Bridge Tender (21738)

Position Details

This is technical work in computer and network hardware and software troubleshooting, maintenance, training, and systems integration. The employee will perform a wide variety of systems and software support technical duties involving multiple distributed computer systems and LAN Servers supporting over 400 clients in eight locations. Current environment is PC, UNIX, SQL and NT.

Primary Duties

• Assists with administration of NT servers, SQL database servers and other network resources to ensure that systems are performing optimally.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on the continual evolution of web-based technical applications including interfaces to police records, citizen requests, parks and recreation systems, and human resource systems.
• Maintains role in conducting needs analysis assessments with City users from all departments to determine City communications requirements and proactively recommend web-based technology to improve internal and external communication and business systems.
• Provides assistance to the Information Systems Director on research and recommendation of new equipment and applications; assists with future growth plans; provides recommendations and justification as required.
• In cooperation with Multimedia, researches television production and design facility technology to plan for future expansion and operational need; develops and implements short-and long-range communications enhancement plans.
• In conjunction with the Multimedia department, develops and implements comprehensive disaster and emergency recovery plans and contingency measures for GATV systems.
• Assists with budget preparation and makes recommendations for communication technology changes.
• Researches, recommends, arranges for purchase, installs and maintains voicemail systems, fax machines, copiers, cellular phones including phone book templates, pagers, Blackberry’s and other PDA’s, video conferencing systems and e911 telephone system.
• Performs a variety of technical duties related to the design, development, acquisition, and maintenance of software systems; provide vendors with design specifications as needed.
• May act as project manager in support of those technical projects that fall within scope of this position’s responsibility.
• Defines, records, tracks and troubleshoots technical problems; assures solutions by contacting appropriate resources, personnel or vendors.
• Assists in preparing and evaluating requests for proposals and informal procurements related to network or data communications in accordance with City policy, procedures and applicable ordinances.
• Assists with the monitoring and testing of communications network and equipment including troubleshooting, tracking and resolving network, user and communication problems.
• Assists with backup/disaster recovery procedures and practices protecting the integrity of Internet and intranet website data.
• Monitors and assures that customers that require local hard drive backups are routinely, securely backed up each night. Restores local area network and hard drive files as needed.
• Installs Windows operating system, NT and Windows applications on PCs either on the hard drive or through the City LAN.
• Administers customer NT applications and other network resources daily to ensure that systems are performing optimally.
• Assists in evaluating the City's computer application needs and making recommendations to the Information Services Director, may process related purchase orders, and install software applications on PCs either on the hard drive or through the City LAN.
• Is able to work efficiently while performing routine, monotonous assignments, such as updating software on individual machines, which at times are a main part of the job.
• Quickly and accurately problem-solves, troubleshoots, resolves and document computer and network operating systems, hardware and software problems.
• Is a member of 24X7 on-call support team for issues that cannot be resolved during regular business hours. This may require carrying a pager and laptop with remote communications during off hours.
• Maintains working relationships with vendors and contractual maintenance suppliers, which may include follow-up for payment, warranties and upgrades.
• Works with staff to prioritize, order, and setup computers on an as-needed basis.
• Suggests changes in procedures to more effectively utilize computer equipment.
• Documents and maintains information crucial to PC operations in an organized manner.
• Acts as liaison between vendors to evaluate computer systems.
• Assists with day-to-day support of the telecommunications system. Coordinates with third party vendors to implement approved requests and recommendations.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of various computer operating systems, software and their interaction, including MS Windows and MS DOS and their related applications.
• Maintains knowledge of basic hardware knowledge including ports, connections, monitors, cards, modems, etc.
• Works with and on computers, at times for long periods of time, requiring manual dexterity.
• Effectively handles multiple and simultaneous PC problems and solutions on a Citywide basis; and shows ability to quickly adjust priorities as new problems and/or assignments arise.
• Reads, comprehends and applies information in technical publications, manuals and various other documents.
• Composes letters, reports and other information using proper sentence structure, grammar and spelling.
• The ability to transport oneself to a variety of locations, primarily in and around King County.
• Works effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Completes work and projects in a thorough and timely manner.
• Understands and follows directions from supervisor, posted work rules and procedures.
• Works courteously and effectively with public officials, citizens, supervisor, and other employees, both in person and over the telephone, assisting them with a wide variety of information pertaining to City and department.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance
• Due to internal and external customer service needs, incumbent must be able to work a full time schedule, on- site (appropriate City work sites).
• Shows initiative in performing job functions.
• Performs related work as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a technical/vocational program in computer science/programming or related field and three years of full-time computer experience in a complex PC environment; OR a combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the primary functions of the job. Database knowledge and experience is preferred.

