Classification Standard - CS - Computer Systems Administration

Knowledge

- Education

- Experience

- Continuing Study

Decision Making

- Scope for Decisions

- Impact of Decisions

Responsibility for Contacts

Supervision

- Level of Employees Supervised

- Numbers Supervised

LEVELS

POINTS

CS 1

170 to 300

CS 2

301 to 450

CS 3

451 to 600

CS 4

601 to 750

CS 5

751 to 900

CS 6 (EX)

901 to 1000

Nature of Continuing Study, and Degree

Points

Bench-mark Position Descriptions

Page

The work requires knowledge of

(a) trends and developments in computer

systems programming techniques and

practices,

OR

(b) the capabilities, requirements and

capacities of departmental and

contractor information processing

facilities, and the regulations and

procedures governing their use,

gained by continuing study of directives,

manuals, texts, journals and periodicals, and

by attendance at government and industry­

sponsored training courses.

1

20

Computer Systems Programmer

Computer Systems Programmer, Computer

Science Division

75

78

The work requires knowledge of

(a) trends and developments in computer

systems analysis techniques and

practices,

OR

(b) trends and developments in

information processing technology and

in the direction, planning and

co-ordination of information

processing operations,

gained by continuing study of texts, journals

and periodicals, consultations with officials

of other information processing services,

suppliers and manufacturers, and attendance at

seminars, conferences and training courses.

2

60

Head, Information Processing Hardware

Service

Head, Systems Analysis and Programming

Section, Central Computer Division

Project Leader

101

108

119

The work requires knowledge of trends and

developments in the administration and

operation of information processing services

and of the interrelationships of information

processing and general management requirements,

gained by continuing study of texts, journals

and periodicals, consultations with officials

of suppliers and manufacturers, and attendance

at seminars, conferences and training courses.

It also requires continuing study to develop

and maintain knowledge of the objectives,

operations and long-range information

processing requirements of users.

3

100

Chief, Central Computer Division,

Central Services Branch

Chief, Information Processing Service

Director, Information Processing

Service, Materiel Command Headquarters

53

362

90

Scope for Decision Making,

and Degree

Impact

of

Decisions,

and

Degree

Some judgment, initiative and discretion is required

in the identification of

problems, in the application of information

processing practices and techniques, and in the selection of alternative

courses of action.

The implications of possible courses of action are usually apparent from

precedents. Unusual

problems are referred to superiors.

apparent solutions to

problems are not within

intent of established

practices.

 A moderate degree of

 judgment, initiative and

 discretion is required

 in the identification of

 problems, in the

 modification and

 application of

 information processing

 techniques, and in the

 selection of alternative

 courses of action to meet

 information requirements

 of users. The implications

 of possible courses of

 action may not be readily

 apparent. Direction is

 sought when the apparent

 solutions to problems are

 not within the intent of

 established practiced

A significant degree of

judgment, initiative and

discretion is required in the identification of

problems, in the negotiation of revisions to information

requirements of users,

and in  the development

and recommendation of alternative solutions to information

processing problems.

Recommendations are made to effect changes in, or establish limits to, the information processing services provided. The

implications of possible

courses of action are often difficult to determine.

A high degree of judge­-

ment, initiative and

discretion is required in the development of

solutions to diverse and

interrelated problems.

Substantial contributions are made to the planning and developing of information processing services. Recommenda­tions and decisions affect

the acquisition, allocation and utilization of

information processing

resources, and must

anticipate changes in

technology and demands for information processing services. Implications of actions taken or proposed are complex and often cannot be determined with certainty.

A

B

C

D

70

Page

116

Page

162

Page

208

Page

Limited

1

Computer Systems

Programmer

75

 Analyst/Designer/

  Programmer,

 Technological

 Applications Systems

49

117

163

209

255

Moderate

2

Computer Systems

Programmer,

Computer Science

Division

78

 Head, Computer and

   Communications

  Centre

 Senior Technical

   Consultant

94

131

Chief, Production

Software

Chief, Technical

Services Section

66

71

164

210

256

302

Significant

3

 Supervisor, Information

    Processing Applications

   Section

140

Chief, Customer

Service

Head, Systems Analysis

and Programming

Section, Central

Computer Division

57

108

211

257

303

350

Major

4

Chief, Central

Computer Division,

Central Services

Branch

Chief, Information

Processing Service

53

62

Director, Information

Processing Service,

Materiel Command

H.Q.

90

 Nature of Contacts, and Degree

1

Points

Bench-mark Position

Descriptions

Page

 To give, obtain and exchange

information requiring discussion,

explanation and co-operation.

1

20

 Computer Systems

Programmer

Computer Systems

Programmer, Computer

Science Division

75

78

 To persuade and obtain assistance

or agreement requiring action by

others.

2

46

 Project Leader

Systems Analyst

Telecommunications

Advisor

119

143

146

 To represent a central agency or a

 departmental information processing

service at formal meetings when

differences of interest may be

expected, with authority to

discuss problems of some significance and seek common ground

on which to base solutions.

3

73

 Head, Systems Analysis

and Programming Section,

 Central Computer

 Division

 Supervisor, Information

 Processing Applications

 Section

108

140

To represent a central agency or

a departmental information

processing service at formal

meetings, with authority to

participate in the formulation

of information processing

policies and to undertake

commitments to provide

information processing services.

4

100

Chief, Information

Processing Service

Director, Information

Processing Service,

Materiel Command H.Q.

62

90

% of Time

-    by packaging functional specifications into computer

system modules,

-    by preparing detailed computer program specifications,

-    by preparing test and conversion plans,

-    by estimating costs, and

-    by recommending modifications to general design specifi­cations.

Evaluates, installs and modifies vendor-supplied mini-

microcomputer system software and generalized application

oriented system software to decide on selection of system

software

  -    by determining software characteristics through analysis

of hardware interfaces, communication network and

special peripherals requirements,

-    by determining characteristics of system software under

evaluation and comparing these to identified require­ments,

-    by assessing the impact of the proposed system software

on the capacity of computing facilities, and

-    by recommending acquisition of system software.

20

Determines extent of modifications identified in the selection

process or in the sponsor's requests to provide the system

software required for the efficient and effective use of

the hardware facility

-    by identifying locations of modifications within the

vendor-supplied system software,

-    by generating the code to replace existing code or to

create new modules,

-    by generating the system software incorporating vendor­

supplied options, modified code and new modules into a

single package, and

-    by assessing performance of package and conducting

acceptance tests of software.

20

Provides technical advice on acquisition of specialized

hardware processors to implement special algorithms, and on

hardware and software packages to be developed through

industrial research contracts to support research projects

and to ensure compatibility with mini-microcomputer facility

-    by reviewing and discussing requirements with project

scientists and engineers,

10

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Continuing Study

2

60

This position requires a knowledge of trends and developments

in applications and programming of mini-computers and

technological advances in hardware and software systems.

Knowledge and study of the scientific objectives of each

project is essential. This knowledge is acquired through

i) personal contacts with peers, manufacturers, and user

groups. ii) study of manufacturer's literature, technical

and scientific journals and periodicals. iii) attendance

at seminars, conferences and training courses.

Decision Making

B1

116

The work requires sound judgment in proposing and selecting

alternative solutions to complex technical problems in

computer systems technology, including quick diagnosis and

solution of system software and hardware problems, and

decisions relating to performance and operational enhance­ments. Any hardware failure must be countered by an appro­priate configuration change as quickly as possible. Recovery

action is nearly always required before the remedial manufac­turer support can arrive. Recommendations are made to

management pertaining to in-house, central computer reconfiguration, auxiliary equipment selection, outside communications facilities selection and software selection.

Contacts

2

46

The work requires daily contacts with systems analysts,

working level scientists, and technical staff in the computer

user community to resolve technical problems and provide

consultation. Frequent contacts are made with manufacturer's

sales and technical representatives to acquire technical

information and resolve problems in applying their products.

Contacts with staff and non-government agencies are made

periodically as are briefings to management in areas of the

incumbent's special competence.

Supervision

-

-

Supervision of the work of other staff is not a regular

requirement. Occasional guidance and work leadership may

be provided to junior programmers.

