Senior Information Technologist

Senior Information Technologist

The application period is now open and will close at the end of the day on Friday, March 7.

DESCRIPTION

The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our growing TEAM! We are now accepting online applications to fill the position of Senior Information Technologist.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $24 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.
 
Mission  
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.
 
Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
 
Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Information Technologist to join our team. The Senior Information Technologist will report directly to the IT Operations Manager and will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure services, optimizing resources, and developing automation scripts for efficient operations. They will lead and execute IT projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and provide technical guidance and mentorship. They will ensure system security and compliance, develop backup and disaster recovery plans, and foster a high-performance work environment. The candidate will also work closely with stakeholders and vendors to ensure seamless operations. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Azure compute and infrastructure services: Expertise in designing, deploying, and managing virtual machines, storage, and networking components within the Azure cloud platform. This includes understanding different service models and best practices for optimization.
• Cloud automation scripting: Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python, ARM templates) to automate cloud operations, deployments, and management tasks. 
• Project management methodologies: Knowledge of project management frameworks (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools to effectively plan, execute, and deliver IT projects. This ensures projects are on time and within budget.
• Entra IAM administration: Skills in managing user identities, access privileges, and authentication within Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory).
• Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools (InTune, MDT): Expertise in using RMM tools like InTune and MDT for device management, software deployment, and remote support. 
• Storage Area Network (SAN) management: Understanding of SAN technologies and protocols for managing and maintaining storage systems. 
• VMware virtualization platforms: Skills in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere environments. 
• Backup and recovery solutions: Knowledge of backup and recovery strategies and tools to protect data and ensure business continuity. 
• Disaster recovery planning: Ability to develop and implement disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in the event of a system failure or disaster. 
• Patch and vulnerability management: Skills in identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing remediation measures. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Design, implement, and manage Azure compute and infrastructure services: This involves hands-on work with Azure services to build and maintain cloud environments.
• Lead and execute IT projects: Managing all phases of IT projects, from initiation to closure, ensuring successful delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project requirements: Working with stakeholders to gather requirements and define project scope and objectives.
• Develop and execute disaster recovery plans: Creating and testing disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• Regular patch and vulnerability management: Work with Cyber Security and IT Operations teams in addressing security vulnerabilities to minimize risks.
• Lead and mentor a team of system administrators: Providing leadership, guidance, and support to the system administration team.
• Respond to incidents: Addressing and resolving system outages and other technical issues.
• Maintain system documentation, procedures, and policies: Keeping documentation up-to-date and creating new documentation as needed.
• Generate reports on system performance, security, and project status: Providing regular reports to management and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned: Taking on additional responsibilities as required by the role.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications required for entry into this classification are as follows:

Education and/or Experience

• Three years performing systems analysis at a level that is comparable to the County of Orange class of IT Systems Technologist II.
• College level education or training beyond a bachelor's degree, which is directly related to the competencies and attributes required of the position, may be substituted for up to an additional year of required experience at the same rate identified above.
• College level education or training directly related to the competencies and attributes required of the position maybe substituted for up to one year of the required experience at the rate of three semester units or the equivalent, equaling one month of experience and one hour of training equaling one hour of experience.  

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert knowledge of Microsoft cloud services such as Azure compute/infrastructure services.
• Expert knowledge of Storage Area Networks (SAN) and VMware.
• Experience with enterprise-level backup and recovery solutions such as Commvault, VEEM, Barracuda, or Datto.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work in system administration, demonstrating expertise with increasingly complex systems. 

Click here for additional information about the Senior Information Technologist job classification.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, and write
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, employers, peers, and members
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time Body strength sufficient

Environmental Conditions

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment. Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public
• Out-of-area travel may be required to attend meetings and professional conferences

BENEFITS

In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, vacation/healthcare leave, and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)

OCERS Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.
 
Application Rating (AAP)
(Refer/Non-Refer) Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the duties of the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.
 
Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)
(Weighted 100%) Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
 
Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified and all affected candidates will be notified.

Salary : $103,459 - $139,318