IT ARCHITECT – INFRASTRUCTURE

HOUSTON IT SERVICES STRATEGY

The HITS Department mission is to provide solutions that serve, protect, and enlighten our citizens.  Our vision is that HITS will be a catalyst for the transformation of Houston into a digital city for all.

Our Strategic Priorities include:

Engage citizens through connected mobile and digital experiences to increase satisfaction and participation.

Inspire and empower employees to do their best work by aligning their skills to the strategy and leveraging the power of mobility and collaboration.

Optimize government operations to ensure security, reliability, cost, and operating efficiencies.

Transform services to better utilize data to produce actionable analysis, better decision making, and transparency to citizens.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented IT Architect – Infrastructure, that will play a key role in designing, implementing and ensuring the reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness of our IT infrastructure. Responsible for the design, installation, administration, and optimization of the company servers, e.g., Windows, UNIX, LINUX, and related components to achieve high performance of the various business applications. Ensures the availability of client/server applications, configures all new implementations, and develops processes/procedures for ongoing management of the server environment. Handles access issues and assists in overseeing the physical security, integrity, and safety of the data center/server farm.
 

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficient in architecting Microsoft Active Directory and Office 365 solutions.
• Strong expertise in architecting IP Services administration (DNS, DHCP, IPAM).
• Experience with architecting Azure cloud services, infrastructure, and cost management.
• Knowledge of architecting ADFS solutions and federated identity management.
• Familiarity with architecting Certificate Authority infrastructure and digital certificate management.
• In-depth understanding of architecting email delivery systems and SMTP relay.
• Excellent analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• Skill in verbal and written skills with ability to communicate effectively with peers and executive leadership.
• Skill in leadership and teamwork skills, including facilitating change, driving operational excellence, and striving for continuous improvement as a team.
• Ability to interact with department executives to drive business value.
• Ability to understand and explain technical or complex subject matter in business terms.
• Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, negotiate, listen, mitigate conflict, build alliances, and achieve desired results using strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to lead and manage under conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty. 
• Proven organizational skills in working across organizational boundaries and reporting lines.
• Ability to develop IT roadmap.

Level: An architect is a recognized subject matter expert in job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Responsibilities typically include: 

• Managing large projects or processes with limited oversight from manager. 
• Coaching, reviewing and delegating work to lower-level professionals. 
• Problems faced are difficult and often complex.

Preferences shall also be given to those with the following:

• Microsoft 365 working knowledge
• MS Azure implementation
• VMware implementation
• HX Cisco Server/Nodes
• Active Directory
• SCCM
• SCOM
• Infoblox
• Domain Controllers
• Veeam Backups
• Storage and hardware knowledge

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION – NO

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.  

PAY GRADE: 33 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-0450. 

If you need special services or accommodation, call (832) 393-0450. (TTY 7-1-1).  If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.  

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.   

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of the information provided. 

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.