Information Technology Manager

Job Title

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical and office support related to all programs and activities of the Information Technology Division; ensures the reliable and secure operation of IT systems critical to the delivery of clean and safe water to the community.

Combines technical expertise with strategic vision and leadership to support the District's mission of providing high-quality water services.

This is a single incumbent, exempt classification is responsible for a wide range of technical, maintenance, and administrative duties in developing, monitoring, maintaining, and providing technical support for multiple business network hardware and software platforms.

Understands and leads IT infrastructure maintenance, operations, and information management systems including the District's ERP, CMMS, AMI, and other ancillary systems. Familiar with SCADA systems used for monitoring and controlling water treatment and distribution processes, including software and hardware. Understands cybersecurity risks and the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. Familiar with GIS technology and its applications in water resource management. Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex IT issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to optimize the performance and reliability of IT systems supporting operations.

Develop and implement IT strategies aligned with the District's objectives, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and data security.

Oversee the selection and implementation of a new ERP and integration with other existing information management systems, including systems for water monitoring, SCADA, and network infrastructure supporting remote facilities and water treatment plants.

Provides application support for users of asset management, GIS, and other software systems, including development of queries, reports, and other functions that require knowledge of common programming languages;

Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive water data and infrastructure from cyber threats. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as EPA guidelines and industry standards for data protection.

Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of information systems programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to their Supervisor.

Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of information system activities, including design, configuration, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of the local area network hardware, software and telecommunication services such as personal computers, system software, software applications, printers, servers, routers, bridges, switches, modems, cabling, landline and cellular phones, and internet service providers.

Leads the administration of the District's computerized maintenance management system developing dashboards, creating or modifying work flow and procedures to support the District's Asset Management Program.

Works with District staff in the design, development and testing of the radio frequency (RF) communication network, the integration, development and testing of new facilities in the SCADA development environment, and the security and optimized performance of all systems;

Manages and coordinates the work plan for the division; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.

Manages contractors and third-party service providers; develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends awards; administers contracts to ensure compliance with District specifications, budget, and service quality.

Assists with activities associated with the installation, service, and preventive maintenance of SCADA systems;

Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; and

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and project management.

Maintenance and administration of information management systems.

Principles and practices of budget administration.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations concerning the operation of information technology systems.

Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.

Business computer software and hardware; principles and practices used in the operations, maintenance, repair, and administration of assigned systems and equipment; techniques and methods of system evaluation, implementation, and documentation; troubleshooting, configuration, and installation techniques; networking operating systems and networking hardware configurations.

A diverse range of programming languages used by the District and the SCADA industry, including ladder logic, function block, and structured text;

Theory, concepts, principles and practices of process control technology;

Principles and practices of configuring, troubleshooting diagnosing and maintaining PLC plant control sub-systems, network switches, routers, firewalls, RTU systems, and RF systems;

General operational characteristics of water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems;

Methods and techniques of troubleshooting systems and devices;

Methods and techniques of installing, configuring, administering, and monitoring a diverse range of physical and virtual systems;

Methods and techniques of evaluating system effectiveness and responding accordingly;

Security and monitoring devices, and procedures necessary to maintain the integrity and security of data in networked systems;

Principles and practices of systems analysis and design for the development and management of SCADA systems;

Methods of managing and administering server-based operating systems;

Principles and practices of database design, administration, and functionality;

Methods and techniques of PLC ladder logic programming, designing interfaces, and SCADA system device configuration;

District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols;

Safe work practices for industrial electrical environments, water/wastewater treatment facilities;

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed; and

English usage, verbal and written.

Ability to: Lead the integration of information management systems to support the District's asset management program.

Manage the District's ERP and support data transfers for billing, system updates and data queries.

Provide professional level support to the District's SCADA systems and devices;

Troubleshoot a diverse range of systems hardware and software and make or recommend modifications;

Install, configure, maintain, and administer networked systems hardware and software including servers;

Identify nominal voltage and other electrical hazards and make risk assessments while working at water/wastewater facilities and remote industrial sites;

Design, program, troubleshoot, process controls from the Human Machine Interface (HMI) to field device;

Monitor systems performance and recommend and implement changes to optimize system reliability and availability;

Performs database management and administration tasks including tuning, storage, and backup and recovery measures;

Implement security measures in assigned technology area;

Configure, maintain, and manage data and voice communication networks and infrastructure to achieve optimal technical performance and user support;

Apply critical thinking techniques for a broad range of situations;

Prepare clear, concise, and accurate documentation, user guides, reports of work performed, and other written materials;

Use modern, state-of-the-art precision and diagnostic instruments, computers, and specialized software to test, calibrate, and diagnose complex telecommunication systems, devices, and equipment;

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments;

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines;

Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar; and

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Licenses and certifications: Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver's license.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification highly desirable

Training and experience: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems. or a related field.

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible computer/network experience,

Two (2) years of supervisory experience is preferred, but not required

Physical demands: Walking: Moves about on foot, occasionally in tight spaces and over grating. Carrying: Transports objects by holding them in hands or arms. Hands/Arms: Operates electrical and computerized instrumentation; operates hand and power tools. Handling: