Information Technology Specialist

Placer County is an exciting and dynamic local government, working innovatively with technologies to make daily improvements to the lives of our citizens and employees.  Stretching from the Sacramento border to the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Placer County encompasses some of the most beautiful and scenic areas on the West Coast. 

Placer County offers a full CalPERS retirement package, attractive medical, dental, vision and insurance plans, a 6% cafeteria plan and thirteen annual paid holidays. Employees will receive a 2% general wage increase effective June 8, 2019 and again on June 6, 2020. Additional information regarding benefits for this classification can be found in the Benefits section below.

There are currently two vacancies for this classification. The first resides in our Information Technology Customer Service Center and the second is in our Clerk/Recorder/Elections Office. See specific information regarding these vacancies below. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in various departments as they arise.

Information Technology Customer Service Center

Placer County Information Technology is currently seeking a highly skilled professional to join the IT team in the position of Information Technology Specialist within the Service Desk/Customer Service Center team.  The successful candidate’s primary role is to handle Level 1 and Level 2 help desk ticket creation, provide customer interaction in-person and on the phone, troubleshoot desktop PC issues with the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, and all other installed desktop applications, Active Directory account maintenance, hardware and software troubleshooting, assisting with file share and printer configuration and access, configuring user-level web browsers and Internet access, configuring tablets and mobile devices, using Service Now as a desktop ticketing system, and using remote control software to remotely access user endpoint systems. 

Among the most important qualifications for this position are the strong ability to cooperate as the member of a team, to keep a positive attitude of customer service to the County’s constituents and employees in all situations, to understand how to exercise informal authority to influence, persuade, resolve conflicts, be a role model and mentor to staff, and a partner with other IT team members and the IT management team.  

The current vacancy reports to an Information Technology Supervisor at a modern office building located in beautiful Auburn, California on a Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.

Clerk/Recorder/Elections Office

The Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office is currently seeking an IT Specialist to join their team. Duties include assisting with server, workstation and printer installation, configuration and maintenance, Active Directory configuration and support, Microsoft SQL Server and MYSQL database maintenance and other network related troubleshooting and support. Additionally, this position assists with supporting election activities including voting equipment programming, testing and maintenance, as well as vote tabulation system configuration and testing.

Provides effective specialized information technology support for network systems and business applications related to Placer County; troubleshoots, analyzes and resolves system/application related requests including specialties such as Help Desk, Web, and department specific applications. Performs a variety of technical duties pertaining to computer systems and related equipment and serves as a second or third level responder for computer, network and hardware/software issues. Assists and trains users in personal computer hardware and specialized software and provides technical assistance to customers. Analyzes existing processes and provides recommendations regarding technology solutions. Coordinates with vendors, other county departments, and other agencies in identifying and implementing system upgrades and modifications; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is the journey level classification in the Information Technology Specialist classification series. Positions in this classification independently perform a broad range of both routine and complex technical assignments in support of specialized systems, including user support, system troubleshooting, review of business processes and communication of user requirements/problems to a vendor or statewide system which then develops the technical solution. This class is distinguished from the classification of Information Technology Analyst because the latter describes positions with analytical responsibilities where the primary duties include the analysis of business and/or system needs, the evaluation of current systems and the design of technical solutions to meet the identified business or system needs, including work which may emphasize business systems analysis and the design of technology solutions to resolve application problems or improve efficiency and effectiveness; network/telecommunication systems analysis and design; system analysis/administration and design, and/or database analysis/administration and design. This class is distinguished from the classification of Information Technology Technician II in that the Specialist describes positions that are responsible for performing duties that are broader and more complex in nature requiring specialized knowledge and abilities as compared to the more routine tasks performed by a Technician that require a more general knowledge.

