Job Posting - Technology Analyst

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Iowa Department for the Blind logo

Technology Analyst

Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Salary Minimum: $50,980.80
Salary Maximum: $77,563.20
Post Close Date: May 3, 2019

Job Description: This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow instructions in the “To Apply” section for directions on how to apply for this position.

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for a position that will promote IDB’s mission, vision and values by providing access technology support to agency staff and clients.


Duties and responsibilities to include the following:

Provide training to agency employees on the efficient use of IDB’s technology infrastructure. Provide initial technology orientation to new employees. Share information and provide training related to new tools, features and updates to all employees as appropriate. Work with end users to solve technology-related problems, in particular those related to access technology. Keep records of problems encountered and the specific steps taken to resolve them. Recommend and carry out system improvements to improve the efficiency and accessibility of IDB systems. Provide adequate and timely notification to the end user community when system changes or enhancements are implemented.

Keep current with developments in nonvisual access software and hardware. Evaluate new access technology, and provide information and training to agency employees on the features of this technology. Create training materials to teach the key features, and make recommendations concerning what access technology might work best in given situations. Share information with outside organizations to help them to recognize the importance of compatibility with nonvisual access technology and to develop systems that are, in their own right, compatible with such technology and usable by nonvisual users. When requested, provide support to employers and other state agencies to test systems for accessibility and recommend adaptations and modifications needed to improve the usability of these systems by blind persons. Research and implement solutions that will make it possible for information technology tasks to be performed using nonvisual access technology. Ensure that department systems and any enhancements made to systems are compatible with nonvisual access technology.

Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of IDB’s access technology loaner pools. Ensure that all devices are up-to-date and in good working order before they are loaned to clients. Evaluate devices when returned to determine any issues or repairs needed. Arrange for the repair of devices as needed, and ensure that repaired devices return in good working order. Oversee the purchase and setup of new devices as directed.

Work with agency staff and outside vendors to manage IDB's external website and internal Intranet to ensure they are accessible and up-to-date. Manage IDB's social media presence to ensure usability, accessibility, and confidentiality. Assist agency staff in preparing materials for upload. Make content updates as directed, troubleshoot issues, and recommend enhancements to improve features and usability.

Provide support to the IDB Orientation Center’s access technology training labs. Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the computers, braille notetakers, braille displays and other devices in the labs. Troubleshoot problems as they arise, and make recommendations for improvements as needed.

Support the technology needs of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in particular as it relates to access technology. Assist librarians in ensuring that their systems are fully accessible by blind employees and patrons alike; troubleshoot problems and make recommendations for improvements to enhance accessibility and usability.

 Essential Functions of this position:

  • Utilize screen access software including, but not limited to, JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver at an advanced level for accessibility testing and training.

  • Evaluate the accessibility of technology including software applications and websites.

  • Read and write contracted braille.

  • Determine what needs to be done to new and existing applications to ensure that they can be used with nonvisual access technology.

  • Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to nontechnical individuals.

  • Research and teach oneself to use new and updated technology; locating training resources as appropriate.

  • Receive verbal and written information from end users about problems encountered, seek clarifying information, and determine a course of action to be taken to solve the problem.

  • Develop and update reports using SQL reporting services or other reporting tools to present data.

  • Read reports, analyze data contained in these reports, and determine the quality and accuracy of the data.

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us


To Apply:  Technology Analyst

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to:

Helen Stevens
Education and Training Director
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309-2364

helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us

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