Duties

% of Time

Plans, directs and co-ordinates the activities of the

Central Computer Division, with an establishment of

140 positions, large mainframe computers and extensive

peripheral and auxiliary equipment installations, and

engaged in computer systems analysis and programming,

planning of information processing systems, operation of

information processing equipment, and associated co-ordinating,

scheduling and administrative activities, to ensure the

economic and efficient satisfaction of user information

requirements and use of staff, equipment and contract

resources

-    by establishing information processing workload

requirements through discussions with user officials

in the department,

-    by developing forecasts of staff and equipment require­ments,

-    by establishing priorities, in co-operation with user

officials, to facilitate detailed scheduling of

information processing operations,

-    by reviewing proposed applications to establish their

overall technical and economic feasibility,

-    by negotiating major revisions to information require­ments of

     users,  to expedite processing operations or

to improve the technical or economic feasibility of

applications,

-    by developing and establishing production and quality

control procedures,

60

% of Time

-    by assigning staff and equipment resources to the

conduct of feasibility studies and the development and

implementation of information processing systems, and

-    by reviewing production, operating and administrative

reports to ensure the maintenance of production and

quality standards and to assess supervisory staff

performance.

Advises user officials and the Director, Central Services

Branch, of the capabilities, capacities, availability,

costs, benefits and requirements of information processing

services and of the policy and resource requirements of the

division, to assist users in obtaining maximum benefit from

information processing services and to facilitate the

development of the facilities and services of the division

-    by informing user officials of priorities, availability

of staff and equipment, and costs and benefits of

alternative processing arrangements,

-    by planning alternative methods of meeting information

requirements of users to accommodate changing priorities

or specifications of users,

-    by developing and recommending the implementation of

policies and procedures relating to the administration

and operation of information processing services,

-    by reviewing technological and administrative trends,

developments and innovations in information processing

for possible utilization in operations of the division,

and

-    by preparing reports, including annual estimates and

establishment presentations to Treasury Board, on the

identification and substantiation of own staff and

equipment requirements.

30

Performs other related duties, such as participating in the

selection, assessment and training of computer systems pro­gramming

and analysis staff and preparing memoranda, corres­pondence and reports associated with administrative and

advisory responsibilities.

10

Degree

Points

Specifications

Knowledge - Education and Experience

The work requires a thorough knowledge of the capabilities

and capacities of information processing equipment and of

computer systems analysis and programming practices and

techniques. A good knowledge of the regulations and practices

governing the payment of salary, pension, supplier and

other accounts, and maintenance of related records is also

required. Skill in planning, co-ordinating and scheduling

information processing operations and in the supervision

and training of staff is required. This knowledge and

skill are normally acquired through university graduation

and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in

administration, computer systems analysis, and information

processing.

B5

244

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires knowledge of trends and developments in

computer systems analysis and programming, information

processing technology and the administration of information

processing services, gained through continuing study of

texts, journals and periodicals and by attendance at courses

and seminars. Continuing study of regulations and procedures

contained in departmental directives and manuals is also

required.

3

100

Decision Making

Judgment and discretion are required in the assignment of

information processing resources and choice of optimum

methods of meeting information requirements of users.

Decisions are made on priorities, information processing

techniques and the allocation of staff and equipment to

information processing applications. Recommendations are

made on the acquisition and use of staff and equipment.

Errors in judgment may adversely affect the economy and

efficiency of applications involving the use of large scale

information processing systems which control the accuracy

and promptness of salary and other payments to government

employees and outside suppliers. Problems arising from

revised or conflicting priorities are referred to the

Director, Central Services Branch.

C4

303

Degree

Points

Contacts

The work requires contacts with user officials within the

Central Services Branch to make commitments for the provision

of information processing services. Contacts are made to

provide advice, determine requirements and recommend alterna­tive methods of meeting information requirements of users,

and may involve persuading users to modify their requirements

or operating and administrative procedures. Contacts are

also made with officials of government and industry to

obtain and provide information on technological and adminis­trative innovations in information processing and assist­ance in the resolution of technical and administrative

problems.

4

100

Supervision

The work requires supervision of 120 full-time and 20 casual

employees, including section heads and unit supervisors, at

the senior, intermediate and junior levels of the administra­tive and foreign service and administration support categories.

Supervisory duties include participation in assessment,

selection, promotion, and discipline of staff.

F3

132

% of Time

-    by ensuring that both software and hardware meet their

acceptance tests,

-    by ensuring that training is provided to those who

need it,

-    by studying new developments in software, hardware and

operational techniques with a view to their potential

usefulness and installation.

Ensures that users are aware of the Centre's services and

that the Centre is aware of user's requirements

-    by establishing and maintaining user working groups in

the various areas of Centre expertise,

-    by ensuring that the Centre's publications are accurate

and timely,

-    by publicizing and otherwise promoting the availability

of various software and hardware services,

-    by maintaining personal contacts with senior represen­tatives

     in a number of Government Departments.

20

Monitors and refines the services supplied by the Centre

-    by reviewing the services provided in the light of the

Centre's and user's objectives,

-    by refining the services to overcome problems and

shortcomings,

-    by analysis of revenues and system performance.

5

Ensures that security requirements for information processed

via EDP facilities either within or outside the department

are identified and that appropriate safeguards are applied

as outlined in the RCMP's Security Standards and Practices

manual.

5

Assists the Director in establishing objectives for the

Centre and participates in the development of long range

plans and the formulation of policy decisions.

5

Assists in recruitment, selection, training, appraisal and

career development of the staff of the Centre and of

information processing staff in the rest of the Department.

5

Degree

Points

SPECIFICATIONS

Knowledge - Education and Experience:

The work requires a thorough knowledge of computing as

applied in the processing of scientific information in a

number of government departments. A sound knowledge is

required of the organization of the major customer

Departments, their administration and research programs and

the government policies and regulations covering the

adminis­tration of computing organizations. It also requires skill

in administration and in communicating on technical matters

with staff throughout a number of Departments. Knowledge

of the impact to user's projects of changes to software and

hardware is absolutely essential. The work requires skill

in the planning and co-ordinating of complex technical

operations the forecasting of staff and equipment require­ments, and the direction of staff. The required knowledge

and skills are normally acquired through University

graduation, followed by ten years of relevant experience in

administration and computing with at least four years in a

senior supervisory position.

B5

244

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires continuing study of developments and

trends in computing hardware and software, operation of

computer services, application software and general

administration with particular attention being given to

their relationship to the scientific and engineering

community in a number of different Government departments.

As well, the incumbent must relate his knowledge of

specialized trends within scientific computing to changes

in government policies and practice. This knowledge is

maintained by study of government directives and guidelines,

technical texts and trade publications, and from attendance

at seminars and conferences. In addition, it isessential

that meetings are held with user representatives, commercial

suppliers and university centers to ensure that the Center's

Computing Services are up-to-date and are sufficient to

meet the users' objectives.

3

100

Degree

Points

DECISION-MAKING

The work requires the management of a centralized inter­

departmental computer service which is operated on 24-hour

day, 6-day week, and which provides both batch and interactive

processing capabilities to in excess of 600 users. The

services are used for processing large volumes of data and

for general problem solving in the fields of scientific

research, regulatory, administrative and operational programs

of several Departments. These programs often involve

contracts with the private sector and provincial governments

and failures to meet deadlines for computer produced output

can have a serious impact on the reputation of the Departments.

Although not in direct competition with the private sector,

it is essential that the services provided by the Division

are of equal standard to those available in the private

sector. The work involves the exercise of judgment,

initiative and, in particular, tact and discretion. Almost

all problems encountered are unique and decisions have to be

made on the spot without reference to existing directives.

The Division operates on a cost recovery basis with a total

recovery of $4,000,000 per annum. Decisions and commitments

are made which can have a significant impact on these

revenues and on the efficiency of the Center and its clients.

