IT Business Systems Analyst, Senior

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
HOURS: Full-time M-F
SALARY RANGE: $78,981- $123,408/year (Grade 109)
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/22/2024

The Senior IT Business Analyst is responsible for advanced perform Project Coordinator roles when needed, must be able to adapt and be responsive to changes quickly, work on multiple projects concurrently with prioritization in mind, works well with all levels of staff within a department/division and across Dakota County. Facilitate and maintain a supportive partnership between the business needs and technology delivery in an agile or traditional business environment. Engage and advise customers in developing and documenting business requirements and defining/refining business work processes. Recommend information system functionality, enhancements, and/or other technology required to support, enable and advance the strategic plan of Dakota County. Facilitate the design, test, and release cycles for the solutions/products across all Dakota County departments.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of business administration, computer science, accounting, management information systems or 5 years of experience in a business analysis role

• One to three years of progressive responsibility in analysis, design, and development
• Four years of demonstrated proficiency with process improvement and systems thinking
• One to two years of working knowledge of project management techniques and best practices

• Experience in government or non-profit
• Experience with quality improvement and/or lean methodology and principles
• Knowledge of Dakota County's business practices
• Knowledge of Agile methodology

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Business Analysis
1. Liaison between technical and business staff.
2. Formal requirements gathering and documentation. (Use Case, BRD or User Story)
3. Lead and document a planning session.
4. Demonstrate up-to-date expertise in Information Systems and apply this to the development, execution and improvement of action plans by providing advice and guidance to others in the application of information and best practices.
5. Perform Project Management role in smaller projects.

Perform the Organization line-of-business specific Duties
6. Develop a working knowledge of the various line-of-businesses current IT uses and applications and the line-of-business areas and practices
7. Assist in the development of communications of system constraints and requirements to staff to resolve day-to day and long range conflicts in system design that arise due to competing interests
8. Research system processes and requirements and propose responses to system questions from Dakota County line-of-businesses
9. Inform IT management when an opportunity arises to utilize an enterprise approach to new or existing systems
10. Lead teams of stakeholders, regular users, and IT staff on projects.

Systems and Service Improvement
11. Perform other duties to enhance the overall quality of Dakota County IT application systems
12.Develop a working knowledge of data processing technology, department policy and federal and state policies and regulations that are required for our industry.

Project Coordinator/Lead (PC) and Quality Assurance (QA)
13. Perform as project coordinator or lead (including estimating task duration and setting target dates on small projects)
14. Develop project team and define roles to meet agreed upon deliverables. Lead the team through the entire life cycle of the project.
15. Coordinate the work of the project resources and technology partners to ensure projects are completed on schedule and on budget.
16. Provide ongoing communication to all stakeholders, committees, and organizational teams on project status.
17. Identify and communicate process changes needed as a result of changes. Assist process owners in developing necessary process changes in their areas.
18. Create and maintain test scripts and/or plans
19. Ensure quality assurance verification checks and acceptance of project deliverables are completed successfully
20. Monitor results against project ROI, business functional requirements, and technical specifications.
21. Manage client expectations throughout the life cycle of the project

Professional and Person Development
22. Participate in meetings, working sessions and conferences as required by the department manager.
22. Mentor and coach Business Analysts or IT staff suggest learning curriculum and training paths and provide peer review analysis.
23. Participate in special projects under the direction of the Deputy CIO

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Items 1-23 are essential to this position

* Proven experience in the analysis, design, and implementation of software and hardware solutions, systems, or products.
* Extensive knowledge in data modeling, workflow modeling, and use case development.
* Extensive practical knowledge of relational databases, such as MS SQL.
* Extensive practical knowledge in importing data for use in report software, spreadsheets, graphs, and flow charts.
* Extensive experience with core software applications, such as Financial, Tax, Web, and EDMS.
* Working knowledge of programming languages, such as C#, Web, Windows .NET.
* Working knowledge of PC and server operating systems, including Windows OS.
* Proven experience in the analysis of databases, software, and standards, as well as data retrieval methodologies.
* Demonstrated project management skills.
* Hands-on experience developing test cases and test plans.
* Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
* Excellent analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills.
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
* Logical and efficient.
* Keen attention to detail.
* Ability to conduct research into systems issues and products as required.
* Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
* Highly self-motivated and directed.
* Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
* Strong customer service orientation.
* Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
* On-call availability as assigned.
* Overtime hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
* Sitting for extended periods of time.
* Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard or mouse, and to handle other computer components.
* Some travel between County locations.
* Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring