Public Safety System Specialist

Public Safety Systems Specialist

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Our mission is to provide prompt assistance in a caring, resourceful, and professional manner to those we serve. The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The District dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Air Link, Life Flight, Oregon State Police, and other State and Federal entities.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon.

We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. We hope you'll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:
The Public Safety Systems Specialist position provides technical support for 9-1-1 Service District emergency communications systems users; prioritizes request for service, defines problems, identifies and isolates errors and implements technical solutions to solve problems; performs work within scope of authority and training; duties may vary according to job assignment. The qualified candidate for this position will need to be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and establish cooperative working relationships with co-workers, District partner agencies, and other regional government agencies.

This position is a member of a central technical support team that works collaboratively with users and team members to achieve successful technical outcomes. As a Public Safety Specialist at Deschutes County, you will ensure the reliability and efficiency of public safety communication systems through software and network management and user support. This role involves conducting regular updates, maintenance, and implementation of public safety software solutions to enhance operational efficiency and security.

This role will oversee the configuration, operation, and security of network systems supporting communication channels, troubleshooting issues and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Providing technical support and developing documentation is essential to assist end-users in both software and hardware. Candidates with extensive experience in systems administration, particularly in emergency services, with strong proficiency in software, hardware and network troubleshooting are ideal, but candidates with strong baseline knowledge that are eager to learn will excel.

This role is pivotal in maintaining the technological backbone crucial for public safety operations, with opportunities to explore advancements in communication technology and cybersecurity strategies.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Networked computer system environments and peripheral device capabilities.
• Installing, repairing, and maintaining computer software, hardware, and peripherals.
• Working in a collaborative, service desk and technical team support role.
• Troubleshooting techniques for communications equipment and software applications.
• Knowledge of network fundamentals.
• Workstation applications, operating systems, SaaS environments, active directory, DNS, etc.
• Identity management in a Microsoft Active Directory environment.

Skill in:

• Analyzing, inspecting, and diagnosing equipment and system malfunctions, troubleshooting computers and software applications, and determining effective solutions.
• Maintaining, adjusting, and repairing equipment to meet technical performance standards.
• Installing, configuring, testing, operating, and managing communications network systems and equipment.
• Operating and maintenance standards for a variety of complex computer and communication systems and software applications.
• Operating electronic test equipment, analytic tools, and specialized hand tools.
• Diagnosing and resolving problems in a technical environment with interlinked and changing priorities.
• Responding professionally, effectively, and efficiently to customer service requests.
• Working in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, District partner agencies, and other regional government agencies.
• Demonstrating courteous behavior when interacting with visitors and district staff.
• Promoting district goals and priorities and complying with all policies and procedures.
• Maintaining and enforcing all aspects of security and confidentiality of records and information.
• Communicating effectively verbally…