The incumbent will be expected to do the short and medium

term planning, up to one year, of the development of all

the computing services offered by the Center to ensure that

they meet the needs of its clients. He will be called upon

for the evaluation of all hardware and system software

acquisitions and for their acceptance. Errors in judgment

at this time will adversely affect the quality of the

services offered by the Center and can greatly affect its

comparative position with relation to other service organi­zations. In addition, the incumbent must plan the development

of system software and performance, to this end he must

commit his limited staff to projects of many person-months

in implementing new features. The demand for these features

is always well in excess of the resources available and a

significant degree of insight into the probable return from

new developments in hardware and software is essential.

C3

256

Degree

Points

CONTACTS

The work requires frequent contacts with Division Chiefs,

Branch Directors and scientists throughout several Departments

and also with computer manufacturers and software suppliers.

At most meetings the incumbent will act as a representative

of the Center with authority to make a commitment on behalf

of the Center with regard to its computing services.

4

100

SUPERVISION

The incumbent is responsible for the supervision of a staff

of 54 permanent staff and 3 casuals. These staff are at

senior, intermediate and junior levels of the Administrative

and Administrative Support categories. Supervisory duties

include participation in the selection, assignment, assessment,

training and discipline of staff.

E3

114

Degree

Points

requirements of departmental research, administrative and

operational programs and a good knowledge of departmental

and government policies and regulations governing the

administration of information processing services. An

appreciation of the scientific and technological disciplines

involved in the conduct of departmental research and opera­tional programs is a further requirement. The work requires

skill in the planning and co-ordinating of complex technical

operations, the forecasting of staff, equipment and financial

requirements, the development and presentation of advice,

and the direction of staff. This knowledge is normally

acquired through completion of university education and

10 years of progressively responsible administrative and

information processing experience.

Knowledge - Continuing Stud

The work requires continuing study of trends and developments

in the administration and operation of information processing

services, including the interrelationships of information

processing, general management and scientific research

requirements of the Department, through reading of texts,

journals and periodicals, consultations with manufacturers

and attendance at various seminars, conferences and training

courses.

3

100

Decision Making

The work requires the direction and administration of a

centralized departmental information processing service

engaged in the development and processing of mass data and

problem-solving applications associated with scientific

research, regulatory, administrative and operational programs

of the Department. The work also requires the provision of

advice to departmental user and management officials on

information processing matters. The departmental computer

is mainly used in problem-solving applications related to

scientific research programmes. Most computer mass data

applications are referred to service contractors, and

information processing applications are usually undertaken

by the departmental Information Processing Service. Field

research stations usually contract locally for required

information processing services. Decisions affect the

amount and nature of departmental and contract information

processing services available to departmental users in

C4

303

Bench-mark Position Number: 5

Level: 4

Descriptive Title: Chief, Production Software

Point Rating: 604

% of Time

-    by writing evaluation reports and making recommendations

to senior management (e.g. - new equipment requirements

to optimize processing, and new software requirement

to increase efficiency).

Conducts production acceptance testing of operating systems

software, telecommunications software and applications

systems

-    by acquiring and maintaining a thorough knowledge of

EDP standards, and system specifications,

-    by directing and participating in the design and

construction and programming of benchmarks and tests

to measure performance characteristics of operating

systems, telecommunications, software and applications

systems,

-    by reviewing the evaluation of the operational viability

of the new software to ensure that it does not place

undue involvement or responsibility on the operators,

that the exception handling and recovery procedures

and facilities work, and that the performance and

turn-around standards are not jeopardized by the

introduction of the new software,

-    by recommending to senior management the acceptance or

rejection of the system as a production system,

-    by recommending specific software changes or improvements

to the operations system software which the developer

should consider prior to re-submission for production

acceptance testing. These changes pertain in the

internals of the systems and involve specific analyses

of the programs submitted for acceptance testing, and

-    by representing the directorate at formal meetings

with senior management and technical staff with

authority to discuss and resolve problems relating to

the acceptability of application software.

20

Controls the release for implementation of new software

-    by the review of specifications and documentation, to

ensure that the software meets the specifications and

is properly documented,

-    by confirming that the software passes production

acceptance,

-    by ensuring that each Computer Centre has adequate

resources to run the new release,

15

% of Time

-    by developing in concert with Regional Computer Centre

managers, system developers and client management, a

schedule for the implementation of the new release,

-    by developing and managing control systems involving

software maintenance and distribution procedures,

-    by providing operational training on new releases, to

Operational Software Support in the field and to

operations personnel in the field and headquarters, and

-    by liaison with Systems Directorate on implementation

schedules.

Ensures the ongoing integrity of the production software

environment

-    by directing the development, documentation and

implementation of manual and computerized diagnostic

procedures,

-    by directing the development and auditing of control

procedures to safeguard production program libraries,

production data libraries and production network

control tables, which are key elements of the production

software environment,

-    by directing the analysis of production software

trouble reports from the field,

-    by recommending to software suppliers, and Systems

Directorate staff specific programs and changes to

ensure the integrity of the production software,

-    by ensuring the promulgation of reports to the field

on the current status of software problems,

-    by directing the development of procedures for network

restart and recovery, degradation diagnostics, problem

isolation and network control for both headquarters

and Regional networks,

-    by directing the development of network security-related

facilities and procedures, and network operating

procedures, and

-    by directing the development of standards of operations

of terminals, network-related facilities and system

availability.

15

Specifies and implements computer programs and systems to

support the operation of the Computer Centres in areas such

as, resource accounting systems, diagnostic aids, scheduling

efficiency aids, monitoring and control aids, utilization

and effectiveness reporting, service level reporting, etc

10

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Continuing Study

There is a requirement for a knowledge of trends and develop­ments in computer systems' methods, techniques and equipment,

and also for an awareness of accounting developments and

Departmental organization objectives and requirements which

can only be acquired through the continuing study of texts

and periodicals, Departmental reports and directives,

participation in training courses and seminars and by

discussion with the staff of equipment suppliers and manufacturers.

2

60

Decision Making

The position has the authority to commit resources to

special hardware/software acquisition process and evaluations

of specific EDP applications systems and to approve the

conclusions of these performance measurement evaluations.

The findings of the Section and the consequent recommendations

to the Director relate directly to the efficiency of the

operations with a consequent requirement for a considerable

degree of judgment and initiative, particularly in the

performance of assigned feasibility studies and in the

assignment of study areas to project teams in the development

of alternative information processing systems. These

recommendations influence the decisions made in the allocation

of staff and in the acquisition and directly affect the

utilization of the major equipment operated by the Department.

The contribution of this section to the development and

improvement of Departmental systems is significant.

C2

209

Contacts

Contacts are with senior Departmental staff to obtain

assistance in conducting feasibility studies and in the

design or modification of computer or manual systems and in

order to persuade them to adopt progressive concepts. In

addition there are regular contacts with the equivalent

counterpart in other government departments with information

processing activities have an interdepartmental implication,

and in some instances contacts with the counterparts in the

governments of other nations. There are also contacts with

suppliers and manufacturers.

3

73

Supervision

Four to ten staff are supervised, including staff at the

intermediate level.

B2

46

Bench-mark Position Number:

Level: 4

Descriptive Title: Chief, Technical Services Section

Point Rating: 604

% of Time

-    by standardizing problem determination procedures at

central and remote sites.

Provides a specialist and consulting service to the users

of the Information Processing Division facilities in the

areas of hardware, software and telecommunications, as well

as up-grading the technical education service for both

Division personnel and Departmental users

-    by defining objectives and establishing priorities and

completion target dates for various projects and by

coordinating their execution,

-    by assigning tasks to project teams and determining

their degree of participation in studies related to

computing equipment, software packages, programming

languages and new system concepts,

-    by ensuring that selected features and modules are

properly generated into operating systems, that they

are properly documented and back-up provided, that the

currently utilized operating systems are maintained

through necessary modifications and new versions

generated and implemented as required,

-    by issuing publications, amendments and memoranda

advising Division personnel and Departmental users of

technical problems and their resolutions,

-    by liaising with technical personnel of manufacturers

and service bureaus for the purpose of obtaining

clarification, operational instructions and perfor­mance specifications on their software and hardware

products used by the Division, and

-    by ensuring the continuing technical quality of staff

in this group through training plans, contacts with

colleagues in other installations, provision of pertinent

literature and attendance at conferences on relevant

subjects.

