Personal Computer (PC) Specialist

Summary StatementThe Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking motivated professionals for our PC Specialist positions. Under direction, Personal Computer Specialists are responsible for performing analytical, technical and administrative work in the planning, design and installation of new and existing microprocessor-based computer systems; conferring with end users to determine types of hardware and software required; installing new hardware, standard applications, and operating software; and performing other tasks as assigned. This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies over the life of the list.TESTING INFORMATIONApproved applicants will receive an invitation to participate in the Written Exam. The in-person Written Exam is scheduled on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Written Exam - Weighted 100%; See the Exam Plan for details. This is a competitive classification. Must successfully complete the examination process.Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)1. Schedules use of the Information Center facilities for DPS employees using personal computers and appropriate software.2. Maintains the Information Center facilities, computers, and software to ensure they are ready for use when needed using technical manuals and expertise.3. Communicates, both orally and in writing, with Department employees, other agencies and the general public to provide information and resolve issues using oral communications skills.4. Performs administrative functions for assigned LAN (e.g. creates, deletes, renames user ID's; creates shared file areas; grants access rights to network resources, etc.) to provide customers with access to the DPS LAN, facilitate use of the network, and maintain the network system using a mainframe/personal computer, network software, and utilities software.5. Troubleshoots and solves network problems to assist users in gaining greater access and handling of data using knowledge of the network hardware and software.6. Acquires, configures, installs, maintains and upgrades user hardware (e.g. microcomputer CPU, monitor, speaker, printer, etc.) to provide user the ability to share devices, information, programs and data using utility programs and a LAN/WAN workstation.7. Acquires, installs, maintains and upgrades user software (e.g. charting and graphing, database, desktop publishing, fund financial accounting, spreadsheet, word processing, etc.) to enable users to operate within the capabilities of the personal computer and/or Local/Wide Area Network environments using technical expertise and a LAN/WAN workstation.8. Prepares status reports to inform supervisor of progress on assignments using a personal computer and appropriate software.9. Implements and maintains software applications to facilitate employee work processes using a mainframe/ personal computer, LAN workstation, and training facilities.10. Provides technical assistance to users to resolve problems and help them utilize resources more efficiently (e.g. LAN/WAN workstations, LANs, WANs, etc.) using vendor technical support services, analytical skills, and knowledge of the systems.11. Remains current on job-specific and departmental topics through training courses, workshops, seminars, professional organizations, professional publications, etc. to apply appropriate policies and technologies to assigned systems.12. Performs administrative functions for Electronic Mail System (EMS) (e.g. creates, deletes and modifies user ID's; creates and modifies organizational groups, creates, modifies and deletes printers, etc.) to provide customers with access to the electronic mail systems, facilitate use of the network, and maintain the network using a mainframe/personal computer, network software, and utilities software.13. Manages Department shared directories by checking for correct authorization and adding/deleting users, and maintaining the security of the directories using a mainframe/personal computer.14. Responds to 24-hour emergency calls for assistance to perform emergency corrective actions to return applications programs and systems to operational mode during off-duty hours using a LAN/WAN work-station, programming languages, and program development and debugging/tracing tools.15. Interviews Department and outside clients to determine system requirements using technical expertise.16. Analyzes existing applications and systems to determine needed modifications and/or enhancements using a mainframe/personal computer and knowledge of the assigned systems.17. Tracks software licensing throughout the Department to insure legality of software ownership by entering data using a personal computer and appropriate software.18. Gathers and analyzes data to provide accurate information for briefings, reports and correspondence using modern office equipment and mainframe/personal computer hardware and software.19. Plans, monitors and controls several assigned projects concurrently.20. Serves as network administrator for individual and unit clients throughout the Department to provide consistent system administration using a LAN/WAN workstation.21. Designs, schedules, coordinates, and conducts training program (e.g. EMS, WordPerfect, Windows, DOS, etc.) to educate Department employees on the available features and computer applications using technical manuals.22. Serves on committees and task forces for the Department and external organizations to provide input, exchange information, and perform the functions of the committee (e.g. policy writing, analysis of recommendations, problem solving, etc.) using expertise and a personal computer.23. Directs and/or assists with the writing of documentation of the use of applications programs using applications manuals, technical notes and experience with applications.24. Installs, maintains, performs user configurations, and makes changes to microcomputer-based mainframe terminal gateways to the Department mainframe computer to provide access to mainframe applications (e.g. MIS, ACJIS, EMS, NCIC, etc.) using mainframe terminal gateway and client software, and an IBM synchronous modem.25. Maintains accurate inventory tracking of all computer and network system hardware to ensure items are properly tagged, inventory is rechecked as required, and all appropriate transfer documents are filed with the Department using purchase orders, invoices, Department inventory system, federal inventory requirements and Department supply