Manager of Information Technology

Job Type
Other

Organization
Town of Slave Lake

Closing date
May 6, 2023

Job Description
Join the Town as its first Manager of Information Technology!

In this newly created position, the Manager of Information Technology  (“IT”) will be responsible for managing the Town’s Information Services functions including Information Technology (“IT”), GIS and Records Management. The mandate of the position is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all operations through the innovative use of technology.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), the Manager of Information Technology will oversee the long-term and large-scoped projects, including the  as well as daily operations of the functions within the scope of technology and data services. The main focus will be on strategic planning, providing project management, business analysis, and business relationship management for the Town and within the IT Department.

The incumbent will lead the IT team with a hands-on approach to designing, building, implementing, improving, and maintaining all Town  information technology, including but not limited to financial and payroll systems, security, radio communications, dispatch systems, and related IT infrastructure including applications and network support.

EMPLOYEES THAT REPORT DIRECTLY TO THIS POSITION:
Information Technology Coordinator

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Major

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the IT department including leading all functions of IT, GIS and Records Management/FOIP.
• Oversee development, enhancement, maintenance and implementation of new business systems, including ERP and related applications. Develop associated 4-year information services department plan.
• Develop operational plans and budgets which incorporate goals and objectives that work towards achieving the organization’s strategic priorities. Prioritize and manage IT-related projects.
• Lead and manage the IT team to deliver excellent customer service to all internal/external stakeholders. Supervise all direct reports, including assigning duties, scheduling work, providing training and advice, reviewing performance and dealing with disciplinary matters in accordance with corporate policy.
• Foster effective teamwork between the IS department and the Leadership Team to ensure that organizational needs are being met and the IS department is properly identified as a key stakeholder in major projects.
• Oversee IT financial planning and management, including purchasing and budgeting. Ensure assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitor revenues and expenditures in the assigned area to ensure sound fiscal control; prepare annual budget requests; effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. Administer the funds of the department according to the approved budget and purchasing policies.
• Maintain the IT Department’s programs and service inventory including IT Back up, IT Software, IT Hardware, IT Network Infrastructure, IT Security, IT Service Desk, IT Training, GIS, Records Management and FOIP.
• Recommend, document and implement a formal data recovery plan and policies and procedures related to the management of all components of the Town’s IT system, including networks, equipment, software applications and data management.
• Maintain a strong commitment to written documentation, including but not limited to IT policies, internal architecture documentation, system and user manuals, license management, and documentation of modifications and upgrades (change control). Analyze, develop and implement new policies for IT, Records, FOIP and GIS. 
• Ensure effective disaster recovery and backup of all essential systems.
• Adhere to best practices regarding security and risk mitigation.
• Provide technical expertise and support during systems upgrades, installations, and data conversions or maintenance.
• Develop standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff and to end-users.
• Select and purchase new and replacement hardware and software, when necessary.
• Conduct on-going review of software to determine overlaps, duplication and recommend  appropriate action plan.
• Monitor performance of information technology systems to determine cost and productivity levels, and to make recommendations for improving the IT infrastructure.
• Analyze business requirements by partnering with key stakeholders across the organization to develop solutions for IT needs. Provide direct support to key stakeholders to meet their IT needs.
• Manage all aspects of the Town’s IT network, including maintaining the operational efficiency of the network comprised of servers located at the main municipal offices and remote sites.
• Administer and maintain the virtual and storage networks.
• Manage network and internet (firewall) connections at all remote sites and all user security and account information.
• Oversee server and desktop security and maintenance of email servers, anti-spam and anti-virus systems.
• Maintain an accurate and updated inventory of all network and computer equipment and ensure software licensing agreements are up to date.
• Manage telephone systems, cell phones, smartphones and mobile devices.
• Oversee hardware and operating system updates and security patches.
• Recommend equipment, supplies and materials (e.g. purchase equipment, lease equipment, etc.).
• Promote and champion the Town’s Strategic Priorities for information systems and standards, policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in internal management meetings, including all meetings related to IT initiatives.
• Supervise staff and provide coaching, mentorship and training, as necessary.
• Support department business areas by leading coordination of research, data collection, modeling, analysis, and reporting to enhance data-driven decision making and service delivery for the Town.
• Run regular checks on network and data security.