30

Maintains a satisfactory knowledge of trends in computer

technology and of developments in other government install­ations

-    by reviewing appropriate publications and periodicals,

-    by attending demonstrations of equipment and programming

packages,

-    by participating in the activities of professional

societies and seminars, workshops and conferences, and

-    by maintaining contact and exchanging views with

colleagues in other departments.

15

Bench-mark Position Number: 7

Level: 1

Descriptive Title: Computer Systems Programmer

Point Rating: 170

% of Time

-    by constructing limited and volume tests of programs,

arranging for test processing on the computer system,

and correcting programming errors to ensure valid pro­cessing

of the real data.

Collects such documents as specifications, flow charts,

diagrams, coding and operating instructions required for

future reference to programs.

5

Modifies the form and content of programs for established

applications, as directed.

5

Performs other related duties, such as overseeing the

phasing into production of specified systems, demonstrating

solutions of programming problems for trainee programmers,

and attending training sessions to receive instruction in

new programming methods, the characteristics of new computing

devices and the use of packaged programs.

5

Specifications

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Education and Experience

The work requires knowledge of the techniques and practices

of computer systems programming. It also requires knowledge

of the capabilities, limitations and range of alternative

operations for which the machines in the installation may

be combined. Familiarity with available utility programs

and the administrative procedures for requisitioning testing

and key punching services and establishing work priorities

is required. This knowledge is normally acquired through

completion of secondary school education and two years of

related experience.

Al

60

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires continuing study of manuals, periodicals

and technical directives and attendance at computer

programming courses and study groups to keep abreast of

programming techniques for new machines and of new utility

programs written by manufacturers.

1

20

Decision Making

Decisions are made to select the best ways to use computing

devices to meet prescribed system requirements, to design

or select the most suitable series of computer instructions,

Al

70

Degree

Points

and to select the coding language necessary to convey

programming instructions. Guidance and supervision are

provided by senior programmers and computer systems analysts;

problems are solved in accordance with established

guide-lines, directives and precedents. Programs are

tested by trial runs on computing devices before they are

adopted for use. Decisions affect the efficiency of segments

of the computer operation. Errors in designing or selecting

machine instructions may result in delay during the testing

phase of operations.

Contacts

The work requires contacts with user officials to clarify

details of specifications and with supervisors of machine

operators to arrange tests of programs.

1

20

Supervision

Supervision of the work of others is not a regular requirement.

There may be a requirement to assist in the training of

programmers by demonstrating programming techniques and

assisting trainees to solve programming problems.

-

-

Bench-mark Position Number: 8

Level: 2

Descriptive Title: Computer Systems Programmer,

Computer Science Division

Point Rating: 319

Degree

Points

provision of information processing services to departmental

users. Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques, such

as those involved in the solution of simultaneous and

differential equations, and skill in developing and presenting

advice to user officials engaged in scientific research

activities are further requirements. This knowledge and

skill are normally acquired through university graduation

and three years of varied and progressively responsible

experience in computer systems programming.

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires knowledge of trends and developments in

programming techniques and practices and of the capabilities,

requirements and capacities of information processing

facilities of the department and of contractors. This

knowledge is gained by continuing study of departmental

directives, equipment manuals, texts and periodicals and by

attendance at government and industry-sponsored training

courses.

1

20

Decision Making

The work requires the exercise of judgement, initiative and

discretion in the development and adaptation of computer

programs for problem-solving and mass data applications

assigned to various government and outside computer instal­

lations for processing. Advice and assistance provided to

departmental research scientists in the development of

computer programs affect the processing time, costs and

efficiency of problem-solving applications. Recommendations

are made on the use of programming techniques and the

specification of machine operating and machine processing

requirements. Errors in judgement can adversely affect the

efficiency and quality of programming services of the

Computer Science Division. Advice and assistance on technical

problems are available from colleagues and superiors in the

Computer Science Division and from departmental user personnel

who are familiar with information processing techniques and

information requirements of users. Recommendations and

unusual problems are referred to a section chief in the

Computer Science Division.

A2

117

Degree

Points

Contacts

The work requires contacts with computer systems analysts

and departmental research scientists, to obtain and provide

information and assistance in the development and writing

of computer programs.

1

20

Supervision

Supervision of the work of others is not a continuing

requirement. Occasional guidance and work leadership may

be provided to junior programmers.

-

-

Degree

Points

which effect the administration of automated data services,

and a general knowledge of the technical and social aspects

of the departmental programs. Skill in the planning,

direction and coordination of large, complex database

systems, the provision of advice, and the supervision and

development of staff are required. This knowledge and

skill is normally acquired through university graduation in

one of the sciences, mathematics, business administration,

computer science or a related field and six years of progress­ively responsible experience in the field of automated

information processing, with at least one year involvement

in database systems.

Continuing Study

Continuing study of government, departmental and related

agencies publications, policy directives, and data processing

texts, journals and periodicals is required, as well as

consultations with manufacturers and attendance at various

conferences, seminars and training courses, to maintain an

awareness of trends and developments in information processing

administration and technology.

2

60

Decision Making

The work involves the planning and coordinating of database

systems development and coordination of automated data

usage supporting Portfolio programs. The work also requires

the provision of advice and information to senior departmental

and government officials on matters relating to the develop­ment

of automated data systems. Decisions and recommendations

may affect the commitment and use of extensive information

processing and data communications equipment installations,

the use and development of staff, and the amount and nature

of information processing services available to users.

This includes the initiation, negotiation and liaison for

procurement of specific external information processing

services. Recommendations and advice influence management

decisions on the use and development of automated data

services and the implementation of information processing

policies and procedures in the Portfolio. Recommendations

also influence the acquisition, leasing and use of equipment

and the assignment and training of staff. Recommendations

are made to colleagues and superiors at the senior and

intermediate level. Problems are referred to the Assistant

Director, Technical Support.

B2

163

Degree

Points

Contacts

The work requires contacts with users and systems development

staff to undertake, plan, coordinate and implement database

oriented applications, and with superiors and colleagues to

resolve administrative and technical problems, and plan the

development of information processing systems. Contacts

are also maintained with suppliers and officials of other

information processing organizations such as the Department

of Supply and Services, to obtain and provide information

on technological and administrative developments.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires direct supervision of four computer

system analysts and two administrative support staff.

Supervisory duties include participation in the selection,

assessment, training, assignment and discipline of staff.

B2

46

Bench-mark Position Number: 10

Level: 3

Descriptive Title: Data Base Designer

Point Rating: 458

% of Time

Performs other related duties such as designing courses and

instructing section personnel in the concepts of data base

management systems; contributing to the development of

statements of requirement for systems; and representing the

section on data base matters at meetings with industry and

other government agencies.

5

SPECIFICATIONS

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Education and Experience

The work requires a thorough knowledge of information

processing practices and techniques, and a thorough, detailed

knowledge of data base management systems such as "MULTICS"

and data base design techniques. It also requires a good

knowledge of department and government policies and practices

that affect the administration of information processing

services and a general knowledge of the technical aspects

of manufacturing, cost accounting, forecasting and personnel

management systems. The work also requires the capability

to train the staff in data base management techniques.

This skill and knowledge is usually acquired through comple­tion of a university degree or equivalent training and

employment at the operational and managerial level, special­ized training through courses and five years of progressively

responsible experience in automatic data processing.

B3

189

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires continuing study of industry journals,

reports, texts and periodicals, attendance at seminars,

conferences and courses to develop and maintain knowledge

of data base applications and techniques; and a continual

awareness of changes in department and government policies.

The assessment of the impact of these changes on the data

base and the initiation of modifications necessitated by

these changes is required.

60

Decision-making

The data base analyst is the technical expert in all matters

relating to data bases. The incumbent will be required to

design, develop, create, test and implement data bases to

support various information processing systems. The decisions

will affect the design and composition of the data bases

which in turn will affect the following: the upward compati­bility of the data base with those other data bases under

B2

163

Degree

Points

concurrent development, the processing time and techniques

required to obtain information from the data bases, the

flexibility of the data bases to meet new management require­

ments, the quality and amount of information available to

management, and the ability of the data bases to function

as required by management. Errors can seriously degrade

system performance to a point where user requirements are

not satisfied.

