Senior Information Technology Specialist, Grade N28

Please note: The salary range above represents this positions earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $94,837 to $149,311, based on the candidates qualifications and experience.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is a nationally accredited, all-hazards emergency response agency serving over one million residents across 500 square miles. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create and enhance public safety through measures to reduce vulnerability and improve resilience.

What makes MCFRS an incredible place to work is the energy and purpose behind everything we do. Every day, youll face new challenges and work with a diverse team of dedicated professionals who share a passion for service. Staff at MCFRS thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environmentwhere every day brings new challenges, opportunities to serve, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through teamwork and a culture focused on continuous improvement. If youre looking for a career where you can make an impact and be part of something bigger, MCFRS is the place to be.

MCFRS is seeking a highly skilled Senior Information Technology Specialist to join our Technology Services Section, Data Systems team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where technology plays a critical role in the delivery of emergency services and improving decision-making and public safety. This position may be eligible for telework at the successful completion of probationary period.

Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong customer satisfaction skills and operational awareness.
• Great interpersonal skills focused on inclusion, team building, and cross-training.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, conveying both technical and non-technical information
• Ability to be proactive, self-motivated, work well under pressure, and manage multiple issues concurrently.
• Experience using Microsoft Applications (Access, Excel, Word, One-Drive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Power Apps) and an understanding of application deployment via SCCM and Domain GPOs.

MCFRS is hiring an experienced Senior Information Technology Specialist to help build and support mission-critical data applications that power emergency operations, analytics, and decision-making. In this role, youll collaborate across the department and with other public safety partners to deliver reliable, secure, and high-impact technology solutions that contribute to the resilience of the organization.

As a Senior IT Specialist, you will:

• Design, develop, and maintain advanced data applications that support emergency operations and decision-making.
• Manage complex projects involving data integration, analytics, and system optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement innovative technology solutions that enhance service delivery.
• Ensure data security, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

Knowledge

• Information Systems & Architecture: Deep understanding of enterprise IT systems, including application development, database design, and integration.
• Data Management & Analytics: Knowledge of relational databases (SQL Server), ETL processes, reporting tools (SSRS, Power BI), and data modeling.
• Programming & Development: Proficiency in languages such as C#, ASP.NET, Python, and scripting for automation.
• Public Safety Systems: Familiarity with CAD/RMS, mobile data systems, and mission-critical applications used in emergency services.
• Networking & Infrastructure: Understanding of LAN/WAN, Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and identity management.
• Cybersecurity: Knowledge of security standards, vulnerability mitigation, and disaster recovery/high availability strategies.
• Compliance & Standards: Awareness of IT governance, data privacy, and regulatory requirements relevant to public safety.

Skills

• Technical Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues quickly and effectively.
• Application Development: Skilled in building, testing, and deploying secure, scalable applications and APIs.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to create reports, and analytics that support operational decision-making.
• Project Management: Competence in planning, prioritizing, and delivering IT projects on time.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and public safety personnel.

Abilities

• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment with changing priorities.
• Independent Judgment: Capacity to propose new methods, policies, and solutions without constant supervision.
• Security & Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to security protocols.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in IT and public safety systems.

Experience: Five (5) years of demonstrated experience in one or more areas of the information technology field, such as programming, systems analysis, or database design and management.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors degree in information technology, computer science or a related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience in the IT field(e.g., programming, systems analysis, data/telecommunications).Training and/or certifications may also be accepted in lieu of a full degree (e.g.,data engineering certification, dataanalytics/ architecture associate/professional, etc.)

Physical Ability: Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., computer equipment).

Drivers License: Possession and maintenance of a valid drivers license from the state of residence is preferred.

Medical Protocol: This position requires completion of a Medical History Review with Drug/Alcohol screening

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

• Data & Reporting: Five (5) or more years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server, TSQL, SSRS, SSIS, Power BI; data modelling, ETL, and performance tuning for large operational datasets.
• Application Development: C#/ASP.NET, Python, modern API development (REST), and scripting for automation.
• Platform & Identity: Microsoft Azure or Power platform; AWS cloud platforms; SharePoint/Teams integration.
• Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate; AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty or Solutions Architect; Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer; Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate/Professional
• Security: Practical experience with vulnerability mitigation, hardening standards, and enterprise security practices.