Additional Information

Works indoors generally in a clean, climate-controlled workspace. Required to sit, talk, and hear; frequently required to use hands-to-finger, feel or handle writing utensils, computers and office supplies which require repetitive arm, wrist and hand movement. Occasionally required to stand and reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend or crawl. Specific vision abilities include close, distant, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds. Visits locations that may require walking on uneven, rocky, or rough ground. Position requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Employee is required to maintain confidentiality of information within the department. The employee may be required to deal with disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and is required to maintain professional composure and tact, patience and courtesy at all times.

• Medical/Dental/Orthodontia/Vision Insurance: These insurance plans are part of the Association of Washington cities Benefit Trust Plan.
  
  

Unaffiliated employees are covered by their choice of Regence Blue Shield Preferred Provider (PPO) or Group Health Cooperative Medical Insurance. Employees choosing the PPO plan, pay a total $0 montly cost share portion of the medical premium for coverage of themselves; and a small percentage for the premium of their eligible dependents. Employees choosing Group Health pay a monthly cost share portion of the premium that is equal to the difference between the total cost of the Group Health plan and what the City pays toward the PPO plan. The City pays the total monthly premiums on dental, orthodontia and vision coverage for all regular, full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Dental coverage is through the employee's choice of either the Washington Dental Service or Willamette Dental Service; vision is through the Vision Service Plan (VSP).

• COBRA: Per federal law, all city employees, spouses and dependents are allowed to extend their health benefits in circumstances when coverage would normally terminate. Employees, spouses and dependents have the option of continuing health care coverage on a self pay basis, at group rates, when termination of employment, death of the employee/retiree, divorce or legal separation, or a dependent child becomes ineligible under the health plan.
• Flexible Benefits Plan: This program allows employees to reduce their taxable income by enrolling in the City sponsored Flexible Benefits Plan (derived from IRC Section 125) covering medical premiums, certain out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses, and certain dependent care costs. Contributions are employee only. The maximum yearly Health Care Reimbursement is $2,400; the maximum Dependant Care Reimbursement is $5,000.
• HRA/VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association) Plan & Trust: This program provides a tax-free savings account for employee use to pay for medical, dental and vision (health related) expenses that are not paid by any other benefit plan ("out-of-pocket"), for the employee, spouse and/or qualified dependents. The mandatory employee contribution is 1.5% of base pay each pay period. The City contibutes 2% of base pay each pay period. The employee has a number of different funding programs from which to choose. The money is tax free (reduce taxable income) upon contribution, tax free while growing, and tax free upon reimbursement.
• Retirement System: Employees must belong to the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Contribution rates for the employee and City vary, as directed by the State. Employees are vested after 5 years in PERS 2; after 10 years in PERS 3.
  
  

The employee’s contribution is made as a mandatory payroll deduction. When an employee leaves City employment (except at retirement or starting another PERS eligible position) the amount that the employee has paid into the system, plus interest, may be returned to him/her upon written request.

