Senior Technical Support Specialist (IT Director/Research Assistant)

Senior Technical Support Specialist (IT Director, Research Assistant) 

Opening Date:  January 31, 2024

Closing Date:  Until filled     

Job Class Code: 0658

Grade: 1

Salary: $66,976.00 - $91,145.60/annually* 

* Salary is competitive and based upon qualifications (pursuant to 5 MRSA sec. 196, the salary for this position is set by the Office of the Attorney General). A 15% information technology recruitment and retention stipend for the position will be added to salary ($4.83 – $6.57/hourly).

Bargaining Unit:  MSEA-D, Supervisory

Position #006000562

The State of Maine Office of the Attorney General is seeking a dynamic individual for our Information Technology team. 

This is advanced technical services work involving the provision of systems Hardware, software, and network technical support to office IT operations and involves both technical and supervisory responsibility for one or more operating systems.  Technical duties include Desktop support management; advanced IT management; server environment functionality (physical and virtual); data integrity;  Software identification, procurement, downloading, troubleshooting; database management; IT budgeting; disaster recovery; data storage, backup, and recovery management; user add/drop/maintenance; supporting OAG employees with existing equipment (computers, printers, desktop photocopiers, label makers) applications, databases, and software; assisting end users to maximize the use and productivity of technology, including help desk support and troubleshooting; other productivity technology as available. Supervisory duties may include managing and coordinating technical personnel as well as administrative and vendor support personnel on occasion.  An employee in this classification also functions as a key technical advisor to management, vendors, other data processing personnel. Is highly trained and experienced in computer, systems programming, problem analysis, networking performance management, capacity planning, IT budgeting, hardware and software configuration planning, integration, and implementation.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:  (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

·         Monitors and coordinates installation of vendor system software products, components  and networking computers in order to meet current and long-range departmental data processing requirements.

·         Oversees and coordinates maintenance and updating of major operating and networking systems in order to ensure adequate interface of operational functions and applications systems and to identify and correct software problems.

·         Evaluates suitability and impact of software and hardware components on computer systems in order to advise data processing management.

·         Oversees and coordinates planning and maintenance of related computer system software and hardware components in order to ensure successful day-to-day operation and maximize system utilization.

·         Oversees and coordinates isolation, identification, and correction of system software problems in order to recover full production status and prevent future failures and malfunctions.

·         Revises and enhances vendor system software products and packages in order to ensure most functional, efficient, and timesaving results are achieved.

·         Supervises information support specialist and other vendor specialists as needed in order to provide technical expertise and ensure objectives are accomplished.

·         Manages and optimizes performance of major mainframe and networking systems and conducts capacity planning efforts in order to maximize availability of system resources.

·         Prepares materials and instructs personnel in proper and efficient procedures and methods of computer software and hardware utilization in order to develop and maintain staff expertise.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Experience in Microsoft Windows Server Administration, to include Server 2012, 2016 and 2019 operating systems.
• Experience working to resolve problems or in implementing new solutions
• Experience using a ticket management system for work prioritization and daily workload management.

·         Knowledge of state-of-the-art computer hardware and software technology.

·         Knowledge of peripheral hardware equipment components as they pertain to and interface with operating and networking system software and application systems.

·         Knowledge of capacity planning techniques for networking computers and related equipment.

·         Ability to generate, install, and maintain computer operating and networking systems and related components.

·         Ability to plan, supervise, and coordinate the work of technical subordinates.

·         Ability to adapt and enhance or modify computer operating and networking system components.

• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical computer problems.
• Ability to perform research and make recommendations to management on technical computer issues.
• Ability to draft agency automated information system policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ability to perform work requiring lifting and/or physical exertion may be required.
• Must be able to continuously monitor industry trends, technologies, and standards and be able to research, recommend, and apply new technologies as they emerge.

·         Ability to diagnose and correct system failures and malfunctions.

·         Ability to use project planning techniques such as PERT or GANTT charts.

·         Ability to research and evaluate the suitability of computer software and hardware for a given use.

·         Ability to analyze a program malfunction, determine the cause, and fix it.

·         Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.

·         Ability to communicate effectively.

·         Ability to write clearly and effectively.

·         Ability to develop technical standards.

The Administrative Services Division is responsible for budgeting, human resources, accounting, information systems and other administrative functions for the approximately 200 employees of the Maine Office of the Attorney General. 

 Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS

A minimum of 8 years of a combination of related post-secondary education, technical certifications, or technology related work experience.  Related training, internship experience etc. may be credited as related experience on a month-per-month basis.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications in accounting that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Include resume, three references, and complete the online direct hire application.

The Office is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Division Chief Mark Toulouse via email  or by calling (207)626-8593.

BENEFITS

Maine state employees embody our state motto — "Dirigo" or "I lead" — as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service. Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave – One of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.