Assistant Information Technology Specialist

ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD

South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation, serving a four-county region that includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Coachella Valley. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 Freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 870 employees, an annual budget of $225.2 million, and a state-of-the-art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!

South Coast AQMD is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.

Please note: This recruitment will close once the limit of 100 applications is reached or on November 4, 2026, whichever occurs first. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the posting may close before the scheduled deadline.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

South Coast AQMD is seeking to hire an Assistant Information Technology Specialist to fill a vacancy in the Information Technology Operations unit of our Information Management department. From this recruitment process, we expect to establish an eligible list from which current and future vacancies at this level may be filled, during the life of the list. Employees in this class perform the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including: setting up or configuring computers (desktop/laptop), voice system endpoints (office & mobile phones), mifi and wireless networks. Employees in this class will work with technical and A/V systems, supporting Executive Council, General Counsel, Board Members, managers, supervisors, field and on‑site employees across multiple sites.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on assignment. Immediate appointments may be on a late shift.

This is the trainee level class in the Information Technology Specialist series, intended to provide employees with the skills and the knowledge required to perform the duties of the Information Technology Specialist I position. Employees in this class perform the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series, including setting up and configuring desktop computers and performing routine maintenance on the network system. Employees in this class learn to diagnose and resolve Help Desk problem calls and workstation support duties, and perform those duties as assigned. Employees at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as employees allocated to the Information Technology Specialist I level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Employees in this class typically report to an Information Technology Supervisor and receive lead work direction and guidance from a Senior Information Technology Specialist and/or an Information Technology Specialist I or II.

The positions in the Information Technology Specialist class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Information Technology Specialist I level may be filled by advancement from the Assistant Information Technology Specialist level. Progression to the Information Technology Specialist I level requires: (i) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any required certifications; and (ii) a rating of satisfactory or better in the most recent performance appraisal.

The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to this link.

• Learns how to install, configure, maintain, and upgrade operating systems and software packages across disparate platforms, servers, network and data communication systems, personal and mobile computing systems and equipment, audiovisual equipment, web based applications, and related technologies; learns how to perform basic system administration functions.
• Learns how to receive and evaluate requests for service; learns how to diagnose problems; learns how to troubleshoot and implement remedial actions, researches documentation and determines solution, and resolves problems with hardware, software, security and access controls, and systems issues; learns how to escalate issues to higher-level staff and/or vendor for resolution as appropriate.
• Learns how to perform technical help desk support including handling a high volume of customer inquiries and complaints and resolving tier one requests by remote session, telephone, or email.
• Learns how to track equipment and hardware inventory throughout the District; may recommend equipment and supplies for purchase and budget preparation.
• Learns how to conduct system and database back-ups as needed; files back-up procedures.
• Learns how to monitor computer systems, networks and applications for response time, problem prevention, performance and resource utilization.
• Learns how to perform network administration duties such as monitoring or adding applications, users and devices, modifying user profiles, re-setting passwords and file maintenance; learns to monitor storage utilization; documents all network changes and revisions.
• Learns how to prepare and maintain system documentation required for telecommunication networks.
• Learns how to provide assistance to information system users for network security by monitoring, installing software updates and staying abreast of security technology trends and innovations.
• Assists in developing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and administrative control systems for the department to which assigned.
• Maintains accurate records and files; develops storage of records and retention schedules.
• Learns how to prepare and maintain system documentation required for telecommunications networks, including the updating of building/floor blueprints, network database, procedures manual, and Private Area Branch Exchange configuration.
• Assists and participates in the installation, modification, and maintenance of wireless communication systems; participates in the determination of user needs.
• Learns how to order and install computer boards, parts, and supplies for telephones, wireless systems, computers, and auxiliary equipment, according to design specifications and program requirements.
• Learns how to operate telecommunications network management consoles and monitors network performance; diagnoses network malfunctions and takes corrective action; assesses network performance and allocates resources, as needed.
• Utilizes the knowledge and skills received in training to perform related tasks, and other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the Minimum Qualifications that follow, the most competitively qualified candidates will also possess the following:

