IS Technical Support Officer

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for a IS Technical Support Officer (Grade 5) may be filled. The Digital and ICT Directorate manages Cork County Council’s IT infrastructure including the networks, information systems and applications, that are required to support the operation of the council’s services across Housing, Planning, Roads, Tourism, Libraries, Economic Development etc. The directorate consists of two sections one dealing with Applications, Data, Service Design and M365 and the second with Infrastructure, Security and Service Management. The directorate is located in Cork County Hall.

The IS Technical Support Officer role will be part of a team that is responsible for delivering and supporting technical projects across Business Solutions, Data Management, Infrastructure Management or Service Management. They will help to ensure the ongoing support, development and delivery of IT services for all our customers.

The IS Technical Support Officer’s role may span one or more areas of expertise. There are 4 streams, or areas of specialism, in this campaign with opportunities to be placed on panels as follows: Stream 1 - IS Business Technical Support Officer Stream 2 - IS Data Technical Support Officer Stream 3 - IS Infrastructure Technical Support Officer Stream - IS Service Management Technical Support Officer SECTION 2: DUTIES The IS Technical Support Officer will work within a team providing technical support for Digital and ICT services across the council’s ICT infrastructure including the network, server estate, end points, applications, systems, and security. S/he will have a varied role that may encompass defining system or technology requirements; developing system or technical plans and documentation; reviewing and evaluating existing systems; designing, modifying, managing and supporting business systems, components, processes and workflows. The primary objective is implementing and maintaining the technology that enables the work of the council. Stream 1 – IS Business Technical Support Officer The IS Business Technical Support Officer role will suit candidates with an interest in further developing their ICT career in areas such as software and applications procurement and implementation, project management, business analysis, service design, testing, software lifecycle management and contract management. This stream includes opportunities to work on the design and delivery of projects using design thinking methodology and looking for ways to exploit new and existing technology.

Role Description & Responsibilities: • Interpreting a project and the client’s requirements and evaluating all the options to identify potential solutions • Investigating and analysing business or technical processes, procedures, and work practices to identify improvements or add functionality • Implementing and supporting M365 projects on SharePoint, Power Apps and Teams • Improving existing business models, processes and flows of data • Providing support and lifecycle management for software systems • Preparation and maintenance of appropriate project and technical documentation • Managing and evaluating test processes including overseeing User Acceptance Testing • Attending regular planning and support meetings • Acting as a liaison between business stakeholders, customers, 3rd party providers or other technology teams • Managing procurement of third-party solutions and subsequent contracts • Undertake training as appropriate to ensure knowledge and expertise is maintained • Undertake other appropriate duties assigned by the Head of Digital & ICT.

Stream 2 – IS Data Technical Support Officer The IS Data Management Technical Support Officer role will suit candidates with an interest in further developing their ICT career in areas such as SQL database administration, data management, Power BI, business intelligence and data analytics. It will also suit people interested in working with spatial data, developing and supporting GIS corporate solutions and GIS data distribution.

Role Description & Responsibilities: • Supporting the DBA function with SQL Server database administration • Support existing SQL Reporting and report creation • Supporting the development and maintenance of the database environment in line with best practice • Assisting in the development of data management policies and procedures • Supporting and contributing to, where appropriate, ICT plans, policies and procedures • Assist in interpreting a project and the client’s data and reporting requirements and evaluating all the options to identify potential solutions • Identifying and evaluating inefficiencies and recommending optimal data management practices • Support the preparation and maintenance of appropriate project and technical documentation • Support the management and development of our corporate web GIS solutions for both public and internal use • Assisting in the support and development of FME Apps and process • Assist in interpreting a project and the client’s requirements of GIS solutions and applications • Managing large spatial datasets for corporate distribution for both desktop and web GIS users • Reviewing and evaluating test processes • Managing procurement of third-party license renewals and subsequent contracts • Assisting in Power BI Administration and Report creation. • Undertake training as appropriate to ensure knowledge and expertise is maintained • Undertake other appropriate duties assigned by the Head of Digital & ICT. Stream 3 - IS Infrastructure Technical Support Officer The IS Infrastructure Technical Support Officer role will suit candidates with an interest in further developing their ICT career in areas such as IT architecture, technical infrastructure, telecommunications, network support, server management, ICT security, virtualisation, cloud computing and M365 Administration and deployment.

Role Description & Responsibilities: • Monitoring network components including configuration, security and maintenance • Maintenance, problem solving and support of existing systems and infrastructure • Managing contracts and service delivery by 3rd party technology providers • Configuring components to ensure interoperability • Managing and administering servers and virtual machines • Identifying and evaluating inefficiencies and recommending optimal technology solutions • Preparation and maintenance of appropriate project and technical documentation • Applying appropriate security controls • Managing and evaluating test processes • Office 365 implementation and administration • Adhering to Change management processes • Attending regular planning and review meetings • Undertake training as appropriate to ensure knowledge and expertise is maintained • Undertake other appropriate duties assigned by the Head of Digital & ICT. Stream 4 - IS Service Management Technical Support Officer The IS Service Management Technical Support Officer role will suit candidates with an interest in further developing their ICT career in IT service management including providing technical support, implementing ICT security, mobile device management, managing procurement processes and project management. Role Description & Responsibilities: • Delivering and supporting the IT service management function including change and release management; incident management; problem management, configuration management and request management • Providing technical support for all council services • Support and maintenance of the audiovisual systems (MVI easyconf, MTR ) to ensure successful council and other hybrid meetings/events • Creating training documents and user guides and delivering staff training • Providing MDM (Mobile Device Management) support for mobile devices • Documenting common problems and resolutions in KBs and training documents • Liaising with 3rd party vendors to implement solutions and track service level commitments • Continuous improvement management, identifying and implementing improvement measures • Undertake training as appropriate to ensure knowledge and expertise is maintained • Undertake other appropriate duties assigned by the Head of Digital & ICT. Successful candidates will be encouraged and supported to undertake further training and certification to build expertise in the area they are appointed to.