Contacts

The work requires contacts with data base customers and, in

collaboration with supervisors and colleagues, the recommen­

dation for the commitment of resources and the planning and

coordination of data processing services. In addition, it

is necessary to contact other Government departments,

equipment manufacturers and software companies to exchange

or obtain data base management information. The incumbent

represents the Section at meetings within and outside the

Section in the areas of data base characteristics to resolve

problems where conflicting views of the Section and these

other agencies exist.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires the supervision of a contracted data base

designer. There is also a requirement for co-ordinating

and approving the work of other assigned members of a

project team.

-

-

Bench-mark Position Number: 11

Level: 6 (EX)

Descriptive Title: Director, Data Processing Service,

Materiel Command Headquarters

Point Rating: 972

of Time

-    by developing and implementing procedures for the

recording and review of proven techniques, completed

programs, and utility routines to facilitate their

identification, assessment and use in the development

of new applications,

-    by assessing administrative and technological innovations

in information processing and authorizing the adaptation

of new procedures or recommending the acquisition or

rental of new equipment,

-    by participating in the training of programmers and

analysts, and

-    by reviewing production, progress and administrative

reports to ensure that production and quality standards

are maintained and to assess the performance of super­visory staff.

Advises user officials, colleagues and senior officials in

the armed services, the Department and other government

departments on the use and development of information

processing resources, to assist users of information process­

ing services in obtaining maximum benefits from information

processing

-    by developing and recommending changes to information

requirements of users to improve the technical or

economic feasibility of applications,

-    by reviewing administrative and operating procedures

and practices to determine methods of improving efficiency

or economy in the provision of information processing

services,

-    by providing information on costs, capabilities,

requirements and benefits of information processing

services, and

-    by participating in discussions of military, departmental

and interdepartmental committees concerned with the

planning of information processing services.

30

Performs other related duties, such as participating in the

selection, assessment and discipline of staff, preparing

memoranda, correspondence and reports, and participating in

departmental management meetings, briefings and committees.

20

Degree

Points

Specifications

Knowledge - Education and Experience

The work requires a good knowledge of the capacities and

capabilities of information processing and data communications

equipment, of the organization, functions and information

processing requirements of the Materiel Command, and of the

organization and operations of the Canadian Armed Forces

and the Department of National Defence. It also requires a

good knowledge of military, departmental and government

policies and practices that affect the administration of

information processing services and a general knowledge of

the technical aspects of military logistics and operations

research. Skill in the planning, direction and co-ordination

of large, complex information processing and data communica­

tions operations, the development and provision of advice,

and the supervision and development of staff are required.

This knowledge and skill are normally acquired through

university graduation and 11 years of progressively responsible

administrative experience, including experience in information

processing.

B6

272

Knowledge - Continuing Study

Continuing study of military and departmental publications,

policy directives, and military and information processing

texts, journals and periodicals is required, as well as

consultations with manufacturers and attendance at various

conferences, seminars and training courses, to maintain an

awareness of trends and developments in Canadian military

operations, military logistics and administration, and

implementation processing administration and technology.

3

100

Decision Making

The work involves the planning, administration and co-ordina­

tion of the information processing services supporting

armed forces materiel supply programs in Canada and foreign

countries. The work also requires the provision of advice

and information to senior military and government officials

on matters relating to the administration and development

of information processing services. Decisions affect the

commitment and use of extensive information processing and

data communications equipment installations, the use and

D4

350

Degree

Points

development of staff, and the amount and nature of information

processing services available to users. Recommendations

and advice influence management decisions on the use and

development of information processing services and the

implementation of information processing policies in Materiel

Command Headquarters and outside departments. Recommendations

within Materiel Command also influence the acquisition,

leasing and use of equipment and the assignment and training

of staff. Errors in judgment can adversely affect the

efficiency and economy of information processing operations

servicing military supply and inventory management programs.

Recommendations are made to military and civilian colleagues

and superiors at the senior administrative level.

Contacts

The work requires contacts with users to undertake, plan

and co-ordinate information processing applications and

with superiors and colleagues to resolve administrative and

technical problems and to plan the development of information

processing services. Contacts are also maintained with

manufacturers and officials of other information processing

organizations to obtain and provide information on techno­

logical and administrative developments.

4

100

Supervision

The work requires supervision and direction of 226 military

and civilian employees engaged in the development of informa­tion processing systems and the operation of information

processing and data communications equipment, through three

subordinate supervisors. Employees supervised are at the

senior, intermediate and junior levels of the administrative

and foreign service and administrative support categories

and at equivalent levels in the military service. Supervisory

duties include participation in the selection, training,

assessment and discipline of staff.

G3

150

% of Time

-    by specifying and implementing new hardware and configur­ations,

-    by testing these modifications and enhancements in a

complex 24 hour per day concurrent operations environment,

and

-    by assigning specific design, coding and debugging

tasks to a systems programmer.

Provides technical consultation to programmers, scientists,

technical specialists and regional management on all aspects

of computer operating system software design, and implementa­tion, machine, assembler and systems level languages, and

the application of computer systems technology to research

projects

-    by maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the design

concepts, implementation, and performance of all

systems in use,

-    by maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of information

being communicated, so that all relevant information

can be made available to the professional and technical

staff,

-    by understanding and providing optimizations for local

system,

-    by suggesting new applications of computer technology

in users' research projects,

-    by providing advice to users in program design and

debugging, and

-    by ensuring that a systems programmer is conversant

with the commonly used systems, and that users have

access to the incumbent for consulting purposes.

10

Participates as project leader on local systems development

projects

-    by carrying out, as leader or member of systems project

group, design, development and documentation of systems

software related to the computerized production system,

-    by developing and implementing enhancements to the

system software,

-    by producing and refining documentation of the

     implemen­tation requirements and procedures for approved

     systems projects,

-    by distributing and assisting in implementation of

systems project results in other regional offices,

-    by evaluating suggestions for modifications and imple­menting

     if desirable,

10

Degree

Points

in several areas of specialization, e.g. input/output

drivers, inter-computer communications, and graphics.

Furthermore, extensive experience with a multiprogramming,

real-time operating system on mini computers is required.

Experience in communications protocols and local specialized

equipment as well as information format and content is

essential. This knowledge and experience is normally

acquired through university graduation in science/engineering/

computer science or equivalent in a related discipline and

six years' experience in computer programming in high level

languages and assembly languages, systems analysis and

software design, at least half of which pertained directly

to multiprogramming real-time mini computer systems.

Knowledge - Continuing Study

This position requires a knowledge of trends and developments

in applications and programming of mini-computers and

technological advances in hardware and software systems.

Knowledge of the physical sciences and familiarity with the

operational requirements to support regional functions is

required to ensure that the unit continues to meet the

real-time operational needs. Knowledge and study of the

scientific objectives of each project is essential. This

knowledge is acquired through personal contacts with peers,

manufacturers, and users groups, study of manufacturers'

literature, technical and scientific journals and periodicals,

and attendance at seminars, conferences and training courses.

2

60

Decision Making

The work requires sound judgment in proposing and selecting

alternative solutions to complex technical problems in

computer systems technology, including quick diagnosis and

solution of system software and hardware problems, and

decisions relating to performance and operational enhance­ments. Computer downtime or degraded user access must be

minimized because of the 24 hour operation. The computer

system is an integral part of critical regional operations.

Any hardware failure must be countered by an appropriate

action as quickly as possible. Recovery action is nearly

always required before the remedial manufacturer support

can arrive. Regional numerical models and other aids run

on the computer are a high priority in regional operations.

Recommendations are made to management pertaining to in-house,

central computer reconfiguration, auxiliary equipment

B2

163

Degree

Points

selection, outside communications facilities selection and

software selection. These recommendations strongly influence

the cost effectiveness of the use of unit hardware resources

valued at over $750,000. Participation in financial manage­ment, planning and reporting is essential to ensure effective

and efficient operations.

