Information Technology Specialist - Senior

The current vacancy is in the Probation Department and the incumbent will work closely with other criminal justice agencies and perform lead Information Technology duties. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging or established leader to help guide the technology growth of a progressive criminal justice department. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with all levels of the organization, as well as working closely with counterparts from a variety of criminal justice agencies, both regional and on a statewide level.  

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Professional benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer please visit Placer County’s Human Resources website.

Leads and provides effective technical support for network systems and business applications related to Placer County, requiring advanced, specialized knowledge; is assigned sensitive, highly specialized, larger and most difficult or complex problems and systems; instructs/directs others in troubleshooting, analyzing and resolving system/application related support requests including specialties such as Help Desk, Web, and department specific applications.  Performs a variety of technical support duties pertaining to computer systems and related equipment and serves as a second or third level responder for computer, network and hardware/software issues.  Analyzes existing processes and provides recommendations regarding technology solutions. Trains IT technical and/or specialist staff, as well as users, in personal computer hardware/software and provides technical assistance to customers; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is the advanced journey level classification in the Information Technology Specialist classification series. Positions in this classification perform technical assignments of significant complexity and serve as technical experts within their area of assignment. This class is distinguished from the classification of Information Technology Specialist because incumbents in the Information Technology Specialist Senior class provide direct supervision or lead direction to assigned Information Technology Specialist, technical, or clerical staff and/or serve as technical experts within their area of assignment in the strategic planning of technology for several complex systems.

This class is distinguished from the Information Technology Analyst series in that the latter describes positions with professional/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, design and administration; system analysis, administration and design; and/or database analysis, administration and design. In contrast, the Information Technology Specialist classification describes positions with responsibility for providing a broad range of routine and complex duties in business processes, and communication of user requirements/problems to a vendor or statewide system which then architects and develops the technical solution, implementation of system upgrades or modifications, and user training.

This class is further distinguished from Information Technology Supervisor in that the latter is management-level classification that performs the most complex work assigned to the classification series and supervises the activities of a group of professional/analytical, specialized and/or technical information technology staff in one or more technology disciplines.

Incumbents at this level work under general direction, working from broad policies and towards general objectives and referring specific matters to a superior only when interpretation or clarification of organizational policies is necessary.

 

May exercise direct supervision or lead direction over lower level staff.

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

• Perform a variety of complex, 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.
• Act as a technical resource for staff. Provide targeted support for one or more specific department programs or applications, requiring specialized expertise; test programs and applications from the user’s perspective. Troubleshoot new applications and/or systems to ensure functional operation.
• Provide supervision to assigned staff in support of assigned department and program(s); provide leadership and direction to assigned team.
• Develop, recommend and implement section goals and objectives within assigned department; assist in developing, implementing, and explaining policies and procedures.
• Participate in the selection of staff, coordinate staff training, conduct and/or provide input to performance evaluations, recommend discipline, and implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Serve as a trainer for technology staff regarding new procedures and software applications; demonstrate the software application systems; prepare written procedures and training materials for staff.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide standards and operating guidelines; recommend disciplinary measures, when necessary.
• Assist 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.
• Install, configure, customize and administer a variety of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) and in-house vendor developed applications; write programs/scripts and develop reports using standard application development products and tools.
• Design and generate a variety of routine and ad hoc customized reports based on customer requirements.
• Prepare data maintenance documents and follow up to ensure completion; prepare information recovery plan.
• May perform application software maintenance duties; install and test software application patches and upgrades.
• Responsible for the coordination and completion of projects that are specific to the area of assignment, such as the implementation of a new system design or system upgrade. Interface with users to gather system requirements and identify problems/gaps with current technology and/or business processes. Serve as the primary interface with and coordinate and direct the work of vendors and staff at the same or lower level while working on projects related to assigned duties. Design and direct project testing and quality assurance processes.
• Research available technologies, perform cost/benefit analysis, evaluate and recommend solutions related to the program assigned; manage and execute installation upgrades and system patches; track problems and requests for system enhancements and equipment upgrades and resolve problems as they occur.
• Analyze regulatory rules and issues to identify impact on current information technology operations.
• Write, revise and maintain computer programs based on application design specifications provided to create new business applications and interfaces or maintain/modify existing business applications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms; troubleshoot, debug, and resolve problem with application coding.
• Instruct others in the generation of, and design and generate a variety of, routine and ad hoc customized reports based on customer requirements.
• Monitor and test website functionality to ensure optimal performance for end users; provide recommendations for performance improvements. Design website layout and content; review and monitor content to ensure consistency with County policies and procedures.
• Complete, review, and/or approve a variety of forms, including requests for hardware and software, and user access.
• Work with department management in strategically analyzing future technology needs and making recommendations for multiple complex systems. Serve as a technical resource in the evaluation, selection, acquisition and implementation of computer hardware and software solutions; help determine requirements for new equipment installation; coordinate equipment repairs with external vendors; locate vendors and arranges to have parts purchased/shipped as needed; arrange for vendors to perform on-site repairs.
• Prepare technical reports, correspondence and other documents; provide general administrative support that may include maintaining records and monitoring contracts/budgets.
• Represent the County and/or assigned department/division on committees and task forces; attend meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• When assigned to support a statewide system, review upcoming changes to programs, regulations or system (All County Letters, Management Change Requests), identify impact on system and/or County processes, provide input on necessary revisions and assists with implementing changes.
• Serve on project teams providing technical assistance as needed.
• Provide after-hours technology support as assigned.
• Provide technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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. 

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

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  Two years journey-level technical experience comparable to Information Technology Specialist with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the 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 advanced technical 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.  Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information technology or a closely related field is desirable.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Depending upon assignment, demonstrated technical competency and/or certification pertaining to the information technology used by the appointing department may be required.

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

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective team building, team leadership and conflict resolution.
• 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.
• 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.
• Principles of workstation and server operating system installation, configuration and maintenance. 
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network problems.
• Process and workflow analysis.
• Tool and test equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of information systems.
• Basic principles and practices of technical network administration.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision techniques, training, and performance management.
• Standard, accepted principles and practices of motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• 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:

• Develop training materials; train team members in the use of complex technical 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.
• Utilize and explain specialized terminology needed for the specific assignment.
• 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.
• Supervise, lead, train, assign, schedule and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• 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.
• Read, comprehend and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, 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.

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.

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 (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list 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 level) 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.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Week of 7/13/20    Minimum Qualifications Screening

Week of 7/20/20    Training and Experience Rating

Week of 7/20/20    Establish Eligible List