GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The PROGRAM TECHNICIAN 2 provides functional direction and overall monitoring of an agency program; researches and evaluates program regulations and operations; makes oral and written recommendations to executive staff for informed decision making; represents the agency to various public, private, and legislative groups; and actively participates in the development of program administrative rules and operating policies.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second of a two-level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by the requirement for in-depth program knowledge. In addition, research projects and studies are of wider scope and have greater consequence of recommendations. There is also a greater degree of public program representation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Allocations of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed, which may include most, if not all, of the following duties and responsibilities as well as other associated duties.

1. Program Monitoring. Typical tasks: conducts thorough research studies covering governing program regulations, legislative and executive intent, operating policies and end results, evaluates findings and prepares comprehensive reports and recommendations for executive staff; presents recommendations orally and in writing; drafts or reviews drafts of language for administrative rules, monitors pertinent bills during the legislative session, drafts program related legislative concepts for internal review, reviews court decisions, and helps draft agency orders or policy changes as necessary to comply with court ruling.
2. Program Coordination. Typical tasks: provides functional program direction through coordination of employees engaged in program activities; identifies long-range objectives, short-term operational goals, and develops operating plans based on in-depth knowledge of program regulations and requirements; ensures statutory program compliance; develops program budgetary data; interprets governing rules and regulations, operating policies, and procedures to operating departments, and various public, private, and legislative groups; conducts staff meetings and presides over agency task forces and standing committees.
3. Agency Representation. Typical tasks: represents agency before legislative, fact finding, and/or fund granting bodies to explain, interpret and justify agency program or policies; represents the agency on interagency committees, to individuals and public groups, and to the media. Designs, develops, and presents (or coordinates the presentation of) statewide, regional, and/or publicly directed program training.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: may lead a team of technicians conducting a statewide review of program operations for compliance with regulations and adherence to standards. Identifies operational strengths and weaknesses, problems or areas of noncompliance, and recommends corrective action; meets with line management and staff to determine needed corrective action and develop plan; follows-up to monitor operational corrective plans; compiles and writes summary reports; may review and analyze findings of field reviews.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Daily in-person and telephone contact with all levels of staff within the program area or organizational section to exchange information and provide interpretation of policies and regulations. Regular contact with agency executive staff to provide information. Regular contact with workers from other agencies (Federal, State, and local) to exchange information and with internal staff and the public to explain program regulations and agency policies. May coordinate an overall program review as lead reviewer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of a supervisor or manager. Uses agency and program related statutes, regulations and other guidelines and interpretations. Consults with supervisor as necessary to obtain clarification of expected results, report on progress toward completion of assignments, confirm interpretation of regulations and policies, or seek guidance in complicated or less clearly defined areas.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in central and remote locations throughout State government (e.g., general government agencies, human or natural resource agencies, or correctional, mental health or higher education institutions, etc.). They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location. They require the willingness to travel instate including some overnight trips.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of experience with responsibility for program or project monitoring and coordination. The experience must have included program evaluation responsibility.