Application Specialist; Information Systems Specialist

Application Specialist (Information Systems Specialist
7) – Oregon Department of Emergency Management

Join the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and help make a difference for communities across the state. This full‑time, permanent management service position in Salem, Oregon offers a hybrid work schedule (typically three days in the office and two days remote) with adjustments as needed to support business priorities and emergency operations.

• Guide the strategic implementation, integration, and optimization of key enterprise applications.
• Partner with internal teams, state agencies, local governments, counties, and tribal organizations to improve processes and deliver innovative solutions.
• Combine big‑picture planning with hands‑on technical expertise to evaluate, select, or develop applications that support OEM’s mission.
• Oversee implementation, training, and ongoing support to ensure tools are used effectively and consistently across the agency.
• Coordinate with staff and vendors to lead the resolution of most escalated problems.
• Lead and/or participate in system projects to ensure that project benefits and deliverables are realized and aligned with Enterprise and Agency strategy and policy.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for deploying enterprise applications and tools needed for integrating multiple systems from multiple organizations (State, County, Federal, private).
• Develop comprehensive training programs and mentorship initiatives to build a culture of continuous learning and self‑sufficiency among users.
• Interact with the Information Services team and agency staff to ensure continuity and customer satisfaction with all related tools and enterprise systems.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and processes within the organization.

• Responsible for overseeing the advanced customization, integration, and maintenance of applications and business processes to support complex business requirements.
• Research, make recommendations, and develop plans for enterprise application investments to ensure the agency is innovative and aligns with Enterprise and Agency strategy, policy, and best practice.
• Ensure high availability and reliability of support‑related applications to prevent downtime that affects customer interactions.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• 10 hours of vacation leave earned per month.
• 8 hours of sick leave earned per month.
• 24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year.
• Pension and retirement programs.

• Six (6) years of information systems experience; OR
• An Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or completion of a two (2) year accredited vocational training program in information technology or a related field; AND four (4) years of information systems experience; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field AND two (2) years of information systems experience; OR
• A Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field may substitute for all of the above.

• Demonstrated experience in application development, including design, testing, and deployment.
• Proven ability to gather business requirements and implement large‑scale technology solutions.
• Experience monitoring IT systems, maintaining operational integrity, and administering security controls.
• Strong vendor and relationship management skills, including contract administration and performance oversight.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and collaboration skills across both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to align technology systems and solutions with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience developing and delivering end‑user training for software tools and systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 services (e.g., Teams, Outlook, One Drive, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, SharePoint, etc.).

Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Justice Form I‑9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. OTP does not offer visa sponsorship.