Contacts

The work requires daily contacts with programmers, working

level scientists, and technical staff in the computer user

community to resolve technical problems and provide consulta­tion. Frequent contacts are made with manufacturers' sales

and technical representatives to acquire technical information

and resolve problems in applying their products. Contacts

with staff of other departmental computing and communications

centers and non-government agencies are made periodically

as are briefings to management in areas of the incumbent's

special competence.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires the direct supervision of five systems

analysts/programmers as well as eight staff members involved

in computer/communication operation through a subordinate

supervisor. The latter is a 24 hour operation. The

responsi­bilities include assignment of work, performance evaluation, training and recommendation of advancement or disciplinary

action.

C2

63

Bench-mark Position Number: 13

Level: 4

Descriptive Title: Head, Information Processing

Hardware Service

Point Rating: 605

% of Time

-    by setting objectives for senior analysts and consul­tants

    in the planning, configuration, evaluation,

selection, acquisition and monitoring of computer

systems hardware, data conversion/data entry and other

information processing related equipment,

-    by setting objectives for senior analysts in the

research, development, preparation and submission of

information processing hardware reports to the Department

and Central Agencies, (i.e.: Treasury Board and

Supply and Services Canada),

-    by allocation of tasks to senior analysts and consultants

and ensuring timely completion,

-    by establishing terms of reference and developing and

enforcing appropriate procedures for the orderly

provision of services by the Section, and

-    by conducting the activities of the Section in accordance

with and within the directives and guidelines contained

in the Treasury Board Administrative Policy Manual

Chapter 440 regarding Information Processing.

Directs the planning, configuration, evaluation, selection,

acquisition and monitoring of Computer Systems Hardware to

ensure that the Department's needs are met in an efficient

and effective manner:

-    by establishing and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge

of the computer systems hardware industry,

-    by developing and maintaining long-range procurement

plans for the acquisition of information processing

systems hardware, and effective equipment maintenance/

repair services,

-    by reviewing requests affecting computer systems

hardware configurations and acquisitions and recommending

appropriate courses of action,

-    by planning and directing the conduct of tenders,

Request for Proposal, and contract terms and conditions

for the acquisition of computer systems hardware and

maintenance/repair services,

-    by co-ordinating the preparation and development of

requirement specifications for information processing

systems hardware required, for manufacturers and

suppliers,

-    by directing the preparation and execution of benchmark

methodologies and procedures in order to assess the

technical and economic effectiveness of manufacturer/

supplier proposals, and actual hardware attributes,

r1aim-, and nerformance.

20

% of Time

-    by analyzing the results of evaluations, benchmark and

performance reviews and recommending to senior manage­ment,

the acquisition/modification/termination of

hardware and maintenance/repair services,

-    by initiating the approved acquisition/modification/

termination process, and ensuring that the required

activities are performed, and documentation prepared

in accordance with acceptable and established Department

/DSS/Treasury Board guidelines, directives and procedures,

-    by constantly monitoring performance reports, both

technical and financial, of manufacturer/supplier

hardware, and maintenance/repair services, to ensure

compliance with contractual agreements,

-    by establishing and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge

of current information processing policies and directives

affecting the acquisition and application of computer

systems hardware and equipment maintenance, and

-    by serving as an information processing advisor inthe

selection and use of computer systems hardware and

equipment maintenance/ repair services.

Directs the evaluation, selection and acquisition of data

conversion/data entry and other information processing

related equipment. (i.e. CADE 1900 and Key Edit System):

-    by meeting with officials from the various manufacturers/

suppliers to explain Department requirements and to

ascertain what the manufacturers/suppliers can provide,

-    by setting standards for senior analysts to follow in

evaluating and monitoring the manufacturers/suppliers'

equipment,

-    by ensuring the preparation and running of comprehensive

benchmarks on proposed/selected equipment,

-    by overseeing the analysis of benchmark results, and

the maintenance of records of various equipment

capabilities and costs,

-    by discussing equipment selection with senior analysts

in Software/Hardware Division and Information Systems

Directorate,

-    by endorsing recommendations for the selection of

equipment and confirming/clarifying the terms and

conditions of Purchase/Rental/Maintenance and other

services, and

-    by establishing equipment monitoring procedures and

activities to ensure that equipment systems continue

to meet Department needs, and that timely compatible

15

% of Time

data conversion/data entry media are available for the

ever changing field of computer systems hardware and

other information processing related equipment.

Directs the acquisition of Data Communications Network

facilities:

-    by interpreting requirements and discussing needs with

the Head, Data Communications Software Section,

-    determining availabilities of lines and services from

common carriers (i.e.: CN/CP, Bell),

-    establishing effective deliveries and hook-up for

hardware. (i.e.: modems, switches, cables, adapters),

and

-    ensuring acquisition, contracting, and approval documen­tation

    is properly effected.

15

Provides an advisory service to senior management on informa-

tion processing hardware and network components:

-    by participating in meetings with suppliers and manage­-

ment to determine requirements and offerings,

-    by analyzing requests for facilities and services and

recommending appropriate courses of action,

-    by liaising with senior management at NHQ and the

Regions in the development of plans and acquisitions,

-    by participating in Software/Hardware Division and

Information Systems Directorate meetings to determine

problems with hardware and network components presently

in use, and to explain new equipment and services that

will be available,

-    by evaluating hardware and data communications services

to advise management on their effectiveness,

-    by preparing plans for the introduction or integration

of new/proposed/upgraded/existing information processing

Hardware, equipment and/or components,

-    by participating in information processing Hardware

Review committees to recommend courses of action in

information processing Hardware matters,

-    by recommending improvements in policies, procedures

and standards, and

-    by participating on Steering Committees involved in

Systems and information processing Hardware matters.

10

Provides for and may participate in technical training on

Hardware and Network components to systems users.

5

Degree

Points

knowledge of practices and techniques related to information

processing hardware, communications, environment, and

security. It also requires a thorough knowledge of the

basic technical aspects of computer systems, including

necessary interrelationships between hardware, software,

and applications. Experience is required in the procurement,

installation and implementation, and the evaluation of

equipment and systems in the areas of hardware, communications

and environment. The position incumbent is required to

lead a section of up to 11 highly technical personnel in

three specialty groups, assigning and critiquing the work

of the Section, as well as providing technical advice and

guidance. The position incumbent must coordinate the work

of the Section with that of applications and software

specialists: therefore, an appreciation of the requirements

and priorities of these areas is a pre-requisite. This

skill and knowledge is normally acquired through university

graduation in computer systems and eight years experience

in a range of information processing Specialty areas (hardware,

software, communications, security, environment).

Knowledge - Continuing Study

Continuing study is required of texts, journals, periodicals

and manufacturers' literature to maintain an awareness of

trends and developments in information processing. The

position's research is particularly concentrated in the

areas of hardware, communications and environmental support

equipment and techniques, but an appreciation of developments

in software is a pre-requisite to planning for information

processing hardware. Consultations with suppliers and

manufacturers and with colleagues at similar installations

in government and industry is essential, as is attendance

at industry-sponsored demonstrations and conferences. The

position must continually review departmental objectives

and policies e.g. increased emphasis on security of data in

information processing files generates study into specialized

security equipment and techniques.

2

60

Decision Making

The position is effectively the departmental expert on

information processing hardware, communications, and environ­

mental support. Recommendations are made to the Chief,

System Hardware/Software Service in the areas of procurement

and contract administration, planning for site and equipment

B3

210

Degree

Points

configurations, and security for a Head Office information

processing installation. Similar recommendations are made

to management in the regions as computer installations are

established in each. Finally, the position participates as

hardware specialist on inter-divisional committees with

applications and software specialists to plan major procure­ment and long-range development of equipment and systems,

for approval by the Systems Directorate and senior Operations

Management. Decisions made on a daily basis affect the

timely maintenance of hardware and environmental equipment

and, subsequently, the loss of computer time to problem­

solving and testing exercises. Errors in judgment can

quickly cost many thousands of dollars in lost computer

time, damaged equipment, and the salaries of operators and

system users. Security of information is a major departmental

priority and recommendations as to physical security are

made by this position. Finally, the position is responsible

for the fire and emergency measures which affect the lives

of operators and the preservation of valuable equipment.

