Information Systems Technical Specialist

Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the East County Advanced Water Purification is seeking a Customer Service-oriented and Tech-savvy individual to join our Information Systems Department.

Under general supervision of the Information Systems Manager/Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services depending upon area of assignment, Incumbent is responsible for implementing, maintaining, administering, and modifying Padre Dam’s technology, computing environment, network and business application systems. Duties may include installing, configuring, testing, securing and maintaining hardware, software, peripherals and communication equipment; troubleshooting complex and/or recurring application, hardware and software problems; recommending and/or implementing solutions, system additions, upgrades and training; overseeing the answering and placing of help desk calls; training users or arranging training for users; purchasing IT related equipment and supplies; managing contracts and work done by consultants; maintaining various computer-related systems such as web-based systems and applications, e-mail, document management, file servers and related security needs; responding to emergency calls; managing and administering Padre Dam’s telecommunications system; performing project management tasks; and other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties
Troubleshoots employee computer and application problems; performs repairs as needed, provides feedback and recommends and/or implements solutions, upgrades and training.
Plans and prepares integration of new and upgraded technology.  Installs, updates, maintains, configures, tests and secures computer hardware, software, printers, peripherals and communication equipment.
Participates in District web-based project development, web applications and web site maintenance.
Identifies, arranges, and provides hardware and software training needs to District staff.
Provides technical assistance and instruction to computer users and less experienced personnel.
Completes system upgrades for both software and hardware;
Orders IT related equipment and supplies across multiple departments.
Performs network administration activities to include: performing back-ups, restoring files; adding, modifying or deleting user accounts; checking space requirements; screening user activity; applying and monitoring security patches for all operating systems and server applications; Monitors, maintains, updates virus and malware protection systems and software; installing and configuring server, network and workstation operating systems; and configuring router and firewall firmware/software.
Administers telecommunication systems and contracts.
Writes proposals, reports, and other miscellaneous administration documentation.
Oversees computer-related support contracts and work done by consultants.  Coordinates in-house and outsourced resources during IT/IS projects (cabling, remote site/temporary site setup, wired and wireless networks).  Contacts and coordinates with vendors for solutions to hardware/software issues.
Monitors server, desktop PCs and network performance metrics; interprets information from monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Monitors network security and internet usage.
Provides input for cost center budgeting and expenditures.
Maintains documentation regarding processes, procedures, problems, solutions, licensing and equipment inventories.
Support IS Manager in planning of hardware and software upgrades, replacements and installations to meet District needs and Information System Strategic Plan initiatives.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
A lead employee is this class specification directs the work of other Information Systems Technical Specialists and may have additional duties.

Knowledge, Skills, Training, Experience & Licensing
Knowledge:

Computer hardware, software, printer and related peripherals for Windows-based systems;
Windows-based server and workstation computer operating systems, Microsoft Active Directory
Local Area Network and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) hardware and software systems;
Network protocols and troubleshooting;
Firewall, router, and other network hardware and software;
Project management tools;
Appropriate security measures to protect Padre Dam’s computer network from unauthorized access;
Backup procedures and methodology;
Electrical safety concepts;
Wireless network methodology/protocols.
Skills :Strong writing skills with the ability to effectively communicate in writing thoughts, ideas, recommendations, etc.
Ability to effectively utilize project management skills in performing the tasks of the position.
Resolving problems;
Developing and managing project budgets, tracking time for internal project resources;
Troubleshooting hardware and software problems;
Training users on how to use hardware and software;
Writing procedural manuals;
Setting up, installing and configuring hardware and software applications;
Using computers, peripherals and software applications
Initiative and creativity in utilizing all available resources to research and implement new technologies;
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Performing backups and restoring lost data.

Training and Experience
Associate’s Degree, or higher, in Computer Information Systems or related field and at least four  years’ experience working in computer-related positions with operating systems; OR

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems or related field and at least two years’ experience working in computer-related positions with business systems software. ; OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Based upon job assignment, certification may be necessary and is highly desired.  Including, but not limited to CompTia A+, Microsoft certification (MCP, MCSA, MSCE), VMware, Palo Alto, etc.

In order to work in the higher grade, certifications will be required.

Supplemental Information
As part of the East County Advanced Water Purification Project (ECAWP), Padre Dam is entering into an Administrative and Operating Services Agreement (Agreement) with the East County CAWP Joint Powers Authority (JPA). Padre Dam, as the contracted Administrator and Operator, will provide management, administrative, operations, maintenance and similar or related services for JPA owned ECAWPAWP facilities. The Administrator and Operator functions will require Padre Dam to hire additional personnel for the development period of the project, or until the Agreement to provide those services is otherwise terminated or not extended. Once the Agreement is terminated or expires, Padre Dam will no longer need the additional personnel and will no longer have the funding to support additional personnel. ECAWP Project Funded Employees will be specifically hired as employees for the duration of time that the District is providing Administrative and Operating Services, but those employees may perform any work for the District within their employment classification, not just work under the Agreement. ECAWP Project Funded Employees will be provided the same rights and benefits as other Permanent Padre Dam Employees, and be hired into the same classifications with the same salaries, except with respect to termination of employment if Padre Dam ceases to provide Administrator or Operator services to ECAWP.  The current Agreement is for a period of approximately ten years. External applicants will be considered contract employees.

If you are selected to move forward in the recruitment process, we will conduct interviews the second week of July.