Sheriff's Office 911/IT Specialist

Position Details
Under general supervision of the Information Technology Supervisor, this position supports the mission of the Freeborn County IT Department by providing technology consulting, systems implementation, and technology support services to the Sheriff’s Office and other County departments to ensure services operate smoothly and efficiently. The Sheriff’s Office 911 / IT Specialist primarily supports the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office - while also managing IT projects in other County departments as needed. The position role is responsible for supporting law enforcement software geo-files and maintaining the 911 database out of Entrado. They are responsible for building and maintaining proactive business relationships with the management teams of assigned departments. It serves as a general technology consultant, supporting the Sheriff’s Office with strategic IT planning and identifying opportunities for process improvements and technology enhancements. Key responsibilities include leading IT planning, recommending and implementing system improvements, managing hardware and software acquisitions and coordinating with technology vendors. The position also supports technical troubleshooting and works closely with Sheriff’s Office and IT staff to ensure timely resolution of issues and smooth integration with County systems.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Leads and performs 911 database project management. Reviews project requests for major system changes or new technology and makes recommendations. Develops feasibility, cost justification, and cost effectiveness studies. When appropriate, assists with requests for proposals, analyzes vendor responses, and recommends best alternative. Plans, schedules, and leads Sheriff’s Office IT projects, including testing/debugging, user acceptance testing, staff training and implementation planning. Provides work direction and guidance to others on these projects. Makes independent decisions on organizing and completing projects. Coordinates the efforts of the County IT staff, County departments, external agencies, and vendors. Keeps customers informed of progress and status of projects through regular updates. Coordinates resources to successfully complete projects on schedule and within budget. Promotes the use of industry standard tools for measuring the progress and status of projects.
• Advises and provides support for assigned software and hardware systems within the Sheriff’s Office. Answers any questions and explains application software and hardware support issues, terminology and ideas to users and IT staff. Acts as technical resource for vendors who are troubleshooting products. Serves as the Sheriff's Office primary liaison with software and hardware system vendors and consultants. Analyzes technical infrastructure needs and recommends and implements solutions (including testing and debugging, user acceptance testing, training, and implementation planning). Coordinates IT resources (network and server administration, programming, Technical Support Specialists, etc.) needed for the ongoing support of assigned systems.                                                                                                                        • Analyzes and defines computer systems and creates business requirements and computer programming specifications. Works closely with departments and outside parties to define and analyze needs for new or revised computer software and hardware systems. Research/analyzes legal requirements to determine how computer systems will comply. Designs and creates business requirements and specifications for databases, entry screens, inquiry screens, reports, etc. for computer applications.
• Performs application software and hardware troubleshooting. Troubleshoots application software and hardware problems, diagnoses whether the problem is hardware, software or user training related.
Evaluates alternative solutions, and coordinates with other resources to produce solutions. Follows up with vendors or other IT staff on the progress of solutions and keeps departments informed of progress.
• Keeps current on new technology. Keep up to date on 911 databases and addressing, current IT technologies, and make recommendations for process and system improvements in the area of hardware, software and IT standards and principles. Attend classes, seminars, conferences, webinars, reading publications and peer networking.
• Provides technical support for end users in assigned departments in the absence of other county staff members. This includes troubleshooting hardware, software, and other peripheral devices.
• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent. and respectful workplace.
• Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
• Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
• Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both written and verbally to all individuals.
• Ability to independently work with users, Sheriff’s Office staff, IT staff, and vendors to identify problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to follow proper etiquette in dealing respectfully with internal and external customers.
• Ability to apply discretion, judgment, and organizational skills to a variety of projects, assignments, and situations.
• Ability to remain organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and assist interdepartmental teams and committees on a variety of projects.
• Ability to effectively estimate work and manage priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to express ideas effectively and constructively.
• Ability to maintain direct, timely and appropriate communications with others.
• Ability to take ownership on finding solutions, resolving issues and using available resources effectively.
• Ability to evaluate current programming technology and determine compatibility with existing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret complex systems information.
• Ability to recommend the purchase of hardware, software, and related computer supplies.
• Knowledge of programming best practices in the areas of systems analysis, program design, screen/report design, code testing, database design and usage, technical documentation and user documentation.
• Knowledge of the current trends and developments in the field of information technology. Knowledge of local government organizations and county operations to facilitate work and interactions across functions.
• Knowledge related to employee development and engagement to create a diverse and respectful work environment that encourages personal and professional development.
• Knowledge of the safety requirements and expectations applicable to the worksite.
• Skill in creating, maintaining, and supporting effective and professional working relationships with internal and external individuals and groups.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in the field of computer science or information systems: or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position including Business Analysis, Project Management, and/or Project Leadership

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working successfully with people and leading teams.
• Experience working with customers to find and implement solutions to their information technology needs, including problem analysis and resolution, process improvement and vendor management.
• Experience with the following applications: Crystal Reports, Microsoft VISIO, SQL, Mobile Radio programming and configuration, GIS, 911 Dispatch system
• Experience in the following areas: Public Safety, Jail Security Systems, Emergency Management, Community Corrections/Probation, County or Private Attorney Office, Human Services, Finance/Payroll Systems, Budgeting principles
• Experience with IT Hardware maintenance and support - PCs or Networks and software applications in a Microsoft environment, including Office and SharePoint
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

Equipment and Tools
Uses general office equipment including but not limited to: copier, telephone, adding machine, computer, printer and fax machine. Also uses the following: mobile radios, security and video recording systems. alarm system, tape backup units, cell phone, servers, laptops, iPad, laser printers, scanners, bar code readers, projectors, two or four wheeled carts, hand tools (screwdriver, etc.). This position does require the operation of an automobile.

Physical and Mental Requirements
• Requires incumbent to work inside, alone, with others, around others, and have contact with the public.
• Incumbent may be exposed to dust, fumes, gases, and noise.
• Activities that occur continuously are organizational skills, effective time management practices, and concentrating.
• Activities that occur frequently are sitting, fine manipulating and using near vision, problem solving, effective verbal communication, communicating in writing, analytical ability, using effective interpersonal skills, using creativity, talking, hearing, and working with interruptions.
• Activities that occur occasionally are standing, walking, reaching straight, above, and below shoulder Level with both shoulders individually or at the same time, using visual accommodation, color vision, and peripheral vision.
• Activities that occur infrequently are bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, twisting, climbing staircases, using both feet. using far vision, depth perception, smelling, and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment. There may be travel required to other facilities, meetings training, etc. This position is exposed to disturbing images.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

*****Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, May 8th, 2026.

Salary range: $66,200 - $88,288 *****

Salary : $66,200 - $88,288