IS Technical Services Specialist 3 (Internal Employment Opportunity - IS)

Basic Function

This internal employment opportunity is open to current Ramsey County probationary or permanent classified employees (excluding temporaries) who are employed in the Information Services (IS) department or County. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

Ramsey County Information Services is looking to for an energetic and self-starting technologist to join our collaboration team. This position will maintain and troubleshoot O365 applications, MS Teams, Teams Rooms, and other collaboration software. The successful applicant will have experience in managing and configuring Microsoft licensing, demonstrate excellent customer service, and be adaptable to changing technology and support requirements.

(This is the full-performance level class in the Information Services Technical Services Specialist class series. It differs from the intermediate (Technical Specialist 2) level in that employees are expected to have mastered the technical expertise required for performance of a wide range of systems development activities. Performance at this level is demonstrated through completion of work assignments with a high degree of independence.)

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.

Desired for Centrally Managed Enterprise Applications: Certification and maintenance or training in Microsoft 365 Administration (Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate).

Examples of Work Performed

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Provide support and trouble-shooting services for technical staff and departmental customers with difficult server, network, or centrally managed software-based problems and respond to and resolve user technical problems regarding equipment, operating systems, application, or network-related software.
• Analyze and document problems with vendor-supplied software, and generate documentation for submission of server or network-based hardware and software problems to the vendor; contact outside resources for input into resolving device or device-based software problems, and apply corrective action.
• Provide individual and group instruction to both technical staff and departmental customers as needed on the use of equipment and software, and on server and data network infrastructure features.
• Oversee the operation of server or network-based software and services dealing with the overall server operating system, complex sub-systems of the operating system, or network device system software, for file management on server farms and large telecommunications networks.
• Provide input into the evaluation of new technical proposals to determine their appropriateness and compatibility to Ramsey County’s business processes and operation. Summarize and report recommendations of server, centrally managed enterprise applications and network-based hardware and software purchases to County departments and Information Services management.
• Review application system proposals to determine their impact on server and network related technical infrastructure; estimate the impact of the new application system proposal and any changes or additions that will be needed.
• Assist less experienced specialists in developing server, centrally managed enterprise applications or network-based technical knowledge and skills.
• Consult with network or server systems design consultants or vendors for new solution products, expansions or upgrades. Research with expert sources, organize team assessment for input, determine preliminary cost impact and submit recommendations to senior management.
• Create and maintain portions of a disaster recovery plan that identifies critical county business processes and computerized systems, site preparation requirements, application system recovery materials, and communication methods and processes between the Department of Information Services and other county department.
• Respond to technical emergencies as needed.
  
  

Network Services

• Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and administration of networking and related hardware including wiring, fiber optics, leased lines, routers, switches, hubs and repeaters. Along with responsibility in network-related areas such as network device software, network security or miscellaneous network service functions.
• Analyze data network connection needs by conducting walk-throughs and installing network cabling for connection of PCs, printers, and other networked devices.
• Consult with and coordinate the work of electrical contractors to install network cabling.
• Install, maintain, and assist more experienced staff with support of network and telecommunications hardware devices such as routers, switches, bridges, firewalls, gateways, repeaters, wireless LAN, CSUs/DSUs and their associated connectors to the county’s data and/or voice network cabling.
• Assist with configuration of software settings on data network devices as necessary.
• Create and maintain documentation and schematics of the county’s network and/or telecommunications equipment and facilities.
• Program, analyze and resolve problems related to the data wired or wireless networks and/or telecommunications systems.
• Meet with network and/or telecommunications service users, to access current systems, determine needs and perform upgrades and installations, or coordinate with vendors.
• Coordinate telecom and/or networking moves with additions or changes, maintain and document an inventory of devices and cabling, along with their location within the network.
  