Incumbents at this level work under direction from an assigned supervisor, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures and involves planning and/or determining specific procedures or equipment required in order to meet assigned objectives and solve complex problems. Only unusual matters are referred to a supervisor. Incumbents may also receive technical and functional supervision from an Information Technology Specialist Senior. Incumbents may exercise functional or direct supervision over technical staff. Incumbents may exercise functional supervision over other technical specialist staff on a project basis.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of specialized duties in support of the County’s technology functions which may include, but are not limited to, applications, network, business processes and related technology areas.
• Assists users of a particular application where detailed knowledge of the specific application is required, troubleshooting, debugging and resolving a variety of operations/business-process related applications problems. Troubleshoots new applications and/or systems to ensure functional operation.
• Installs, configures, customizes and administers a variety of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) and vendor developed applications; writes programs/scripts and develops reports using standard application development products and tools.
• Designs and generates a variety of routine and ad hoc customized reports based on customer requirements.
• Performs routine applications, system and/or network support duties such as monitoring or adding applications/users/devices, modifying user profiles, re-setting passwords and performing file maintenance; sets up basic user access permissions consistent with County policies and procedures.
• Completes, reviews, and/or approves a variety of forms, including requests for hardware and software, and user access.
• Serves as a technical resource in the evaluation, selection, acquisition and implementation of computer hardware and software solutions, including cost/benefit analysis. Recommends contractor selection and assist with vendor and contract management. Reviews and provides input on Requests for Proposals.
• Designs website layout and content; designs and develops screens and menus; reviews and monitors content to ensure consistency with County policies and procedures; conducts ongoing website maintenance for content updates and revisions.
• Executes website and software testing plans to validate functionality; resolves programming issues; refines data and formats final products; tests, troubleshoots and de-bugs programs using appropriate technology and various test utilities, and ensures functional operation.
• Is responsible for the coordination and completion of projects that are specific to area of assignment, such as the implementation of a new system design or system upgrade. Interfaces with users to identify problems/gaps with current technology and/or business processes and gathers system requirements. Serves as the primary interface with and coordinates and directs the work of vendors. May coordinate and direct the work of staff at the same or lower level while working on projects. Designs and directs project testing and quality assurance processes.
• May write, revise and maintain computer programs based on business requirements and application design specifications identified and developed by someone else, in order to create new business applications and interfaces or maintain/modify existing business applications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms; troubleshoots, debugs, and resolves problems with application coding.
• Prepares technical reports, correspondence and other documents; provides general administrative support that may include maintaining records and monitoring contracts/budgets.
• Participates on committees and task forces; attends meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• Develops training materials and conducts training pertaining to the use of new or modified applications and/or systems for users and other information technology staff.
• When assigned to support a statewide, federal, or legislation-governed system, reviews upcoming changes to programs, regulations or system (All County Letters, Management Change Requests), identifies impact on system and/or County processes, provides input on necessary revisions, and assists with implementing changes.
• Serves on project teams providing technical assistance as needed.
• Provides after hours technology support as assigned.
• Provides technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of journey-level technical experience comparable to an Information Technology Technician - II with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information technology or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform specialist level duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis; or possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for all or part of the above-required education.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position and in accordance with the California Vehicle Code. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information technology program.
• Basic operational characteristics of local and wide area network systems.
• Automated systems/software utilized in area of assignment, including work processes, methods of data entry/retrieval, and system navigation.
• Standard office software such as word processing, electronic mail, and spreadsheet software;
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer system hardware and software problems.
• Process and workflow analysis.
• Tools and test equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of information systems.
• Basic project management principles and techniques such as organizing and managing a project, developing schedules, identifying critical paths, and breaking down a project into individual tasks.
• Basic principles and practices of technical network administration.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Operate, maintain and perform repairs on information technology equipment and software.
• Perform complex duties related to troubleshooting, configuring, performing repairs and assignment specific desktop and network hardware and software issues and respond appropriately to customer service requests.
• Test and repair electronic equipment using appropriate tools.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Assist in planning and evaluating new systems and equipment.
• Execute system testing plans and test, troubleshoot and de-bug programs using appropriate technology to ensure system functionality.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure that deadlines are met; organize and manage multiple assignments and priorities.
• Prepare and present training materials related to specialized hardware and/or software.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for procedures, processes, and tables related to area of assignment.
• Independently analyze work methods, procedures, and operational needs; identify and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Learn and utilize specialized terminology if needed by the specific assignment.
• Read, comprehend and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered during the course of the work.
• Provide on-call service during off hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Mobility-frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting, depending on assignment; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting and crawling. Lifting–frequent lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 80 pounds. Vision–constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision. Dexterity–frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching. Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; position occasionally requires travel to other locations. Work environments may include noise, dust and/or unpleasant odors, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and may occasionally require work in confined spaces.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit

This Timeline is Tentative and Subject to Change:

11/27/2018 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

11/29/2018 - "Not Qualified" Notices Emailed

12/04/2018 - Training and Experience Scoring

12/07/2018 - Eligible List Established