Minor

• Negotiate IT-related 3rd party contracts and service agreements for approval.
• Assess vendors and develop test strategies for new hardware and software.
• Develop plans for asset management. Troubleshoot hardware and software issues related to internal IT.
• Analyze, procure and oversee the implementation of new equipment, software, and contracted services.
• Negotiate contracts and leases (i.e., photocopiers, leased computers, software)
• Provide training (in-house or contracted) to Town employees as needed.

Occasional

• Support HR forensic investigations as required.
• Perform system and data backups and routine maintenance.
• Provide technical assistance, support and training to all staff and Council for printers, desktops, laptops, tablets, copiers, fax machines and other miscellaneous equipment and manage all associated agreements, warranties and maintenance contracts.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Degree or Diploma in Technology, Information Systems.
• Certification Experience/Training; ITIL, Microsoft Windows Workstation and Server, SQL Server, Configuration Management using SCCM/Intune/Endpoint Manager, Microsoft 365 and general knowledge of networking, data security, data privacy and GIS concepts is considered an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years of IT or GIS management experience.
• Working knowledge of computer systems, network and system administration, databases, data storage systems, phone systems, telecommunications, including microwave, and radio communications systems.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) experience required, including knowledge of complex hardware and control systems and advanced reporting and analysis capabilities.
• Documented experience managing Microsoft Windows environments, including Microsoft SQL Server 2016, Office, SharePoint, Office 365, HP Content Manager, iCompass, Adobe Creative Suite, Office 2019, Exchange 2019.
• Documented experience managing financial software and GIS mapping (Auto desk, Munisight).
• Valid driver’s license for Alberta or the ability to transfer current license to Alberta.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Proven ability to lead a team of technical staff, delivering complex concurrent projects is required.
• Change management experience is preferred.
• Experience in management of infrastructure life cycle and asset management is an asset.
• A broad understanding of municipal government processes and legislation.
• Demonstrated competency in long-range planning and strategic thinking.
• Strong knowledge of virtualization and client/server architecture.
• Strong awareness and effective implementation of security best practices.
• Capable of working independently and autonomously on a variety of assignments.
• Experience in managing and designing disaster recovery strategies.
• Willingness for intermittent travel to Town locations.
• Demonstrated functional systems knowledge and ability to recommend a preferred course of action.
• Ability to interact well with, and respond to inquiries from employees, Management, Council and Town residents.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and a high level of trust and respect across the organization.
• Ability to interpret, implement and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
• Must pass all security checks and inquiries.

Attributes

• Strong organizational and supervisory skills are required.
• Strong working knowledge of IT systems.
• Strategic thinking.
• Strong Communication skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Desire to keep learning.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasional light lifting.
• Long periods of sitting.
• Extensive use of computer and telephone.
• Good lighting, temperature, and noise control.
• Normal working day consists of a maximum of 7.5 hours; however, occasional extended hours may be required.
• The IT Manager is expected to manage the response when requested/required throughout the municipality and at external stakeholders’ locations, including Council.
• Some IT-related response duties are conducted under all weather, environmental and road conditions during all hours of the day and can be for extended periods of time.
• Services are provided in a highly dynamic environment that requires correct immediate action to resolve incidents.
• Travel to remote tower and Town building locations may be required.
• Flexible working hours and willingness to be on-call.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

• All personnel working at the Town of Slave Lake are governed by the Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure proper ergonomic requirements are met and good ergonomic procedures are practiced.
• Ensures all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with Town Policies and all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations.

COMPENSATION AND REWARDS:
The Town of Slave Lake offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and an employer matched pension plan. We foster a culture of learning and development to support employees as they grow, through a variety of employee development initiatives, an education assistance program and special project opportunities.

Application Return
How to apply:

1. A cover letter clearly indicating the position title, accompanied by an up-to-date resume is required.
2. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a skills and personality assessment test.
3. The successful candidate will be required to provide professional references and an acceptable criminal record check.

Send your cover letter and resume (ensuring to include the job title in your email subject heading) to:  
Human Resources, Town of Slave Lake 
10 Main Street S.W. P.O. Box 1030, Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0
E-mail: hr@slavelake.ca

PLEASE NOTE: The application review will be ongoing and the position will remain open until filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will contact only those under consideration