Contacts

The work requires representing the department at formal

meetings with suppliers to enforce contractually stipulated

levels of service, with authority to terminate the contract.

Particularly sensitive negotiations are required to ensure

satisfactory security measures are employed by common

carriers. Further negotiations involve planned, non-tendered

procurement and participation as a team member in major

negotiations. The work also requires frequent contact with

senior officials of industry to obtain information on

technological or administrative developments. Contacts are

made with other government departments, private industry

and educational institutions for lectures and other

presentations.

3

73

Supervision

The work requires the direct supervision of the Supervisor,

Hardware Administration, Supervisor, Communications

Administration, Supervisor, Environment Administration and

the 2 assistants, Hardware Administration.

B2

46

Degree

Points

teams, and participating in the determination of staff and

equipment requirements. This knowledge and skill are

normally gained through university graduation and eight

years of progressively responsible experience in computer

systems analysis, programming and administration.

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires knowledge of trends and developments in

computer systems planning and programming techniques and in

computing devices and services, gained through continuing

study of texts, manuals and periodicals and attendance at

courses and seminars. It also requires continuing study of

departmental reports and directives to ensure understanding

of the objectives and the accounting and other requirements

of user units.

2

60

Decision Making

The work requires the exercise of judgment, initiative and

discretion in recommending that the section undertake the

development of applications and in evaluating alternative

systems and methods. Decisions made on the assignment of

work to project teams and priorities affect the ability of

the section to meet requirements of users. Standards

governing work methods, documentation and production affect

the efficiency and economy with which extensive information

processing facilities are used on three shifts. Errors in

judgement may adversely affect the efficiency and economy

of computer applications controlling the preparation of

cheques issued to large numbers of employees and suppliers,

and the financial information required by the department

and a number of departments for budgeting, cash forecast

and fiscal accounting purposes.

C3

256

Contacts

The work requires contacts with user officials in the

Central Services Branch,. the department, and departments to

determine computer systems analysis and programming require­

ments and to identify priorities and deadlines. Contacts

may require persuading user officials to modify information

requirements and the form and content of input data.

3

73

Degree

Points

Supervision

The work requires the supervision of 30 computer systems

analysts, programmers and clerks at the intermediate and

junior levels of the administrative and foreign service

and administrative support categories. Supervisory duties

include selection, training, assignment and assessment of

staff.

D2

81

Bench-mark Position Number: 15

Level: 3

Descriptive Title: Information Processing

Facilities Planner

Point Rating:  458

% of Time

Researches methods and techniques for use in the information

processing measurement, performance and simulation activities

-    by examining and reviewing new projects and services

as they become available,

-    by preparing and disseminating reports on results of

studies to other departmental groups concerned with

      information processing acquisitions and systems develop­ment,

-    by maintaining contact with suppliers and consultants

who are active in this area, and

-    by maintaining membership in technical and user groups.

15

Assists in the testing of new computer programs

-    by designing drivers, bench-marks and other test

vehicles,

-    by preparing test files, in co-operation with users,

for operation with such test vehicles, and

-    by researching test vehicles prepared by others.

15

Provides technical support to department user organizations

-    by responding to requests for simulation modeling of

automated and manual systems, computer load forecasting,

and systems/application sizing, and

-    by co-operating with other sections in studies that

require such services.

15

Provides technical advice to senior department management

on their current systems capacity and on the possibility or

desirability of systems additions or modifications

-    by participating in meetings and discussions concerning

the departmental use of information processing facilities

and the planning of new projects.

10

Performs other duties such as

-    monitoring current departmental operations and require­ments,

-    maintaining a broad knowledge of the information

processing field through study and training,

-    participating in equipment evaluation studies, and

10

Degree

Points

Errors in judgment can result in inefficient or uneconomic

use of departmental information processing resources, and

can adversely affect the completion of computer applications

relating to administrative functions. Recommendations are

made to the Section Chief and to user officials.

Contacts

The work requires contacts with analysts, programmers,

superiors, and officials of departmental user units in the

planning and development of computer systems and the conduct

of measurement and performance studies of proposed computer

applications. It also requires contacts with manufacturers,

other researchers, colleagues, and other officials in

outside organizations to provide and obtain information

relating to computer systems measurement and information

processing techniques and practices.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires periodic supervision of a project team of

assigned systems analysts, including the scheduling and

allocation of work assignments, to meet deadlines and

provide for the development of staff. The incumbent makes

recommendations to the Section Chief in the areas of work

performance, training leave, and disciplinary action.

-

-

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires a knowledge of trends and developments in

computer systems programming and analysis for a variety of

computer systems, gained by reading equipment manuals,

texts, journals and periodicals and attending government

and industry-sponsored training courses.

2

60

Decision Making

The work requires the identification of information processing

problems and development of the most economical and effective

ways of solving them. Solutions must take into account the

requirements of the client department and the capabilities

and costs of alternative information processing systems.

The work requires selection and modification of established

analysis and programming techniques. Recommendations and

cost estimates are subject to supervisory approval. Decisions

affect the satisfaction of information requirements of

clients, and errors in estimating the time required and the

costs quoted to departments may result in operating losses

to the department.

B2

163

Contacts

The work requires frequent contacts with senior officials

of client departments to discuss information processing

objectives and requirements, to advise on computer methods

and capabilities and to obtain the information needed to

develop and implement computer systems.

2

46

Supervision

The work does not require the supervision of staff.

-

-

Degree

Points

programs on new equipment and in identifying and solving

critical on-line problems. Recommendations are made

regarding additions to the system, changes in operating

methods and procedures and the most suitable equipment and

control programs to meet departmental requirements. Errors

in judgment may result in modifications to the operating

system that result in increased costs and reduced efficiency,

the procurement of control programs that require extensive

modifications to meet user's needs and the acquisition of

equipment and software facilities that are unsatisfactory

on a cost/benefit basis. Errors in judgment can also

result in the introduction of procedures that result in

delays in projects and ineffective and inefficient utiliza­tion

of manpower resources.

Responsibility for Contacts

The work requires contacts with senior staff of departmental

organizations to obtain agreement with modifications to, or

changes in, the operating system and to advise on computer

capabilities and utilization. The work also requires

contacts with manufacturers to obtain information, to

outline departmental requirements and to resolve software

problems.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires the supervision of up to three systems

software analysts, involves assigning work, giving advice

and guidance, checking completed work and making recommen­dations on promotion and disciplinary action.

A2

29

Bench-mark Position Number: 19

Level: 4

Descriptive Title: Senior Planning Officer

Point Rating: 605

% of Time

data communication equipment and facilities in special

conversions devices such as microfilm readers, optical

character readers and magnetic tape converters,

-    by preparing specifications for equipment acquisition,

such as Treasury Board submissions, invitations to

tender and benchmark programmes, in accordance with

the Treasury Board's guidelines,

-    by evaluating the competing suppliers' performance

against specifications, usually on the basis of benchmark

tests, and recommending, in the form of a Treasury

Board submission, a choice between alternatives, and

-    by preparing plans, and subsequently monitoring these

plans to ensure the successful installation of varied

size computer systems.

Advises senior government officers on implications of

planned information processing applications

-    by maintaining a knowledge of contemporary management

techniques such as mathematical models, simulation,

PERT/CPM, file organization and file management, etc.,

and counseling senior officers, both of this and other

departments, as to its use, and

-    by keeping abreast of the development in the ancillary

equipment field, such as envelopers, microfilming

equipment, bursters, etc., and making recommendations

as to their use.

15

Advises senior management on the matters relating to

information processing security

-    by being the Branch representative on the Sector

Information Processing Security Committee

-    by participating in the appraisal of the RCMP SEIT

reports, and

-    by being responsible for the implementation of the

recommendations of the SEIT reports which affect the

Branch.

