Lead System Operations Controller (Data Processing Administrative Specialist) (UMP)

Position Overview

Are you looking for a rewarding career with an organization that values their staff? The Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is seeking to hire qualified candidates with the opportunity to work in a dynamic, creative thinking, problem solving environment. This position serves as a Lead System Operations Controller coordinating with development staff on new programs, procedures, and JCL changes. In this role you will complete weekly and monthly status reports and master production schedule. In addition, you will provide technical assistance, training, and development of procedural guidelines for the operations environment to lower-level staff. If you possess these knowledges, skills, abilities and experience, we invite you to apply for this position with DoIT!

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carry over year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per year
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Under direction, serves as the Lead System Operations Controller for the Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), performing complex system operating and job control procedures involving research analysis work, applying resolutions for job stream abends, and correcting job scheduling issues.
• Collaborates with technical personnel, including application system development, programming and production control staff, to ensure integration of operational processes, optimize system performance, and resolve technical issues.
• Serves as designated lead worker.
• Maintains and oversees the accuracy and integrity of operational logs, records, and reporting.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the information technology field by continuing education through online training platforms, meetings, training sessions, seminars, and conferences to increase familiarity with and remain current on products, vendors, techniques, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of high school.
• Requires four (4) years of previous related experience such as is typically gained at the Data Processing Specialist level.

OR

• Requires two (2) years of college coursework.
• Requires three (3) years of previous related experience.

*Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this classification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing automated operation tools such as CA Scheduler, Document Direct/Mobius, or equivalent, to manage and optimize production job scheduling and archival processes.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working in a data processing environment, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to agency standards and methodologies.
• Two (2) years of professional experience serving as a lead worker or team coordinator, assigning tasks, providing technical guidance, and monitoring staff performance to achieve operational objective
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with 3270 Emulation Software such as BlueZone, including Time Sharing Options (TSO), Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF), and Information Management System (IMS) transactions, or equivalent mainframe environments.
• Thorough knowledge of job control language (JCL), including set up, correction, job stream development, and documentation to support complex production environments.
• Ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve system issues, including job stream abends and scheduling conflicts, while coordinating corrective actions across technical teams.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships and collaborate with technical personnel, including application development, programming, and production control staff.
• Ability to coordinate and direct the work of associates, ensuring compliance with operational standards and timely completion of production schedules.
• Developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and precise reports, procedural documentation, and convey technical information to diverse audience.

Conditions of Employment

NOTE: Applicants must possess the ability to meet ALL of the following conditions of employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Requires the ability to verify identity.
• Requires employment authorization to accept permanent full-time position with State of Illinois.
• Requires the ability to pass a position specific, agency required background check.
• Requires self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties.
• Requires ability to work outside of normal business hours to meet deadlines.
• Requires ability to serve on an on-call basis.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and training to remain current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to job duties.
• Requires the ability to lift and carry objects or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. This is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• The conditions of employment listed are incorporated and/or related to any duties included in the position description.