  

Systems Administration

• Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and administration of basic server operating systems with additional responsibility in server-related support areas such as e-mail services, web support services or miscellaneous systems administration functions.
• Provide hardware support for the county’s servers, or mid-range application hosting devices by diagnosing and identifying equipment failures, and work with appropriate hardware vendors for procurement of replacement parts.
• Perform daily monitoring and troubleshooting of server, or mid-range type devices by checking event logs, backup status, disk space, memory, allocation, and other functions as appropriate.
• Provide server-based operating system administration by adding/removing customers, granting rights to computer systems, applications, and services, maintain change logs, and handle all related troubleshooting.
• Perform necessary steps for generating and installing new software releases and corrective updates and patches on server-based devices.
• Assist desktop support staff with installation of client software for departmental customers as needed.
• Install, troubleshoot, and operate county-wide electronic mail and domain name services, monitor and tune their performance, perform upgrades, and set up and notify customers of their accounts.
  
  

Centrally Managed Enterprise Applications

• Responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and administration of centrally managed enterprise applications with additional responsibility in application support areas such as miscellaneous systems administration functions.
• Provide application support for the centrally managed enterprise applications and licensing by diagnosing and identifying equipment or application failures, and work with appropriate vendors for resolution of issues.
• Perform daily monitoring and troubleshooting of centrally managed applications by checking event logs, backup status, and other functions as appropriate.
• Provide application or licensing based administration functions by adding/removing customers, granting rights to computer systems, applications, and services, maintain change logs, and handle all related troubleshooting.
• Perform necessary steps for generating and configuring new software releases as needed.
  
  

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in computer sciences or a related field.

Experience: Four years of progressive server hardware and server-based operating system administration, data network and network device support, or centrally managed enterprise applications.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 90% AND
• County Service Score = 10% (IEO must include a county score and other scores to equal 100%)
  
  

The examination for IS Technical Services Specialist 3 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a IS Technical Services Specialist 3. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 of month(s) or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact crystal.diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
• MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
• VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
  
  

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
  
  

• Paid time off
• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
  
  

• Retirement benefits
• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
  
  

• Transit and parking
• Fully funded Metropass.
• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
  
  

• Employee well-being
• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
• Wellness programming
• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
  
  

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
• Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
• Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
  
  

• Career development
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
  

For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Computer Science or a related field. Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.

• High school diploma or GED
• College credits that total less than 2 years (60 credits in a related field)
• Associate's degree
• College credits that equal two years, (60 credits or more in a related field)
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above
  
  

04

If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree or college credits, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion, type of degree/name of courses, and number of hours or credits and whether they were quarter or semester credits. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.

05

Which best describes your full-time equivalent experience with progressive server hardware and server-based operating system, applications or security administration; data network and network device support; or centrally managed enterprise software and applications or licensing?

• No experience in this area
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience
• 3 year or more, but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years or more, but less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years or more, but less than 6 years of experience
• 6 years or more, but less than 7 years of experience
• 7 years or more, but less than 8 years of experience
• 8 years or more of experience
  
  

06

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

07

Which of the following best describes your experience or background in Teams Rooms, specifically creating, managing, troubleshooting, and removing resources?

• I have not received any training nor have any experience using this skill.
• I have received training related to this skill, but have not performed it on the job.
• I have performed this skill with assistance under close supervision.
• I have intermediate knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have advanced knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have expert knowledge of this skill, use it regularly, and serve as a mentor to others.
  
  

08

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

09

Which of the following best describes your experience with managing resources in Office 365?

• I have not received any training nor have any experience using this skill.
• I have received training related to this skill, but have not performed it on the job.
• I have performed this skill with assistance under close supervision.
• I have intermediate knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have advanced knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have expert knowledge of this skill, use it regularly, and serve as a mentor to others.
  
  

10

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

11

Which of the following best describes your experience in analyzing and documenting issues with vendor-supplied software (including SaaS) and working with external vendor resources to resolve?

• I have not received any training nor have any experience using this skill.
• I have received training related to this skill, but have not performed it on the job.
• I have performed this skill with assistance under close supervision.
• I have intermediate knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have advanced knowledge of this skill and apply it frequently.
• I have expert knowledge of this skill, use it regularly, and serve as a mentor to others.
  
  

12

Describe the experience indicated in question above and include an example of work you've completed to mitigate a serious security vulnerability. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."]

• Required Question