Desktop Systems Analyst

The City of Kirkland's Information Technology Department is seeking to hire a Desktop Systems Analyst!

Why Work for Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!
Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Job Summary

The Desktop Systems Analyst is responsible for the effective operation and maintenance of City desktop and mobile computer systems and related peripherals in the City's integrated network environment. This includes desktop application and operating system software, testing and installation planning and implementation. Also includes evaluation of the organization's business needs and researching appropriate new solutions to help meet those needs.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provides technical expertise and coordination in the troubleshooting, diagnosis, and resolution of issues associated with desktop and mobile computer hardware and associated peripherals, related operating systems and software utilities, and client-level network security and functionality across all City departments.
• Coordinates and performs or oversees the installation, upgrading, replacement, and detailed asset inventory of desktop and mobile computer systems, portable computing devices, software and related peripherals.
• Researches and recommends detailed citywide standards for desktop and mobile computer hardware, related peripherals, portable computing devices, and associated operating systems and utility software.
• Supports the deployment, integration, configuration and ongoing support and maintenance of all desktop security-related solutions. Responsible for daily use, monitoring and enhancement of these solutions in accordance with the security standards of the organization and industry
• Supports the Information Systems Security Officer and IT Leadership in developing security governance documents such as policies, standard operating procedures, baselines, business continuity plans, etc.
• Acts as the primary Point of Contact for Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM)
• Acts as a backup resource for the Service Desk.

Essential Functions

• Diagnoses and resolves issues associated with desktop and mobile computer systems and their applications. Provides additional expertise, cross training, and support of staff performing system support roles to ensure effective and timely problem resolution.
• Ensures that other division staff are adequately cross-trained to serve as official backup for this position.
• Recommends, develops, and oversees vendor support contracts in responsible areas. Coordinates vendor repairs and preventative maintenance checks, monitors and evaluates vendor performance and notifies the Service Desk Supervisor accordingly.
• Researches and coordinates deployment, as necessary, of software upgrades, updates, repairs and patches both directly at client desktops and using remote deployment/utility software or scripts. Maintains all desktop operating systems at a supported and reasonably current patch level that assures adequate security and reliability.
• Coordinates and performs the installation and network configuration of newly acquired desktop and mobile computers, printers, and related peripherals. Oversees the receipt of products (verifying the accuracy and quality of the shipment), equipment testing, development of up-to-date PC hard drive image libraries for installations, installation and configuration of software, integration of products with networks as needed, and maintenance of associated records.
• Stays current with developments and changes in the desktop, mobile, network and related hardware, operating system and applications software industries. Reviews and tests new hardware and software applications for potential use by City departments.
• Contributes to change management policies and procedures to ensure the maintenance of accurate and timely hardware inventory data. Responsible for the inventory and disposition of surplus equipment.
• Researches, recommends, and regularly updates standards for desktop and mobile computer systems and peripherals. Recommends replacement standards and maintains associated replacement schedules.
• Assists the division manager in the development of operating and CIP budget proposals for responsible areas. Responsibly monitors expenditures in responsible areas, advising the division manager accordingly.
• In general, provides high-quality, detailed consultation, documentation, technical support, and troubleshooting with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
• Ensures the City's technology assets, systems, services, facilities and data are compliant with desired information security protocols
• Maintains up-to-date baselines for the secure configuration and operations of all end user devices, either directly controlled (security tools) or indirectly supported (workstations, laptops and mobile devices.).

Peripheral Responsibilities

• Writes ad hoc reports and develops basic database and spreadsheet applications when needed to support assigned functions.
• Polices and reports violations of City software licensing policies and enforces other policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with city staff and vendors.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current PC operating systems along with common utilities for PC diagnosis, database connectivity, print management, hard drive imaging, and scripted or application-based remote application deployment.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of PC hardware platforms, components, peripherals, repair techniques, and the use of diagnostic tools for troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of network and data communication systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of desktop productivity application packages supported by the Division, such as the Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Exchange/Outlook.
• Ability to comprehend and resolve the problems experienced by staff using a wide variety of software application programs.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and apply their contents to solving hardware and software issues.
• Ability to manage and effectively communicate with City staff and vendors both orally and in writing to ensure timely and effective technical problem resolution.
• Excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, project management and time-management skills.
• Ability to accurately convey technical information to non-technical audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Willingness and ability to respond to call-outs in the evening, nights, and on weekends, including serving on a regular call rotation schedule.
• Ability and willingness to maintain the absolute confidentiality of all sensitive files and materials accessed, discussed or observed while in the performance of duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a closely related field; three years' experience supporting, implementing, and administering desktop computer systems in a Windows network environment; knowledge of network server and data communication operating systems and protocols in Windows, TCP/IP and Cisco environments; Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MSCE) certification preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Due to the level of security access required for this position, will be required to pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check.

Working Conditions

Incumbent is typically required to reach, stand, walk, use a keyboard, talk, hear, and perform activities requiring repetitive motions. Work is typically light work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of force greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as light work.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.