IT Specialist

The District has established a new IT Systems & Network Specialist position, effective July 1, 2026. This position is responsible for the administration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and ongoing improvement of the organization's technology infrastructure. The primary focus of the role is network and systems administration, including network infrastructure, firewalls, virtualization, backup and recovery systems, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, and related technologies.

This role also provides advanced end-user technical support and participates in projects, including system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and equipment replacement. The position supports technology used by firefighters and emergency-response personnel, with a strong emphasis on reliability, security, availability, and operational continuity.

We are looking for an experienced IT professional with strong network and systems administration skills and experience supporting complex technology environments. Experience with public-safety technology, mission-critical systems, Microsoft Entra ID/Azure AD, endpoint or mobile device management, VoIP/telephony, or scripting and automation is highly desirable.

Primary Responsibilities
50% Network & Systems Administration

• Manage and troubleshoot network switches, firewalls, routers, VPNs, and wireless networks.
• Administer virtualized server environments, including virtual machines, hosts, and associated backup and recovery systems.
• Maintain Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
• Administer and support Microsoft 365, including Exchange Online.

25% Desktop & End-User Support

• Provide Tier 2/Tier 3 support for computers, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and applications
• Troubleshoot Windows, hardware, software, and connectivity issues
• Deploy, configure, maintain, and replace computer equipment

25% Projects & Technology Improvements

• Participate in and support IT infrastructure and projects
• Support technology projects involving firefighter and emergency response equipment and systems.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance and after-hours work when required for critical systems.

Tentative Timeline:

• Application Period: September 30, 2026 - October 23, 2026
• In-person Oral Boards: Week of November 2, 2026
• In-person Department Interview: Week of November 9, 2026

PurposeKey Duties

1. Moves and sets up workstations, including supplying computer terminal, data connection, and telephone; builds personal computer systems from parts; installs desktop equipment, software, and network operating systems; installs emulation software and wiring connections to the District's network; installs, maintains, and troubleshoots voice connections, cabling, instruments, and switches; tests and certifies each installed connection, including mobile devices and tablets; works with various vendors to support these systems.
2. Identifies, prioritizes, and resolves system and technology problems including hardware, software, peripherals, telecommunications, and networks to mitigate downtime; performs diagnostic testing; repairs equipment; establishes a maintenance schedule.
3. Installs and supports new hardware and new and/or upgraded versions of software applications.
4. 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.
5. Communicates and works with end users; instructs end users concerning computer systems and software applications.
6. Builds, configures, and implements application servers; performs systems backup for servers. 
7. Plans, coordinates, installs, implements, tests, and maintains databases and applications including the District-wide Geographic Information Systems (GIS); designs and maintains database infrastructure; creates and manipulates spatial data tables and layers; integrates data and functionality with other specialized applications. 
8. Operates and maintains a variety of specialized equipment and software related to the upgrade, installation and repair of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment; utilizes a variety of hand and power tools to make repairs.
9. Interprets data and analyzes results using fire statistical analysis and techniques; provides ongoing system analysis reports; imports, cleans, transforms, validates and/or models data.
10. Performs highly complex technical support in administering and maintaining the District’s document imaging system.
11. Supports the process of maintaining intra and/or internet web pages, websites, and surrounding layers of files/links; presents consistent and readable visual images by promoting uniform fonts, formatting icons, images, layout techniques, and modularization.
12. Assists users with operational questions or problems and in the use of computer software applications related to specific unit activities; provides new user training and ongoing support to keep all end users apprised of changes and upgrades to the District’s computer systems and databases.
13. Researches, analyzes, designs, and implements changes to databases and other programs.
14. Serves as a technical resource for maintaining, enhancing, and upgrading the division’s current and long-term computer system operations.
15. Develops, tests, modifies, and implements report writing applications for division use.
16. Researches and tests available computer products, analyzing the relevance of different types of software and balancing against unit functions and requirements.
17. Coordinates with other staff to resolve problems with system applications; works with software providers to accomplish specific maintenance and modifications.
18. Researches, evaluates, and purchases computer equipment and supplies; maintains inventory; tracks and receives a variety of computer systems and telecommunications equipment, software applications, supplies, training materials, and related needs adhering to established purchasing policies. 
19. Enforces information technology operational policies and procedures.
20. Services existing electronic equipment requiring repair or complex preventive maintenance; performs scheduled upgrades to existing personal computer systems.
21. Evaluates wiring needs of new offices and office remodeling; advises contractors of desired wiring configuration.
22. Attends and participates in meetings, conferences and seminars related to computer technology to maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field; stays abreast of current trends and developments in the field of computer software programs and networking systems on a variety of hardware operating systems.
23. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
 
Experience:     Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience performing computer system installation and support.  The four (4) required years of experience should include at least two (2) years in the computer network field in a role responsible for the identifications and repair of local and wide area networks.   Additional education may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
 
Training:           Equivalent to an Associate’s degree in computer science, information systems, data processing, or a related field.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Applications and functions of computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
• Theory and design of information technology.
• Principles of database management and systems development.
• Personal computers and related operating systems; mobile devices and tablets; communications and networking equipment such as network hubs, switches, and routers; technical aspects of local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) operations and maintenance.
• Technology, hardware and software, and current applications and practices related to data platforms such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Computer and peripheral equipment maintenance methods and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods,  computer equipment and computer applications.
• Record keeping principles and procedures. 
• Proper grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff

 
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.
• Manage enterprise Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform by installing, deploying, updating, and monitoring application usage on mobile devices.
• Establish and maintain a computer maintenance schedule.
• Write system procedures.
• 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 correspondence and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• 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, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.