Food and Nutrition Systems Technical Assistance Specialist
FOOD & NUTRITION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST
This is a grant-funded position that is subject to the availability of funds up to/through September 30, 2027
Salary Information: B21-$5,000.00 - $5,500.00/MO.
State Classification: 0221- Information Technology Business Analyst I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Posting Number: 26-71095-1
Location: Austin, TX
Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in the CAPPS Career Section to be considered for the position.
WHO ARE WE
The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Systems Technical Assistance Specialist will perform routine systems technical assistance and support work for the Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. You will be involved in gathering, developing, and documenting user requirements; reviewing, assessing, and developing business processes; creating and validating user acceptance testing; performing post-implementation support of systems; and providing technical assistance to the division staff. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Critically assess division system issues reported by internal and external users; conduct initial investigation using system expertise and available documentation to determine root cause.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external users via email, phone, in-person, or other methods of communication. Maintain knowledge of division staff and vendors to appropriately refer calls and messages, as needed.
Consistently track and monitor technical assistance requests and responses from receipt to resolution; coordinate closely with the systems team and users to ensure clear, timely communications about request status.
Maintain working knowledge of current system functionality, existing bugs, and enhancement requests to support efficient resolutions. Assist with creating system bugs reported and enhancements requested by internal and external users.
Assist with updating and distributing information to support internal and external users’ understanding and awareness of division systems, including webpage updates, internal and external communications, guidance documents, webinars, and other resources, as needed.
Assist with the documentation of business processes and solutions related to division systems support, for inclusion in handbooks, desk procedures, or as needed to support system and division operations.
Process, track, and approve security access forms for select system users. Maintain thorough documentation and close coordination with Security Business Analyst to support security audits.
Maintain record keeping system for correspondence, forms, reports and documents related to technical assistance in accordance with Agency Records Management Policy.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION (To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT – experience listed on the application and/or resume must state how each of the following qualifications are met).
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Business Management, Public Administration, or related field (One year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for a degree).
One (1) year of experience providing technical support for a system, program, or group.
Work experience gathering and documenting requirements from end users.
Experience in a customer service-facing role working with a diverse audience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Professional experience working in systems, technology, data, or a similar field.
Professional experience working for a government entity.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of software development life cycle and systems development life cycle concepts; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources; and project management principles and practices.
Skill in business analysis methodologies; analyzing and evaluating complex information technology applications, policies, and issues; and developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and issues.
Ability to analyze and interpret technical information, including regulations, policies, and automation system documentation/specifications; to communicate in writing; to translate user/business needs into a technical style; to communicate technical instructions to system users; to analyze, evaluate, and integrate business rules into system requirements; to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; and to communicate effectively.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 5%).