personnel.26. Develops testing plans and tests and reviews new and modified systems and programs to ensure all programs and systems meet client specifications and needs, section standards and guidelines, and efficiency requirements using programming and systems expertise.27. Conducts and/or attends administrative and/or technical meetings or conferences to obtain and/or disseminate information regarding assigned work area issues.28. Documents training statistics to track users trained for unit and supervisor information using a personal computer and appropriate software.29. Writes training documentation of systems to use as the basis for developing training modules for system users utilizing a mainframe/personal computer, hardware, and software.30. Writes systems documentation to provide written support and backup of the system functions using a mainframe/personal computer, hardware, and software.31. Develops and conducts training to ensure system users know how the systems function, using a mainframe/personal computer, hardware, software, and system documentation, and oral and written communication skills.32. Coordinates vendors and contractors on LAN work assignments to provide the most current capabilities for the system using knowledge of the network hardware and software.33. Writes and revises user manuals and online help text for assigned systems to provide users with reference material using mainframe/personal computer hardware and software.34. Writes, edits, reviews and revises training workbooks, manuals, instructions and procedures to facilitate user training using a personal computer and appropriate software.35. Prepares old and unused automated equipment for reallocation to surplus (e.g. remove user files, remove applications not to be transferred, reformat drives, etc.) to ensure no sensitive data leaves the section using applicable software and evaluation of what can be legally transferred.36. Advises management on in-house and industry trends that may keep the work unit from meeting its goals and objectives using oral and written reports and analytical skills.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities RequiredKnowledge of:1. the principles, concepts, capabilities, and operations of microcomputer hardware, data storage devices and peripherals (e.g., personal computers; LAN servers; hard, floppy and magnetic tape drives; printers; modems; CD-Rom drives; keyboards; mice; etc.).2. data wiring topologies, design, and techniques.3. network, application and data security systems (e.g., Netware, Windows NT, RACF, etc.).4. technical computer terminology.5. troubleshooting techniques on hardware and software (e.g., personal computer, network, communications equipment, etc.).6. number systems (e.g., binary, decimal, hexadecimal, etc.) used by digital computer systems.7. mainframe and personal computer based electronic mail systems and their capabilities.8. current technological trends for mainframe, client/server, and personal computer information systems.9. the various operating systems utilized by the Department (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, UNIX, MVS/ESA, etc.).10. local and wide area computer networks and topologies (e.g., Novell, 3Com, star topology, etc.).Skill in:1. the use of mainframe and personal computer hardware and peripheral devices.2. reviewing, interpreting, and proofreading comprehensive, analytical, statistical, technical, and administrative reports, documents, and manuals.3. evaluating commercial programs and systems.4. analyzing user needs to design appropriate system modifications or new applications to meet the identified requirements.5. developing logical conclusions and implementing practical solutions to highly complex technical and business problems.6. working independently as well as part of a team.7. performing under pressure and meeting deadlines.8. solving highly complex logic problems.9. assisting customers with computer related problems.10. installing and configuring computer equipment (e.g., computer, network, communications, etc.).11. analyzing, diagnosing and resolving software and hardware problems and their inter-relationships with available tools (e.g., personal computer and peripherals, network equipment, communications equipment, etc.).12. using commercial microcomputer software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, groupware, project management, flowchart, etc.).13. effectively communicating orally.14. decision making.15. developing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization.16. comprehending and interpreting oral communications.17. the use of various operating system utility programs to view and analyze the contents of computer files.18. system testing applications to identify performance, data integrity, communication and functionality problems and ensure the programs are corrected accordingly.19. effective time management and organization techniques.20. using modern office equipment (e.g., FAX, photocopier, phone, page, etc.).21. performing multiple highly complex tasks concurrently.22. describing problems, alternatives, and making recommendations.23. adjusting priorities and work schedules as necessary to meet project deadlines.24. selecting the best tool on various platforms (mainframe, personal computer, UNIX, etc.).25. recognizing hardware and software problems and implementing effective solutions (e.g., mainframe, personal computer, client/server, etc.).Ability to:1. learn and apply new technical knowledge and skills.2. adapt to rapidly developing and changing technology.3. identify ways to improve productivity and effectiveness by using automation.4. develop and implement changes.5. define accurately and clearly specifications for personal computer and network related systems.6. interpret information about technological issues and advances.Minimum QualificationsRequires three (3) years of experience providing technical support services to micro-computer, mini-computer, and/or LAN users.Coursework in computer science, management information systems, or a related field from an accredited college, technical school, or university may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience on a month for month basis.One year of work experience is equivalent to thirty semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework from an accredited college or university.Must successfully complete the examination process.Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.FLSA Status: Non-Exempt