Computer Systems Specialist I

Computer Systems Specialist I Salary: $80,036.32 - $96,093.92 Annually; plus bilingual and uniform allowance when applicable. Benefits info: For additional information, click HERE

Computer Systems Specialist I-Restricted Salary: $83,243.68 - $99,946.08 Annually; plus bilingual allowance when applicable. These positions are regularly privy to the decisions or recommendations of County management affecting employer-employee relations. These employees are in the confidential-unrepresented bargaining unit. Benefits info: For additional information, click HERE

Note: Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

Current Vacancies: We currently have two full-time vacancies available! One position is in the Information Technology Department, and the other is in the Department of Social Services, both located onsite in Santa Barbara.

Future Vacancies: We are establishing one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in multiple departments and locations within the County of Santa Barbara. This job classification is utilized by 12 different departments within the County. Please make sure you select the departments and locations that you are willing to accept current and future employment.

ABOUT THE POSITION: Positions in this class support large groups of users and many different applications. Incumbents evaluate and recommend changes or additions to a department's computer systems, using a substantial knowledge of information technology systems and methods, as well as knowledge of departmental operations. Incumbents also perform specialized duties as required by the department to which they are assigned, such as administering LANs/WANs; developing Web sites; and writing database queries, designing and producing database reports, and evaluating, modifying, and maintaining departmental databases. Incumbents work with minimal technical support from other positions within the assigned department, and often serve as a department's principal contact with the County's central ICT staff, and with vendors of specialized software, related to overall systems needs, design, and operations.

Under general direction, provides technical support, training, and direction to departmental staff using computer equipment and applications on a wide area network (WAN) or large local area network (LAN); installs, tests, and resolves problems with computer hardware and software; adapts existing software to accommodate the database needs of departments; develops and maintains Intranet and Internet Web sites, and performs related duties as required.

Each Computer Systems Specialist's duties vary from one department to another depending on the needs of the department and the nature of the work that you will be performing. The position may require regular travel throughout the County. Candidates should be available to travel for the position based on the needs of the department.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage time efficiently.
• Demonstrated excellent customer support, communication, and training skills to communicate technical information to non-technical users.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to think logically and solve problems.
• Ability to work and complete tasks with minimum supervision.
• Willingness to learn new technologies.

1. Evaluates and resolves user problems; identifies and obtains appropriate resources for the resolution of complex problems; corrects routine problems by making minor repairs to computer equipment and/or entering specialized commands or data into systems; contacts appropriate resources for additional assistance.
2. Instructs computer system users in the use of computer equipment and of computer applications; answers questions and assists in resolving problems regarding the methods and procedures for using computer applications.
3. Coordinates installation of new hardware/software; installs, tests, and monitors the operation of computer hardware and software; configures hardware and software to meet departments' needs.
4. Evaluates needs for new and revised systems; identifies possible improvements in computer systems; makes recommendations for purchase of new information systems hardware and software; negotiates with vendors for services and products; oversees work of vendors.
5. Administers LANs/WANs; establishes procedures to back up data stored in computers and to maintain efficient operation of LANs/WANs; may serve as department computer access security officer.
6. Provides server support and maintenance; uses various utilities to trouble-shoot, repair, and check configuration of servers.
7. Adapts existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet departmental or end user needs.
8. Establishes and maintains Internet and Intranet web sites and web pages; provides technical support in creating content areas; builds on-line forms and connects them to databases; provides technological solutions that can be applied to the ongoing development of a department's on-line presence; provides technical support for automating traditional processes; translates conceptual Web page designs into HTML or script templates.
9. Maintains various records and documentation for department computer systems; may write straightforward report generation programs or other simple computer code.
10. May serve as lead-worker or provide direct or functional supervision over clerical and/or technical staff.

• Providing direct technical support to others using computer equipment for office applications on a local area or wide area network, including desktop configurations; hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting; user access and problem-solving; OR
• Adapting existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet end-user needs, OR
• Developing and maintaining Internet or Intranet Web sites; OR,

• The ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; work in tight or awkward spaces, such as under desks, to move back and forth within and between office and equipment rooms.
• Work on weekend or off hours and be on standby during peaks/special assignments.
• Successfully complete a background check.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Incumbents may be required to travel throughout the County.

Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications.

Knowledge of: the functions and operations of computers, commercial computer software including database software, and of local area networks (LANs), including hardware/software installation; Web site layout, composition, design, and management; Web site authoring software, methods for creating dynamic content, and graphics applications commonly used in Web site development; general principles of office automation, and computer systems analysis; a variety of hardware, operating systems, and related software used by the hiring department.

Ability to: analyze and resolve user needs and problems; interpret and apply information from technical manuals; communicate on technical issues with individuals with varying degrees of computer familiarity; instruct others in the use of computerized information systems; adapt existing database software, spreadsheets, and other programs to best meet departmental or end user needs; create and update Web sites to meet departmental needs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, information technology staff, and contractors; plan, organize, and prioritize the work of self and others; provide direct or functional supervision to other departmental staff.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: A candidate's final score and rank on the eligible list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire.

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Once candidates are placed on the employment list, the Human Resources Department will email candidates a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
• Candidates who pass a PHQ and are in the top certified group will have their applications sent to the hiring department for consideration. Candidates who advance in the selection process will proceed to the next step and attend a selection interview with the hiring manager(s). Candidate(s) selected for a position will advance to the background process which includes the following:
  • Polygraph Examination: measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.
  • Background Investigation: includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal, military, credit, and employment history; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and a safe driver.
  • Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Additionally, for the Behavioral Wellness Department, a Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.