• Deferred Compensation Program: Employees may voluntarily contribute to any of the five programs, and can sign up at any time. There is no City contribution. The maximum yearly contribution is $17,500, plus an "Over 50 catch up" maximum contribution of $5,500, if qualified.
• Life Insurance: The City pays the full the premium on a term life insurance policy of $10,000 on the employee. The insurer is The Standard Insurance Company. Supplemental insurance is available for purchase by the employee.
• Short-term and Long Term Disability: The City pays the full premium on short-term and long-term disability insurance. This coverage is applicable to non-occupational injuries or illnesses. The insurer is The Standard Insurance Co.
• Long Term Care Insurance: The City pays the full premium on a basic long-term care policy. Employees have the option to “buy-up” on their policy. The employee’s family members (spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents and grandparents-in-law), if qualfied, are eligible to purchase a policy at the City’s group rates.
• Employee Assistance Program: The City pays the full premium for a confidential Employee Assistance Program through APS Healthcare to assist employees and their family members in dealing with work, family, marital, financial, substance abuse, legal issues, etc. This is short-term, confidential counseling and various community referrals.
• Holidays: There are 12 paid holidays per year, which includes two "floating" holidays (days of the employee's choice - with the concurrence of the supervisor).
• Sick Leave: Employees accrue four hours per pay period. Employees may accrue up to 960 hours. The City will pay an employee 25% of the accumulated and unused sick leave over 960 hours that is on record as of December 31 of each year. Non-exempt employees are eligible for wellness days based upon sick leave hours used/not used throughout the previous calendar year.
• Vacation Leave: Employees accrue one day per month (equivalent to 12 days per year) through the first four years of employment. Increases thereafter are made per policy. Employees can maintain a bank of vacation leave of up to an amount equivalent of two years of their accrual rate, at which point they will not continue to accrue vacation. Vacation leave cannot be used for the first three months, other than applying it top their 9x80 holiday schedule, but it does accrue during that 90-day period.
• Pay Days: All employees are generally paid on the 8th and 23rd of each month. Should the payday fall on the weekend or holiday, paychecks will be issued on the previous workday. Paychecks are based upon the gross pay period amount and not hours worked in that pay period. The hourly wage is only used for computing overtime.
• Automatic Payroll Deposit: Employees may choose any financial institution for direct deposit of their payroll check.
• Credit Union: City employees are eligible to join the Sound Credit Union. Contributions, loan payments and savings can be made by payroll deduction.
• Tuition Reimbursement: The City has a formal program in which employees may be eligible to receive educational tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year for regular, full time employees.
• Worker's Compensation: The City use the Washingiton State Industrial Insurance Fund to cover employee on-the-job industrial injuries or occupational diseases.
• Work Duties and Standards/Hours of Work: The supervisor and/or department head will explain the employee's duties and work performance standards. If the employee has any questions regarding personnel policies or procedures, he/she can discuss them with the supervisor or a Human Resources staff member. The City core business hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some positions may require different shift assignments, on-call responsibilities or other position requirements.
• Orientation Period: New employees serve a one-year orientation period. During this time, performance in many areas will be formally evaluated. In the event that work performance is not acceptable, the employment relationship may be terminated during the orientation period. Unacceptable performance following the orientation period will also be grounds for dismissal.
• Promotion/Lateral Transfer Policy: New employees may not apply for any City positions prior to completing six months of service, excluding those made by Mayoral appointment. Employees who are promoted or laterally transferred may not apply for another City position until completing six months in the new position, excluding those made by Mayoral appointment.
  
  

01

Do you have an Associates Degree with an emphasis on PC hardware/software support and/or networking or equivalent? If yes, please list degree.

02

Do you have any technical certifications? If yes, please list certifications.

03

Do you have three years of experience in a technical help desk or computer support environment?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Please describe your experience as a computer support professional working with the following systems and software: A. Microsoft Operating Systems and related software B. IBM -type PCs and peripheral equipment C. Local Area Network Interface hardware and softward

05

Describe your overall experience in supporting a distributed multiple computer operating system environment during the past three years. Please include in your response the number and type of users, and the number and type of software applications on the system.

06

Describe two examples that demostrate your computer experience working with the clients that you served, particularly examples of dealing with conflict. Please include your level of responsibility.

07

Describe the most complex technical project that you have managed including PC software or hardware implemented, customers supported and teh specific steps that you took to resolve it.

• Required Question