Applications Support Analyst (AMI)

Salary : $83,618.08 - $106,416.00 AnnuallyLocation : Gastonia, NCJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 01541Department: Information TechnologyDivision: Technology Services/Applications (Software)Opening Date: 08/16/2024Closing Date: 11/30/2024 5:00 PM EasternFLSA: ExemptGeneral Definition of WorkThe City of Gastonia Technology Services is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as the Application Support Analyst. This position is vital to the community in providing technical support for the City's Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology. The role serves as the initial escalation point for potential technology limitations and failures, resolving technical problems within and between various software applications used for AMI/AMR data collection. It involves submitting AMI usage reports related to water use patterns, data anomalies, usage overages, malfunctions, validations, and collections, as well as providing AMI/AMR information to various departments. Additionally, the role oversees, directs, and trains lower-level staff on the necessary and appropriate technology solutions, and performs related duties as assigned. Essential Functions/Duties The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.Provides highly technical support to the AMI/AMR program and operates all related software and equipment; analyzes AMI/AMR data, validating data and searching for anomalies (e.g. usage extremes, constant water consumption, non/negative reporting, etc.); Identifies and troubleshoots communication failures, recurring errors; researches and assembles information from a variety of sources.30%Performs a wide array of tasks in support of ongoing reporting requirements.10%Assigns AMI/AMR repair orders; documents results; maintains necessary records and prepares oral and written reports10%Provides support to system users regarding custom data and usage patterns; trains users on AMI/AMR software systems and uses expertise to assist end users.20%Directs and leads project teams; manages coordination of project partners and working groups; coordinates project deliverables, issues, project scope, and change control, progress, and performance; provides project status reports.15%Serve as vendor liaison, ensuring the fulfillment of support and technical requirements, and reviewing quality/accuracy of system performance and project deliverables.5%Assists with all direct future product development, testing, and documentation related to the AMI/AMR system.5%As necessary, assist with / perform routine maintenance, updates, and upgrades to applications.5% Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Fundamental knowledge and understanding of Utility Billing concepts and principles and Water and Electric Metering operations and communications Knowledge of contemporary Windows Server and Client OS, Active Directory concepts and functionalityKnowledge of computer networking (Wired/Wireless, OSI Model) terminology, concepts and functionality; of RDBMS structure, SQL and associated tools (SSMS, Toad, etc.) for basic DB analysis functionsWeb Server (IIS, Apache) and API concepts, terminology and functionality proficiency Experience with TLS Certificate concepts, terminology and principlesKnowledge of the SDLC and how it relates to specific, assigned, applications Demonstrated skill in reading / interpreting, critiquing and generating SQL code for various applications / solutionsKnowledge of generating and/or critiquing Business Systems Requirements documentation; analysis and logical troubleshooting of basic RDBMS issues Experience with implementing medium to large to size/scale software solutions involving multiple operational areas of the organization. Proven ability to understand RDBMS structure and generate the appropriate SQL code for the desired solution (e.g. Report, Query, ETL, etc.)Ability to employ a logical, structured, troubleshooting methodology based on the context of the given / reported incidentAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly transition focus between them at varying levels of detail; to interpret / understand Business Systems/Specifications Documentation and translate those into practical solutions across the organization. Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEMinimally qualified starting pay: $40.20 hr.Bachelor's degree in business administration or related fieldMinimum of 2 years' experience in project management and software applications supportOr an equivalent combination of education and experience in project management and software applications support SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSApplicant may be required to complete all job screening(s) necessary to work in the Public Safety environment including fingerprinted and successfully passing a background investigationValid driver's license NIMS IS-700 training within 12 months of hire PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical activity of this position includesStooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the leg and spinePushing: Using the upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.Pulling: Using the upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of upper extremities and back musclesFingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handlingGrasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palmTalking: Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined partsRepetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The physical requirements of this positionLight Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light WorkThe visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception, and field of visionThe worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: Preparing and analyzing data and figuresAccountingComputer terminalExtensive readingThe conditions the worker will be subject to in this position include: None:The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).Drug screening, criminal background, and reference checks are required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity. The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H)High Deductible Health Plan with HSADentalVisionLifeSupplemental Insurance PlansPension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)401(k)457 Short-term/Long-term DisabilityDependent Care Plan Employee Assistance ProgramOn-Site Health ClinicEmployee Educational Assistance Program Sick Leave (12 days per year)Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per yearHolidays (11 days per year)Personal Day (1 day per year)A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at