• One year of experience providing technical support in the installation, maintenance, and repair of information systems and infrastructure.
• One year of experience working with Windows systems and Microsoft Enterprise technologies is preferred.
• One year of experience working wVoice System Endpoints (office and mobile phones) Provisioning and Support
• One year of experience with Jabber Phone/Message System
• One year of experience supporting Mifi and Wireless data network/phone equipment
• One year of experience supporting board members (or board member assistants), executives, general counsel, managers, supervisors, and field/on‑site staff members across multiple sites.
• One year of experience supporting Ingres Database System Support
• One year of experience supporting PowerBuilder Apps
• One year of experience supporting Network Printer and Print

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by completion of at least 15 semester or 22.5 quarter units from an accredited college or university and training in information systems, computer science, or a related field; OR six (6) months of experience providing technical support in the installation, maintenance, and repair of information systems and infrastructure, and telecommunications equipment operation, installation, and repair. Experience working with Intel-based servers (Linux and Windows Server OS) and network peripherals supporting a datacenter is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic principles and practices used in the installation, evaluation, configuration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of computer hardware, software, servers, network and data communication, mobile, audiovisual, web based applications, and other related technologies and equipment; basic techniques and methods of writing and maintaining user and technical operating instructions and documentation; basic Linux and Windows server administration and support, including applying patches, installations, and upgrades; basic database administration including MS SQL, Oracle and Ingres; basic operational characteristics of local and wide area network systems; basic operational characteristics of a variety of communication equipment and devices; basic computer logic and mathematics; basic LAN-WAN technologies; basic Client-Server technologies; basic backup and restore software technologies; basic network cabling system and installation; basic OS system and installation; basic computer hardware and software installation; basic principles and practices of electronic telecommunication system maintenance and repair; basic components and equipment used in telecommunication systems; basic methods of computer and telecommunication system design and implementation; principle languages used in information systems programs; basic record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations; and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

ABILITY TO: Learn how to perform a variety of technical support functions in the installation, evaluation, configuration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of computer hardware, software, servers, network and data communication, mobile, audiovisual, web based applications, and other related technologies and equipment; learn how to understand, interpret, and explain hardware and software application solutions to users; learn how to research technical materials to provide solutions to problems; participate in design sessions or process improvement sessions and provide sound recommendations and technical input; learn how to develop and maintain technical operating instructions and documentation; learn how to train staff on software applications and hardware usage; assist in the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; learn how to interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems; install basic computer hardware and software of information technologies and telecommunication systems; learn how to install, diagnose, and repair computer and telecommunication systems and equipment; learn how to program telephone system software; learn how to train users on use of equipment.; assist in the design of new IP based telephone system networks; learn how to perform preventative maintenance; learn how to interpret and explain hardware and equipment manuals; learn and participate in component-level troubleshooting and repair work; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; operate and maintain modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations; and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; climb stairs and ladders; work in confined spaces using applicable safety requirements. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office and field environment with moderate to loud noise levels, various temperature conditions, on ladders/scaffolding or in high, precarious places, and near moving mechanical parts. The employee periodically works in confined spaces and is exposed to dirt, dust, solvents, toxic agents, and loud or prolonged noise. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on assignment.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Application packets, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to a multiple-choice examination, to be rated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates who pass the exam will advance to the next step in the process, which may include a panel interview. (Please note that some assessments may be conducted remotely).

Following the assessment process, a ranked eligible list is expected to be created, from which current and future vacancies may be filled, during the 6–12-month life of the list. Only those who demonstrate they are among the most competitively qualified, at each successive step of the selection process, will be advanced to the next step. (Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to the next step).

Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

South Coast AQMD reserves the right to add, delete, and modify any elements of the selection process as deemed appropriate, based on the number and quality of applicants at each step.