Citrus County is a welcoming, economically vibrant community where people and nature live in harmony. Working for Citrus County means becoming an integral member of an organization driven by values, committed to delivering responsive services to our citizens. We aim to enhance our community's strength and improve our citizens' quality of life through high-quality programs, services, and facilities.
The Chief Information Officer oversees strategic planning, project management, and implementation for all aspects of the County’s department of Systems Management. Coordinates, monitors, and manages the computer network operations, geographic information systems (GIS) and internal and external telecommunication systems. Plans, organizes, and manages computer equipment, software, phone equipment, cell phones and telecommunication devices for the County. Works within broad policy and organizational guidelines, independently plans and implements projects; reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.

• Supervises, plans, and coordinates work of assigned staff. Reviews and evaluates employee performance and completes performance evaluations. Counsels staff and initiates commendations or disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Oversees establishing budgets and prioritizing projects and resources.
• Leads the charge in shifting County culture and behavior toward being data driven, pro-learning, and digital-first.
• Actively engages with vendors to develop and evaluate new technology solutions for challenges beyond the scope and abilities of current staff.
• Oversees developing technology policy for both the department and the County as a whole.
• Oversees Generative Artificial Intelligence exploration and implementation within the organization.
• Sets objectives and strategies for the Systems Management department.
• Selects and implements suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits.
• Leverages digital technologies and innovative practices to improve business performance, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
• Plans the implementation of new systems and provides guidance within the department and to other staff members within the organization.
• Actively evaluates and improves the citizen experience and satisfaction with digital services and solutions.
• Leads and motivates a skilled technical staff to establish and maintain a highly effective internal and external customer service culture.
• Meets with various County departments to keep them apprised of Information Technology (IT) impacts and requirements, as needed.
• Serves as back-up to the Security Administrator.
• Approves purchases of technological infrastructure (networks and computer systems) in the organization to ensure optimal performance.
• Directs and organizes IT-related projects.
• Monitors changes or advancements in technology to discover ways the County can maximize resources and efficiency.
• Oversees the telecommunications program for the County and constitutional offices including, but not limited to, cell phones and other telecommunication devices.
• Attends Board of County Commission meetings, community meetings and public hearings, and other meetings as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or relevant field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5) years relevant work experience with prior experience as Chief Information Officer or similar role.
• Background in design/developing IT systems and planning IT implementation.
• Solid understanding of data analysis, data security and risk management, budgeting, and business operations.
• Strong working knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure.
• Experience should include a customer focus and the establishment and management of service level agreements in a complex environment involving multiple platforms, applications, communication systems, and vendors.

 
Certificates, Licenses, Registration, Skills

• Valid Florida Driver License (or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida), or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures to develop best practices and resolve technical issues.
• Requires ability to maintain courteous and effective relations with County staff, elected officials, community interest groups and the public.
• Skilled in public speaking and ability to communicate technical information orally and in writing to County officials, staff, and citizens.
• Must have strong working knowledge of computers and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of Products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction
• Must have or be able to obtain within 6 months certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  • ICS-400: Advanced ICS and General Staff

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires sitting most of the day.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, balancing, twisting, and occasional squatting and reaching above shoulders.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve typing, simple grasping, and fine manual manipulation.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 
 Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

• All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Emergency response duties may also include driving and/or operating a county vehicle or equipment and employees must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.

Basis of Rating: Some positions may require a written and/or skills test. Applications will be carefully reviewed to assess each individuals’ qualifications. Selected persons will be interviewed to determine who will be hired for the job. The kind and length of related work experience, training and education shown on the application will be an important consideration in the screening process.
 
Must successfully pass an employment reference check, criminal background check, physical examination check. Drug screens will be in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act and/or the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.
 
Citrus County, Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
 
Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected trait.
 
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.
 
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. PLEASE NOTE: Veterans' Preference is not applied for positions that are classified as managerial/supervisory unless excluded. For details, please refer to Section 110.205(2), F.S.
 
Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law,” applications, resumes and personnel records are subject to public inspections. Details regarding the “Public Records Law”/ “The Sunshine Law” / Florida Statutes and the statutory exemptions are available on websites such as the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Florida Senate and Florida Legislature. Additionally, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Public Information section is located on our website.