Information Technology Specialist - Senior

Placer County currently has two vacancies for the classification of Information Technology Specialist, Senior.

Placer County Administrative Services has a vacancy for this classification within the Information Technology Division.  This position provides support for the Human Services division within the Health & Human Services Department. The responsibilities of this position include the administration, support and maintenance of the CalWIN and CalHEERS systems, which are the main applications utilized by Human Services to determine eligibility and issue benefits. Duties include oversight of five Information Technology Specialists, fielding user requests, reviewing Consortium communication, and leading change control efforts with County stakeholders and the CalWIN consortium. 

The second vacancy is located within the Community Development Resource Agency and is responsible for overseeing technical systems that support the Accela land development software application.  This is a technical position that requires specialized skills and knowledge managing the departmental core Accela application that includes Accela Automation, Accela Mobile Office, Accela Citizen Access, and Accela GIS.  The position provides a wide range of application development related duties and day-to-day operational oversight for technical support services for all operating divisions in the department.  This position manages the system stabilization efforts, system enhancements/upgrades, and integration initiatives for supporting County land development business processes.  In addition, this position leads change control efforts with County stakeholders and business experts in coordinating system enhancements and configuration requests.  Finally, this position recommends and/or implements technical solutions to improve and streamline business processes and procedures that support County priorities and initiatives. 

In addition to the two noted vacancies, this recruitment may also be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies in various County departments as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.

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 lead/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 lead direction to subordinate staff and/or serve as technical experts within their area of assignment where they provide technical expertise in the strategic planning of technology for several complex systems. This class is distinguished from Information Technology Supervisor in that the focus of the former is on the application of technical expertise and/or responsibility for serving as a functional lead; whereas the latter has responsibility for full, first-line supervision over a group of technician, technical specialist and professional employees.

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 technical and functional supervision over technical specialist and technician staff.

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

• Performs 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.
• Acts as a technical resource for staff. Provides targeted support for one or more specific department programs or applications, requiring specialized expertise; tests programs and applications from the user’s perspective. Troubleshoots new applications and/or systems to ensure functional operation.
• Plans, assigns, schedules, and monitors work of other technical specialist and/or technician staff.
• Serves as a trainer for technology staff regarding new procedures and software applications; demonstrates the software application systems; prepares written procedures and training materials for staff.
• Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides standards and operating guidelines, provides timely input to performance evaluations; recommends disciplinary measures, when necessary.
• 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.
• Installs, configures, customizes and administers a variety of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) and in-house 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.
• 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 gather system requirements and identify problems/gaps with current technology and/or business processes. Serves as the primary interface with and coordinates and directs the work of vendors and staff at the same or lower level while working on projects related to assigned duties. Designs and directs project testing and quality assurance processes.
• Researches available technologies, performs cost/benefit analysis, evaluates and recommends solutions related to the program assigned; manages and executes installation upgrades and system patches; track problems and requests for system enhancements and equipment upgrades and resolve problems as they occur.
• Analyzes regulatory rules and issues to identify impact on current information technology operations.
• Writes, revises and maintains computer programs based on application design specifications provided to create new business applications and interfaces or maintains/modifies existing business applications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms; troubleshoots, debugs, and resolves problems with application coding.
• Instructs others in the generation of and designs and generates a variety of routine and ad hoc customized reports based on customer requirements.
• Monitors and tests website functionality to ensure optimal performance for end users; provides recommendations for performance improvements. Designs website layout and content; reviews and monitors content to ensure consistency with County policies and procedures.
• Completes, reviews, and/or approves a variety of forms, including requests for hardware and software, and user access.
• Works with department management in strategically analyzing future technology needs and making recommendations for multiple complex systems. Serves as a technical resource in the evaluation, selection, acquisition and implementation of computer hardware and software solutions; helps determine requirements for new equipment installation; coordinates equipment repairs with external vendors; locates vendors and arranges to have parts purchased/shipped as needed; arranges for vendors to perform on-site repairs.
• Prepares technical reports, correspondence and other documents; provides general administrative support that may include maintaining records and monitoring contracts/budgets.
• Represents the County and/or assigned department/division on committees and task forces; attends meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• When assigned to support a statewide 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 applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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.

Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Personnel Department.

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.  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.

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.
• 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. 
• Principles and practices of effective 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:

• Lead, train, assign, schedule and review the work of technical and/or specialist information technology staff.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.

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.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

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.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

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 now 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 visit our website at:
http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

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 and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel 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 Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for the Professional bargaining unit

Tentative Recruitment Dates

10/06/2015 - Minimum Qualifications Screening - Notices to those qualified, including the conviction history questionnaire which requires a response within three (3) days, and notices to those not qualified and/or not best-qualified to be sent out via email

10/13/2015 - Training & Experience Rating - Supplemental Questionnaire Scoring

10/14/2015 - Establish Eligible List