Intern - Information Systems

The City of Chico Information Systems Department is recruiting to fill 1 part-time, Intern position. This position is a great opportunity for a student to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting while gaining valuable hands-on experience. The Intern will contribute to the technology and systems that keep a City government running day-to-day.

This position will require passing an extensive background check.

The City of Chico is committed to partnering with the community to provide personal-enrichment and professional growth opportunities through volunteer and internship opportunities throughout the City.
 
 Interns are classified as: A student who works alongside others in a trade or occupation to gain practical work experience in a supervised environment.  Internships can be paid or unpaid, and are for students looking for real-word experience within a government setting without guarantee of a job at the end of the internship or at graduation.  Individuals must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college and be at least 18 years of age.
 
 Internships should typically last no longer than one year and will generally coincide with a school semester.  Students should be available for at least 10 hours of work per week.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

• Moves and sets up workstations; installs computer terminals, data connections, and telephones; installs desktop equipment, software, and network operating systems; installs emulation software and wiring connections to the City's network; installs, maintains, and troubleshoots voice connections, cabling, instruments, and switches; tests and certifies each installed connection, including cellular phones, tablets, and mobile computers in public safety vehicles; works with various vendors to support these systems.
• Evaluates and diagnoses computer hardware and software problems associated with the City's computers and related equipment; performs diagnostic testing; repairs equipment; establishes equipment maintenance schedules.
• Performs routine tasks of local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) administration; assists users in LAN and WAN procedures and programs and in efficiently accessing network resources.
• Assists users with operational questions or problems and in the use of computer software applications related to specific departmental activities; provides new user training and ongoing support to keep all end users apprised of changes and upgrades to department computer systems and databases.
• Performs research and tests available computer products, analyzing the relevance of different types of software to department functions and requirements.
• Performs systems and server maintenance checks and back-ups; generates, reviews, and maintains reports and logs to evaluate system information. 
• Recovers computer assets and evaluates/repurposes viable hardware; decommissions obsolete hardware. 
• Stays abreast of current trends and developments in the field of computer software programs and networking systems on a variety of hardware operating systems.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Basic principles and practices used in the operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and administration of personal computer operating systems, personal computer system hardware, mobile computing systems, and related software systems. 
• Personal computer and network system application software packages and hardware peripherals. 
• Computer hardware, software, network technology, and operating system products. 
• Techniques and methods of computer hardware and software evaluation and implementation. 
• Theory and design of information technology.
• Principles of database management and systems development.
• Local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) design, operations, and support, such as printers, modems, scanners, routers, switches, and other network devices and various applications.
• Troubleshooting, configuration, and installation techniques. 
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to: 

• Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot information technology networks, servers, and systems and workstation hardware and software using logic to solve problems.
• Operate, install, maintain, configure, and troubleshoot a variety of highly technical computer equipment and peripherals.
• Analyze and evaluate data, formulate proposals, and implement computer system plans.
• Establish and maintain a computer maintenance schedule.
• Learn to use new and existing software and hardware.
• Present effective training programs and train users in the application and use of computer hardware and software.
• Compose clear and concise system procedures, correspondence, and reports.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• 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 syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level coursework in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be 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 occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.