Note: as the Digital & ICT Department continues to evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the allocation of specific duties will be necessary. SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. Education, Training, Experience etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms - (a) Hold a recognised diploma or degree (min level 6 in the National Framework Qualifications), or equivalent professional qualification in an IT-related discipline. (b) Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within an ICT function or team which supported and enabled a complex and diverse service organisation. (c) Fulfill the Selection Experience in Section 3.1 3.1 Selection Experience The successful candidate must have a min of 2 years’ appropriate experience in at least two of the relevant essential experience categories. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can also demonstrate their breadth of knowledge to include the desirable experience listed per stream. Stream 1 - IS Business Technical Support Officer

Essential Experience The successful candidate must have a min of 2 years’ experience in at least two of the relevant essential disciplines • Business Analysis, Design and Requirements engineering • Service Design • Application integration, deployment and support • SQL scripting • Web services and IIS administration • M365, Sharepoint and Teams Administration • Contract management and procurement

Desirable Experience Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in the following: • Business Systems Support particularly ERP/FMS support • Analysis and Requirements Engineering • Project Management • Vendor management

Steam 2 - IS Data Technical Support Officer

Essential Experience The successful candidate must have a min of 2 years’ experience in at least two of the relevant essential disciplines • SQL Database administration and support • Business intelligence and data analytics • Geographical Information Systems implementations and support • GIS spatial data management and distribution • Information systems and data security design and implementation

Desirable Experience Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in the following: • Database Support in SQL Server • SSRS and Power BI report creation • SQL Query Language • GIS Data and Web Browser Management using the ESRI suite of products • Use of Desktop MapInfo and ESRI products • FME Desktop and Server • Analysis and requirements gathering Stream 3 - IS Infrastructure Technical Support Officer

Essential Experience The successful candidate must have a min of 2 years’ experience in at least two of the relevant essential disciplines • Infrastructure and network support and implementation • Server and desktop management • Network and device security • Communications technologies • Backup, disaster recovery and business continuity solutions • Email services administration • Security controls/tools e.g., antivirus, anti-malware, endpoint encryption

Desirable Experience Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in the following: • Centralised software deployment systems • Technology management and configuration • Endpoint management • Automation • Cloud services design and implementation • Virtual environments Stream 4- IS Service Management Technical Support Officer

Essential Experience The successful candidate must have a min of 2 years’ experience in at least two of the relevant essential disciplines • IT Asset Management • Patch Management • Experience of Mobile Device Management - Manage Engine Desktop Central • Expert knowledge of audiovisual systems (MVI easyconf, MTR ) • Knowledge of Smasung Knox and Apple DEP • Knowledge of end user device landscape.

Desirable Experience Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in the following: • Centralised software deployment systems • Desktop management • Endpoint management • Knowledge of Manage Engine Suites • Public Procurement (eTenders and Frameworks) For all streams –

Essential Experience • A career record that demonstrates the necessary experience and competencies to carry out this role • At least 2 years’ experience in supporting and delivering projects • Good team working and interpersonal skills • Good report writing skills • Ability to communicate technical information and ideas clearly and concisely to non-technical people • Ability to present findings to management teams and client departments • Technical and analytical skills • Enthusiasm for continuous learning.

Desirable Experience • Proven logical, analytical and creative abilities • Self-development skills to keep up to date with fast-changing trends in a complex IT environment • Creativity in problem solving and decision making • The ability to prioritise your workload • Knowledge of Data protection and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) • ITIL and/or other IT standards experience or knowledge. Candidates are requested to make a personal assessment of these criteria against their own qualifications, skills and abilities to assess whether they should apply for the post. 4. Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age. 5. Transport When required to do so, holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. 6. ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KEY COMPETENCIES Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview that they possess the following competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date: Delivery of Results An IS Technical Support Officer is expected to take ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion. Analysis and Decision Making An IS Technical Support Officer is expected to investigate all relevant issues and make balanced fair recommendations based on evidence.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills An IS Technical Support Officer is expected to deal with customers and colleagues in an effective, efficient and respectful manner. S/He should be able to express themselves in a clear and articulate manner.

Technical Competency/Specialist Knowledge An IS Technical Support Officer is expected to display a high level of skill and expertise in the chose ICT stream(s).

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality. It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done - for example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. For each example, please include the following: a) the nature of the task, problem or objective; b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it) c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one. A shortlisting process may be applied based on TWO or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form. SECTION 5: TENURE The position is wholetime and pensionable. Panels may be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies for IS Technical Support Officer (Grade 5) which may arise during the lifetime of the panels.

SECTION 6: SALARY The Salary for the post is: €48,089- €57,572 basic per annum €48,089 - €49,561 - €51,039 - €52,537 - €59,047 (Maximum); - €55,806 - (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum) - €57,572 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI). Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at a minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST The base for working purposes shall be the location as determined by Cork County Council. Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation. Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS The working hours at present provide for a five-day, thirty-five hour working week. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the FlexiTime Policy. All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001. The successful candidate may be required to work hours outside of normal working hours as required by his/her immediate Supervisor.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum or on a pro-rata basis for period worked. Notice of intention to take leave shall be given to the council at least two weeks before proposed leave commences. Cork County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended).

SECTION 10: ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN IRELAND Please note that in order to work in Ireland, a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. Should you be successful in the selection process, prior to appointment you will be required to confirm that you are in possession of same.