INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT – PUBLIC SAFETY I.T SPECIALIST

Minimum Qualifications
Acceptable Experience and Education
Bachelor’s Degree in information systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field;
Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.

Complete specialized training to ensure up-to-date job-related skills and technical knowledge.

Typical Duties
Essential Duties

Assists with planning, developing, integrating, and evaluating the customization, installation, and maintenance of general computer systems and specialized the public safety radio/wireless/microwave/
security/surveillance video infrastructure;

Coordinates, troubleshoots, and implements public safety software systems; includes issues regarding video, computer terminals, and other types of hardware with contractors, or outside agencies;

Works on highly complex, networked video surveillance systems;

Assists in evaluating various hardware and software resources to identify strengths and weaknesses;

Assists with assuring and controlling the radio/wireless/microwave network and security/surveillance/video quality, stability, and optimization; collects, analyzes, and provides input to plans for the performance of routine maintenance of the system;

Assists with developing and controlling the security on the public safety radio/wireless/microwave/security/surveillance system;

Assists with security audits, and other recovery processes in accordance with the company’s disaster recovery and business continuity strategies;

Conducts periodic preventive maintenance on computers and peripherals to ensure efficiency and effectiveness;

Identifies and learns appropriate software and hardware as it relates to radio/wireless/microwave/security/surveillance/video hardware used and supported by the organization;

As directed controls the radio/wireless/microwave/security/surveillance/video network stability after the launch of new systems or the implementation of system upgrades;

As directed works with external agencies to ensure interoperability of radio/microwave/security/surveillance systems

Provides professional advice to department heads and top management as necessary;

Recommends on updating and purchasing hardware, and/or software to maintain radio/wireless/ microwave/security/surveillance/video systems;

As assigned conducts audits of the radio/wireless/microwave/security/surveillance/video system;

Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots video security surveillance systems related equipment and peripheral devices;

Troubleshoots general computer systems and specialized public safety technology systems including radio/wireless/microwave/security/surveillance/video systems;

Gauges the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems;

Consults with managers or other technical experts in specific areas to obtain clarification or expected results;

Maintains competency and enhances professional growth and development through continuing education and conferences;

Attends and participates in meetings, training, and information sessions;

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field;

Due to the critical nature of public safety systems, this position must be available to respond to system outages in a timely manner;

Commits self to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in, and emphasis on, training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and assigned employees, including safety-related training and skills.

Other Important Duties*
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;

Adheres to all County performance standards as well as departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI) that measure individual work products;

Works both traditional and non-traditional business work hours, including but not limited to; evening shifts, weekends, and holidays;

Participate in a 24 x 7 on-call rotation to provide off-hour & weekend support in an emergency;

May be required to wear a uniform as per department appearance standards;

Performs the duties of Extended Emergency Support Attendant. This duty will extend beyond standard workday, weekend hours, and holidays and is on a periodic rotational basis;

Occasional travel;

As a member of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary
Summary of Position

The Public Safety IT Specialist under general direction, assists with developing, maintaining, and controlling the public safety technologies including security/surveillance systems for the County, and performing a variety of technical tasks related to the department needs.

Additional Information
Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Radio/Wireless/Microwave/Security/Surveillance Network Engineering, design and implementation; Infrastructure planning, development and integration; Technical knowledge of radio communication system solutions, security/surveillance environments, WAN solutions such as WAN optimization devices, MPLS, and GigE; LAN/WAN concepts, products and technologies; operating various test and metering equipment, machinery, hand and power tools in a safe manner; troubleshooting and repairing electronic, and electrical equipment; reading blue line drawings; reading and interpreting instructions, wiring diagrams and schematics, technical information, and parts catalogs; principles and practices of training; system access and security guidelines and procedures; organization, operations, policies and procedures for all IT users; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products; principles and practice of project management; network and server technology, operating systems, and local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to public safety program areas.

Skill/Ability to: operate a personal computer and various software applications; identify, troubleshoot, research and provide solutions to hardware and software problems; conduct research, develop appropriate documentation, assess and prioritize multiple tasks, communicate technical issues and solutions to a non-technical audience; work efficiently in both an independent and/or collaborative environment; clear concise oral and written communication; establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, County staff, vendors, contractors, suppliers and other public agencies; manage systems, and provide services to an organization with geographically dispersed offices and personnel; the principles and practices of effective customer service; complete projects on time and within budget; analyzing, identifying, recommending and implementing solutions to technical problems operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records, maintain filing systems, compile and organize information; exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in performance of daily duties; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; promote program activities; make mathematical computations; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written and electronic reports, and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Pass a background investigation.

Every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team-oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers courteously and respectfully;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and organizations receiving IT service at all times; and
• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence

Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Public Safety IT Specialist Supervisor

Directs: This is a non-supervisory position

Other: Has frequent contact with the Sheriff’s Office, Constables, and External Law Enforcement Employees; has contact with department heads and staff to coordinate and complete assigned responsibilities, other county employees regarding maintenance service and repair work, vendors, utility representatives, inspectors, and contractors, supports external departments utilizing automated systems or equipment developed or maintained by ITD personnel, external agencies, and other IT employees.