Communications & Information Technician - Public Safety

A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park’s existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to ensure the administration, maintenance, support, and operational reliability of the City's mission for critical Public Safety technology systems supporting Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, and related departments.Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate of available guidelines and procedures, as well as interpret precedents. This position is responsible for providing reliable and responsive technical support to Public Safety operations by ensuring the availability, functionality, and security of computer systems, networks, hardware, software, and other technology used by Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, and related departments. The position supports employees in resolving technology-related issues so they can remain focused on critical public safety services and daily operational responsibilities.

• Administers and supports mission-critical Public Safety applications including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), mobile computing platforms, application servers, and related enterprise technologies.

• Maintains Public Safety application environments to ensure system availability, reliability, and operational performance.

• Coordinates software upgrades, maintenance activities, vendor-supported updates, and system enhancements.

• Monitors application performance, system health, and operational status to proactively identify and resolve issues.

• Provides advanced technical support for Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, and other Public Safety personnel.

• Installs, configures, maintains, and supports desktops, laptops, mobile workstations, mobile data terminals, printers, peripherals, and related technology equipment.

• Performs system imaging, equipment deployment, hardware replacement, warranty coordination, and lifecycle management of Public Safety technology assets.

• Assists with maintaining technology infrastructure supporting Public Safety facilities and emergency response operations.

• Creates, modifies, and maintains Active Directory accounts and access permissions for Public Safety personnel.

• Administers user accounts, security roles, and permissions within Public Safety applications.

• Supports compliance with City security policies, CJIS Security Policy requirements, and established technology standards.

• Assists with secure remote access technologies, VPN administration, and identity management solutions.

• Serves as the primary technical liaison for Public Safety application vendors and technology partners.

• Coordinates implementation of software updates, system integrations, maintenance activities, and technical support services.

• Evaluates technology solutions and assists with implementation of new applications supporting Public Safety operations.

• Coordinates technical activities with City departments, vendors, contractors, and consultants.

• Participates in technology planning, system upgrades, disaster recovery activities, and business continuity initiatives.

• Develops and maintains technical documentation, operational procedures, and system documentation.

• Participates in an on-call rotation and provides after-hours technical support for mission-critical Public Safety systems.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Windows Server administration.

• Knowledge of Active Directory and identity management.

• Knowledge of enterprise networking concepts, TCP/IP, wireless networking, VPN technologies, and cybersecurity principles.

• Knowledge of Public Safety technology environments including CAD, RMS, mobile computing, and emergency communications systems.

• Knowledge of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) principles and best practices.

• Knowledge of applicable CJIS Security Policy requirements and information security standards.

• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

• Knowledge of the operation of general office equipment including calculator, computer keyboard, computer word processing or other programs, telephone, telephone console, or copy machine as required.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn the department's rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn City ordinances, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to understand and follow quickly and accurately oral and written instructions.

• Ability to understand and apply available guidelines to varied operational requirements, and to follow clearly stated oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate, meet, and deal with elected officials, department heads, the public, and employees in a pleasant, courteous manner.

• Ability to accurately record and transfer data from one source to another and to perform basic mathematical calculations.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to maintain alphabetical and chronological files.

• Ability to work independently without specific instructions.

• Must be able to use tact and courtesy in dealing with the public.

• Must be able to analyze and evaluate procedures and work processes and exercise appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and work methods.

• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal effectively and courteously with others, to work independently and in team settings.

• Must be able to type or use a personal computer with word processing and related software, and to enter and retrieve information with reasonable speed and accuracy.

• Must have an understanding of applicable open records laws and regulations.

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Must have strong organizational and time management skills.

• Must be able to have attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document review.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds, standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

• Note: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Three (3) years of related experience; equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience in a government office or similar environment, equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of a valid Driver's License issued by the State of Georgia.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Experience in communicating with diverse communities and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.

• Extensive hours and weekends will be required at times.

• Pre-employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.