Technical Support Specialist

Cass County • Walker, MN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is to design, implement, administer, and maintain the County’s broad range of network hardware and software, connecting and supporting distributed computing environments. This position manages and coordinates the administration and operation of all desktop, department, and organizational devices/computers used in these distributed computing environments. This includes specialized systems and areas such as: network analysis and management, server management, iSeries management, workflow and electronic document management systems, security certification compliance (CJIS, FTI, HIPAA), public safety applications and equipment, GIS data development and applications, website management and design, mobile device management, phone and building automation systems management, etc.

Requirements

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft AD/DNS/DHCP/Group Policy.
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows, Hypervisor virtual operating systems, Linux, iOS, iSeries operating systems, software applications (SQL, ESRI, Document Manager/Workflow, MS Office, etc.), backup/archiving systems, network, and security applications.
• Network analysis or iSeries experience required or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities in a mid-range computing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of multiple software platforms and strong familiarity with relational database design as it applies to those platforms, including its relationship to GIS software and online applications.
• In-depth knowledge of general mapping principles, demographics analysis, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and cartography.
• Demonstrated ability to train team members and end users.
• Ability to conduct research into IT issues and products as required.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks.
• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining IT systems.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Establish standards, policies, and procedures for the specifications, design, implementation, operation, support, and documentation of all aspects of networks, systems, and devices, both local and wide area, necessary for the function of all county agencies and satellite offices in accordance with industry standards and county policy.
• Manage MS Active Directory and corporate email environment.
• Research and resolve performance, capacity, and other server-related issues.
• Administrate, manage, maintain and implement the proper operation and access to all organizational devices, computers, systems and software such as: virtualization and Storage Area Network (SAN) technology, routers, firewalls, security devices, switches, monitoring devices, file services, print services, remote access services, communication services, web services, and all other services, systems or networks required by County staff in accordance with industry standards and county policy.
• Establish, implement, and monitor security policies and practices applicable to and appropriate for various systems and networks in accordance with all local, state, and federal requirements.
• Create and maintain active users, user environments, and permissions. Includes the deactivation of users no longer affiliated with the county.
• Provide direct support to users, including troubleshooting and analyzing complex problems involving various systems, networks, and devices.
• Establish and implement backup and recovery policies applicable to and appropriate for various networks, network hardware, and software.
• Plan, manage, and operate virus protection software programs on County networks and workstations.
• Plan and install operating system patches and upgrades.
• Coordinate and implement software upgrades and enhancements.
• Coordinate, perform, and evaluate the simulation and testing procedures for new and modified applications, software systems, networks, and/or their related components.
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of internal and vendor-related information technology for use across the County systems or within specific departments.
• Act as a technical liaison between vendors and county users.
• Monitor and assess equipment, system performance, storage needs, and system security in order to anticipate communications and networking problems and implement preventive measures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of security systems in place and recommend steps to eliminate deficiencies.
• Observe and report equipment performance deficiencies, coordinate equipment repair and replacement, and suggest alternate hardware devices.
• Consult with administrators, department heads, department managers, and users to obtain information on limitations and capabilities of existing systems and capabilities required for projects and projected workload.
• Maintain knowledge of and assess the value of equipment, hardware, and software for upgrade possibilities.
• Recommend to management and users, the configuration and acquisition of hardware and software equipment.
• Ensure compatibility with existing and future planned information systems.
• Train users on system operations and provide technical resource support as needed.
• Maintain an adequate level of knowledge of operating systems, application software and programming language being utilized to provide high levels of support to users.
• Remain current with networking, internet technology and computing environments within the organization.
• Research and evaluate new technology.
• Evaluate long-range technical specifications for computer hardware, software, and networks.
• Participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions.
• Perform specific job duties as assigned to assist administration and department heads with departmental goals and projects. This includes the development of specific areas of expertise, including but not limited to custom database development and design.
• Facilitate data requests for departments, agencies, institutions, and the public.
• Design new methodologies, applications, and strategies, including GIS-related applications.
• Coordinate and conduct training sessions for staff and the public.
• Coordinate and administer the acquisition of satellite imagery.
• Provide data analysis for demographic purposes.
• Serve as a single point of contact for GIS-related issues and 911 rural addressing.
• Maintain and create GIS datasets.
• Perform data audits and quality control measures.
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure data integrity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Overtime hours may be required in response to the needs of the systems being supported.
• May be required to respond to emergency calls after hours.

Benefits

• Cass County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level