9-1-1 Public Safety Technical Specialist

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well being.

The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.

Job Description

The 9-1-1 Public Safety Technical Specialist must be available to respond 24/7 to provide necessary assistance in ensuring all vendors respond to any public safety agency that experiences 911 critical system failures and to aid in system recovery and restore operations for all hardware and software related issues. The agencies include Police, Fire, and Prisons. This position also assists with the management of the 800 MHz P25 radio system and radio tower sites. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage the preventive maintenance and repair schedule annually for all consolidated and non-consolidated 800 MHz Motorola radios.
• Facilitate all monthly 9-1-1 user’s meetings.
• Assist in managing vendors that support the 911 mission critical systems which include 800 MHz radio system, 911 phone system and CAD systems. This includes following up on all repairs, scheduled maintenance and emergency service to ensure all repairs are completed and approved for payment.
• Assist in monitoring radios to be decommissioned each year, setting up a process to collect radios, remove from inventory and coordinate process with Procurement and Public Property.
• Work on assigned 911 system projects as needed.
• Participate in planning process for moving and disposing all radio equipment as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned by Assistant IT Director of 911 Administration, Senior Director Public Safety, and Deputy CIO Public Safety. 

Essential Functions

• Communicate (verbally and in writing) effectively with stakeholders and senior business leadership.
• Organize and work effectively with project teams of staff from department and with technical resources participating in the effort.
• Assist in managing vendor contracts, performance, renewals, RFI and RFP process.
• Must demonstrate excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work. 
• Must be flexible and willing to work both independently and as a team member. 
• Must be self-motivated. 
• Must understand various funding sources, for example: Operating, Capital, 9-1-1, General and the process followed by OIT Finance to procure hardware and software

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with IT operations management, application development and maintenance, networking and security, continuity of operations, broad based technology in multiple business applications and environments.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Intermediate to Advanced Internet skills (for research purposes); Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills, time management skills, organizational skills, leadership ability and professional ethics. Must be accurate, detail oriented and flexible, comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to establish priorities (remain focused on daily operations), conduct trainings, follow office protocols, use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions, handle and resolve recurring problems, carry tasks to completion and multi-task. 
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives, work as part of a team, maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters, exercise sound judgment and coordinate resolutions to critical situations, under all conditions, interface effectively with all levels of county management, user agencies and the public.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Eight plus (8+) years of applicable work experience with 2 or more years of IT management or public safety/911 PSAP experience, preferably working in a large governmental environment or a large and highly regulated entity is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience working in a matrixed reporting environment requiring adaptability, prioritization, communication, coordination, multi-tasking and rapid response.
• Experience in vendor procurement and contract administration, including the request for proposal process, contract negotiations, and contract administration, is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license is required

Additional Information

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications. 

All applications should include the following: 
•    Cover Letter clarifying your interest and qualifications for the role.
•    Resume
We won’t accept or review incomplete applications.

Work Setting: in-person (onsite)

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
•    We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
•    Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
•    Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
•    Generous retirement savings options are available
•    Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
•    Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
•    Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.