Job Abstract

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland?
The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill multiple Information Systems Specialist II positions in both the Information Technology Department and the Office of the City Attorney. This is an exciting career opportunity to join the City of Oakland on a dynamic IT team for either Department.

The City of Oakland Information Technology Department (ITD) is an exciting, fast-paced environment. Working with technology and innovation, ITD is leading digital transformation throughout the City and offers a supportive, fun, hard-working environment where you can make a difference in the community you serve!

The City Attorney’s Office advocates the City's interests in lawsuits filed against or on behalf of the City. It is committed to defending Oakland's progressive policies and initiating legal action when the community's quality of life or economic interests are jeopardized. It also advises the Mayor, City Administration, City Council, City Departments, boards, and commissions. The ideal candidate will possess current and relevant technical experience performing various levels of tech support and troubleshooting in a law firm setting. Having strong customer service in supporting staff with different technical backgrounds is desired.

We are looking for someone who:

• Skillfully works as a customer-oriented, critical thinker: You will be responding to help tickets from City of Oakland employees and need to assess the issue and come to a successful conclusion.
• Possesses exemplary communication skills: This position requires both written and verbal communication skills for training and technical support.
• Thrives in high-pressure environments: You will support an environment with constant deadlines and be expected to handle multiple projects.
• Highly skilled in maintaining meticulous attention to detail: You will be handling help tickets and need to ensure successful resolutions.
• Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in analytical and research skills: You will be expected to continue growing your knowledge to help handle any technical problems that are reported.
• Takes the initiative independently and acts as a proactive team member: You will be expected to work on issues individually while also maintaining your place on the team.
• Acts in a responsible and accountable manner: You may be exposed to personal and confidential material and handle that information appropriately.

• Providing hardware and software troubleshooting support to departmental staff.
• Writing scripts and automating tasks.
• Installing and configuring new hardware and software.
• Providing effective resolutions to reported issues.
• Creating technical manuals and conducting training sessions to introduce new and existing technology.

• You will be working in a fast-paced learning environment.
• You will learn the complexities of information technology.
• You will be building and using your technological skillset to fulfill various requirements.
• You will have the ability to cultivate a strong work-life balance.

• You will be working with people who have a varying understanding of technical knowledge.
• You will need to manage your volume of work and be responsible for navigating competing priorities with challenging timelines.
• You will be responsible for providing effective responses and resolutions.

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new and better ways of doing things
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

• Experience with Windows operating systems.
• Experience with ServiceNow and Active Directory.
• Experience with a focus on customer service.
• Experience with the procurement of new equipment and software.
• Experience with PC and laptop configuration.
• Experience with Microsoft and Office 365 programs.
• Microsoft MCP, MCSA or other relevant certification.
• Knowledge of legal applications such as Imanage and Westlaw.

The Recruitment Process:

The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.

Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.

In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.

For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You’ll have 7 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. This is tentatively planned to launch during the week of June 10, 2024.

For some recruitments, more than one type of assessment may be used. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the first assessment (multiple-choice test, structured interview, writing exercise, performance exam) you may be asked to complete a secondary assessment before the recruitment is finalized. If a secondary assessment is scheduled, you will be notified by email with specific details. If a secondary assessment is not scheduled, department hiring interviews will occur during this time frame.

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

What’s in it for you?

• Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation – 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement – CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health – The City of Oakland pays for the cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental – The City of Oakland pays for Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision – The City of Oakland pays for VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave – Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation – 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Training, & possible Telecommuting.