Client Systems Specialist - Senior; Department Promotional

The Technology Services Department of the County of San Mateo is seeking a well-qualified IS Client Systems Specialist - Senior for the Client Services Division.

Under general supervision, the position leads, trains, oversees, sets priorities, and directs the work of staff on a day-to-day basis; performs the most complex and varied technical support and training on use of personal computers, peripheral equipment, and systems hardware and software; provides technical depth and expertise with the ability to work directly with the customer; regularly leads large-scale or several small-scale projects of critical importance and substantial consequence of success or failure to the County;

resolves computer application problems and troubleshoots hardware malfunctions; assists in maintaining and administering operating systems; provides technical support, installation, and maintenance for software, desktop computer applications, virtual desktops, Internet/Intranet, and countywide systems; installs, configures, and repairs personal computer hardware and software systems; and performs related work as required.

The ideal candidate will have strong verbal and written skills and the ability to effectively interface with customers, technical teams, and senior management. The individual must be extremely deadline oriented to thrive in a fast-paced environment and must have the ability to prioritize competing priorities and projects. You must be able to effectively analyze, diagnose, and implement scalable county-wide solutions. In this role, you will be expected to proactively identify new technologies and practices to encourage workflow improvements that enhance the organization’s productivity.

You will also be a technical escalation point, a mentor, a trainer, and an overall problem solver for the team. You may take on supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the IS Client Systems Supervisor.

• Provides lead direction to a group of client systems specialist staff; reviews and controls quality of work; performs the more complex and technical support and training on use of personal computers, peripheral equipment, and systems hardware and software.
• Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns work in consultation with the IS Client Systems Supervisor; inspects assigned equipment, systems, and infrastructure for maintenance, repair, and upgrade needs and recommends appropriate actions; assists in developing work plans, procedures, and schedules.
• Inspects and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to ensure activities are performed in accordance with department standards and specifications; provides input on annual employee performance evaluations.
• Coordinates projects, personnel, and systems to facilitate access to the County's computer systems; provides adequate, smooth, and efficient systems services for staff; receives, prioritizes, and coordinates response to work orders; estimates and provides adequate materials, equipment, and staff needed.
• Functions as a liaison between project managers, analysts, and administrators and support technicians to ensure standards and protocols are maintained; assists in coordinating activities with help desk and other information services staff.
• Maintains and monitors inventory levels of computer supplies and equipment; orders, receives, and maintains adequate inventory levels; researches, evaluates, and confers with vendors concerning hardware, software, and peripherals; reviews coordinates, and authorizes minor purchases; recommends major tool and equipment purchases.
• Serves as technical lead for assigned projects, including gathering user and systems requirements, working with vendors, contractors, project managers, and other project staff, installing, configuring, testing, and providing general technical support, and developing technical and user documentation.
• Facilitates and conducts business process redesign or technical design sessions and/or focus groups for design and implementation of new processes or systems.
• Installs, designs, configures, maintains, and upgrades operating systems and software packages across disparate platforms.
• Tests, diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs computer systems and equipment problems to ensure functional operation and in compliance with service level agreements.
• Evaluates problem severity and repairs; analyzes, troubleshoots, and fixes problems or refers to specialized or higher-level personnel and/or vendors for resolution.
• Installs and maintains network workstations and software; configures, installs, and tests network interface adapters and connects new clients to existing networks; isolates and repairs basic network communications problems at the personal computer, network hub, and host locations.
• Oversees the creation and deployment of baseline software sets, adhering to department and County standards, for various computer makes and models.
• Writes and maintains user and technical operating instructions and…