specialist

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Systems Development, the Senior Systems Specialist:
- Provides specialized advice to internal project teams and work units on technical solutions and standards to adapt and support the design, development, testing, implementation, integration, maintenance and support of IT applications.
- Negotiates contracts with vendors for the provision of IT application services and products.
- Advises and guides business clients on technical applications issues, and provides expertise and analysis to facilitate client understanding, involvement and acceptance of the design, development, testing and delivery, installation, integration and maintenance of IT applications.
- Conducts feasibility studies, develops and designs research, recommends various alternatives for IT applications development and presents options to support decision making and to address client requirements.
- Participates in discussions with program, technical and administrative specialists of client organizations, to obtain agreement on service requirements and the resolution of technical issues.
- Participates on working groups or project teams to facilitate the development of standards, policies, networking and partnering in application development.
- Provides technical direction to working groups and periodically leads project teams composed of technical staff.
- Maintains knowledge of trends and developments in systems analysis and design, application/web design and development, application testing and implementation techniques and practices and project management techniques and practices. Client Service Results Provides specialized advice and recommendations on technological solutions for project teams and work groups engaged in the development, implementation, maintenance and support of IT applications, project proposals, cost estimates and specifications, terms of reference and contracts with internal and external clients. Provides technical IT services for internal and external clients in the areas of:
- Database installation
- Database management
- Database monitoring and support
- System development
- System testing
- Integration and maintenance of desktop and web-based applications In a matrix managed project environment, provides supervision to work teams. Database Administration
- Plans, develops, tests, installs or upgrades database servers, database development tools and user productivity tools.
- Manages and monitors the allocation of storage, processor and network resources to all database management systems and their associated user communities; and manages user account profiles and takes steps for ensuring database security and availability including database back-up and recovery.
- Conducts data administration and database design audits; develops, maintains and enforces database design, systems development and security standards for the Council.
- Provides technical advice, training and assistance to clients and is a subject matter resource on technical aspects of database management systems, database design, systems development and security standards.
- Represents the project team in discussions with clients and technical staff to explain issues of a technical nature or to resolve technical issues.
- Maintains knowledge of trends and developments in computer systems analysis techniques and practices, data administration, database development and management. Development
- Analyses, defines and helps Business Analyst document client requirements and recommend solutions; conducts impact analysis studies.
- Designs, develops, unit tests, implements and maintains systems on various technology platforms.
- Support quality assurance activities.
- Designs, develops, enhances, and maintains software solutions; prepares technical specifications and documentation, including user guides, system documentation, and support materials.
- Evaluates, implements, configures, and maintains application development tools, platforms, and frameworks; promotes and ensures adherence to established development standards, best practices, and secure coding principles.
- Contributes to multidisciplinary project teams and oversees technical workstreams or project teams as required to deliver business and client outcomes. Develops work plans, supports procurement and solution evaluations, and mentors team members to foster technical excellence and knowledge transfer.
- Maintains current knowledge of emerging technologies, industry trends, development frameworks, programming languages, systems analysis and design methodologies, cloud-based solutions, application development practices, testing strategies, and implementation approaches to support continuous improvement and innovation.
- Provides technical direction, advisory services, and application support to internal and external stakeholders; delivers training sessions to internal and external clients.
- An undergraduate degree in