10

Is the Branch representative on matters dealing with

contingency Planning. Is responsible for the coordination

of audit report replies. Is the Branch representative on

the Services Official Languages Committee

-    by being responsible for the preparation of the annual

O/L plan for the Branch, and

10

Degree

Points

that without continuous updating, and individual's value to

the department diminishes rapidly. In developing plans and

objectives to ensure efficient use of information processing

resources, an up-to-date knowledge of all aspects of informa-­

tion processing, how they interrelate and how they relate

to management practices is required. The planning officer's

knowledge is kept current by reading technical publications

(which are totally unintelligible to a non-specialist), by

attending and participating in professional seminars and

conferences and by attending university courses.

Decision Making

Judgment and discretion are required in developing short

range plans and objectives to ensure effective use of

information processing resources, in planning and conducting

feasibility studies for major systems development such as

telecommunications network design, in planning the acquisition

or modification of information processing equipment and in

advising senior government officers on the implications of

planned information processing applications. Initial

direction is very general and it is largely up to the

planning officer to apply judgment and initiative to carry

out his assignment in the most appropriate and effective

manner. Two typical assignments are the design of a tele­-

communications network and the evaluation of competing

supplier's bids to supply a large computer system. In both

instances, the initial direction would be very general -

"What is involved in setting up a telecommunications network

to service the department?" or "Which of the competing bids

is superior?" The planning officer is then required to

plan and organize his work, in order to answer these rather

fundamental questions. The work is often innovative and

the planning officer has very little to guide him save his

knowledge and initiative. As a result of feasibility

studies, recommendations are made to develop comprehensive

computer systems. Decisions and recommendations affect the

department's overall plans for the provision of information

processing services, particularly as these plans and services

relate to the area of specialization of the planning officer.

Errors in judgment could seriously impair the department's

ability to meet its responsibilities. For example, a

poorly designed telecommunications network or a computer

system with serious faults which had not been detected

would have serious repercussions on the department's oper­-

ations. Because the work is so technical and the knowledge

so specialized, recommendations by a recognized expert in a

field are seldom questioned.

C3

256

Degree

Points

Contacts

A planning officer participates in all major systems develop­-

ment in the department, either as head of the task force,

as in the cases of telecommunications network design and

computer evaluation, or as a senior member, as in the

development of the Old Age Security Automation team. The

work brings him in contact with senior officers of the

department to determine system requirements, to reach

agreement on resources required and priorities, and to

co-ordinate diverse work requirements. Often he is required

to persuade user officials as to the proper or most effective

use of hardware or personnel resources. The work also

requires a constant liaison with equipment supplier personnel,

especially at the technical level.

3

73

Supervision

The duties of a planning officer do not call for direct

supervision. However, for particular projects, personnel

are seconded from other divisions and assigned to the

planning officer for the duration of that project.

-

-

Bench-mark Position Number: 20

Level: 3

Descriptive Title: Senior Technical Consultant

Point Rating: 458

% of Time

-    by reviewing the program designs suggested by assigned

staff,

-    by designing system test data,

-    by ensuring that all of the system objectives are

accomplished,

-    by ensuring that all parts of the system are documented,

-    by ensuring that the client is fully aware of how to

use system,

-    by writing specifications for the tendering of systems

design and programming for outside contract, evaluating

responses and making recommendations with regard to

the selection of a successful bidder, and

-    by consulting with and advising and assisting the

scientists who wish to implement their own solutions.

Manages the projects and staff under assigned control

including Technical Consultants

-    by estimating requirements for financial and manpower

resources,

-    by ensuring that work is carried out in a timely

manner and in adherence with estimated manpower and

financial costs,

-    by ensuring that project staff designs, codes and

documents according to the standards of the department,

-    by performing regular appraisals of assigned staff, and

-    by recommending to superior the training needs of the

staff assigned.

20

Studies the research, development and operational activities

of the client departments and keeps abreast of the latest

developments, techniques and tools available in mathematics,

statistics, operational research and computer methods,

-    by visiting and discussing with scientists and engineers

in the Department,

-    by study of departmental publications,

-    by study of the relevant technical and professional

literature,

-    by attendance at conferences and symposia,

-    by reading the relevant technical literature,

-    by attendance at seminars and conferences, and

-    by personal contact with people active in the various

fields.

10

Degree

Points

in one of the physical or mathematical sciences and five

years of various and progressively responsible experiences

in computer systems programming. Finally, a general knowledge

of research methods would be considered to be useful.

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires knowledge of trends and developments in

mathematical procedures, numerical analysis, systems analysis

and programming techniques and changes to practices and

capacities of available information processing equipment

and to be aware of trends in research. This knowledge is

normally gained by a continuing study of scientific journals,

reports, directives, texts and equipment manuals, by

attendance at Government and Industry sponsored training

courses and seminars and by direct contact with research

personnel.

60

Decision Making

The work requires the exercise of judgment, initiative and

discretion in the analysis, design, development and imple­-

mentation of scientific applications which are poorly

defined. Suggestions are made to users on changes to their

specifications which can result in better performance.

Decisions are made on which of a number of alternate mathema­-

tical techniques is best suited to specific problems.

Recommendations are made to user officials on the feasibility

of new computer systems. Errors of judgment affect two

different areas. Firstly, a poor choice can adversely

affect the quality and efficiency of the services provided

by the department thereby causing significant losses in

revenue. Secondly, errors can cause undue delays and

excessive costs to research projects and more important can

lead to scientists and engineers publishing incorrect

reports in scientific journals. Finally, with a number of

problems, it is necessary for the incumbent to carry out

research since there is no known solution to the problem.

B2

163

Contacts

The work requires frequent contacts with research scientists

of client departments to investigate their computing require-­

ments. This usually requires a considerable amount of

discussion to clarify the real objectives of the client or

clients. The incumbent is required to obtain agreement on

the objectives of a specific project and then to persuade

2

46

Degree

Points

the clients to accept the results of his feasibility studies

and analysis. Finally contacts occur with scientists and

engineers throughout government and in Industry to obtain

and provide information on new mathematical and numerical

techniques.

Supervision

The incumbent is responsible for assigning work to and

maintaining performance of assigned staff in accordance

with the requirements of projects.

-

-

Bench-mark Position Number: 21

Level: 3

Descriptive Title: Senior Training Officer,

Information Processing

Point Rating: 504

Specifications

Degree

Points

Knowledge - Education and Experience

The work requires a thorough knowledge of computer science

particularly languages, utilities and computer operations

together with a broad knowledge of at least one current

generation operating system and hardware. The work also

requires a sound knowledge of the training needs of the

department, of training methodology of the effective use of

training aids and the development of course outlines,

syllabi and examinations. Experience is required in the

computer operations, the application of computers, the use

of various machine languages and in software applications.

Experience is also required in supervising a staff, in

evaluating the results of courses and in appraising student

performance. This knowledge is normally acquired through

university graduation and several years of experience in

the design and implementation of complex computer projects

utilizing a variety of languages, compilers and utilities

or through secondary school graduation and extensive

experience in systems analyses and application programming

or software work.

B3

189

Knowledge - Continuing Study

The work requires the continuing study of texts, periodicals,

journals and a variety of instruction material, the operating

system, and new departmental hardware and software acquisi­tions in order to plan, develop and update training programs

for analysts, operators and programmers. Also required is

continuing studying of advances in training methodology.

2

60

Decision Making

The work requires the identification of training requirements

in a variety of subject-matter areas, the evaluation of

alternate methods of meeting the training needs, the

assessment of the most efficient and economical solution

and the planning and development of training programs that

will fulfill all departmental requirements. Recommendations

commit departmental manpower and financial resources.

Errors in judgment in determining training requirements

result in inadequately trained personnel, limitations in

career development and affect the utilization and efficiency

of the Information Processing system.

B2

163

Degree

Points

Responsibility for Contacts

The work requires frequent contacts with suppliers of

training material, with commercial training organizations

to arrange for courses outside the department and with

management to explain and gain acceptance of proposed

training programs. There are also frequent contacts with

training organizations in other departments and officials

in private industry to discuss common training problems.

2

46

Supervision

The work requires the supervision of four instructors which

requires assigning work, assessing performance, providing

technical advice and guidance and making recommendations on

promotion and disciplinary action.

B2

46

Degree

Points