IT Specialist II

Performs intermediary to advanced level technical work supporting the Countys IT systems. Supports the installation, administration, and maintenance of the County's networks and related to computer hardware, applications, and systems and all County IT automation equipment configurations. Work is performed under the general direction of an IT Operations Manager. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide support of complex IT systems/applications.Image, configure, and deploy workstations (desktop/laptops) and mobile devices.Provide tier 2 help desk services.Support the installation, upgrading, configuration, troubleshooting, and ongoing usability of workstations (desktops/laptops), VoIP desk phones, mobile phones, printers, peripheral equipment, networking hardware, VPN, and software (on-site and remote).Administer and maintain approved end-user accounts, permissions. and access rights.Provide procurement & inventory management for County IT systems.Ensure the environment is current on service packs, patches, firmware updates, versions, and security fixes.Creates documentation for procedures, guides, installation manuals, archiving, and support issues.Identify improvements and efficiencies in software licensing, hardware configurations, and system settings.Provide complex troubleshooting and problem resolution for software/hardware and product support problems.Coordinate network-cabling requests with Network Administrator.Serve as a technical liaison between distributed departments and the Information Technology Department.Assist in investigating new technologies.Provide technical assistance on database topics, security standards, and system infrastructure issues with information technology staff and customers.Provide customized status reports to stakeholders.Help plan, prioritize, estimate cost, and the implementation of medium-scale work projects.Analyze systems/applications and coordinate system implementation plans, make and present recommendations for automation solutions.Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.Participate in employee meetings and training as needed.Performs special projects as assigned.Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.Consistently demonstrates the ability to respond to changing situations flexibly to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary. Qualifications Education / Experience One of the following: Two-year college/vocational technical degree in a technology field OR an approved information technology certificate.OR bachelors degree in a technology field PLUS 1 year of IT experience.OR 5 years of related technology experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Data security and privacy requirements and procedures; systems development and life cycle methodology; advanced PC installation, configuration, and second-level support; provide on-call support to high priority systems/applications; multiple platform database design, development, and maintenance; database interface programming; second level support tools and hardware standards; client-server, and LAN/WAN networks; backup and disaster recovery priorities; access, security and password standards; multiple programming languages; application development principles and process; application design, development, testing, debugging, roll-out, support and maintenance in client/server and mainframe environments; hardware and software installation, operation, troubleshooting, and repair; production environment principles; software utilities; complex computer architecture and infrastructure; planning and design of security procedures for systems/applications; documentation requirements; report formatting; flowcharting techniques; analysis and design techniques; project management methodology; analysis and research techniques; data modeling tools. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse professional team and/or independently. Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, vendors, and the public. Strong quality and service minded. Certifications / Licenses CompTIA Network +, A+, Security +, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA - Security). Equivalent training and experience may be considered. Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia drivers license, proof of insurance required to drive on county business, and acceptable driving record. Physical Requirements The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force regularly, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, and some medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally; work requires keyboarding, fingering and repetitive motion skills; physical body dexterity for bending, kneeling, crawling and other motions required for certain equipment handling, installation and wiring work; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Environmental Factors While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is usually in an office environment and is not normally exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Employee may occasionally be exposed to outside environmental conditions.Noise levels may be moderate. Disclaimer Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees. Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment. Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bedford County is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer. We are committed to implementing nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly skilled and dependable Veterans. The V3 Program is an official Commonwealth of Virginia Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia ( 2.2-2001.2)