Information Technology Technician

Position Description

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is hiring an Information Technology Technician with a tentative start date of August 1. The IT Division is located at Station 20 in Lakewood, WA. This position is required to perform work at multiple Locations and is not fully remote.

The Information Technology Technician is responsible for resource management of various data processing systems which are maintained both on site and software as a service (SAAS) cloud based systems. The position shall provide day-to-day, long-range, implementation, maintenance, and operation of data processing hardware and software resources using multiple operating systems.

WPFR provides an excellent benefits package, pay incentive opportunities and generous paid leave. Please see the Benefits tab for detailed information. Schedule options (Monday-Friday) include: five 8-hour workdays, four 10-hour workdays, or five 9-hour workdays (reduced to a 40-hour workweek average by earning 5 hours of flex time for each full week of work to be scheduled off during the calendar year). Schedule and any portion of assigned duties performed remotely shall be approved by WPFR.

Hiring Process & Timeline

Our primary form of communication is email. Dates subject to change without notice; we will communicate any changes via email.

Application period closes at 5:00 (PDT) on Wednesday, June 24.

You must submit the GovernmentJobs.com online application. It is required to attach a cover letter and resume within the online application. The field labeled Other may be utilized for letters of recommendation (maximum of three) and/or applicable certifications.

Notifications by June 29.

Candidates selected for interviews will receive an invite via email. This will include instructions on how to self-schedule from your GovernmentJobs account. Candidates not proceeding will receive email notification of status this date as well.

Interviews the week of July 6.

We anticipate two days for interviews and may consider remote for those living out of the area. Dates, times and remote options will be provided via the interview invite emails sent on June 29.

Conditional offer is anticipated by July 9.

The conditional offer of employment is subject to successful completion of a criminal background investigation and driving abstract review. WPFR pays all costs associated with conditions. Reference(s) will be requested once the other conditions are completed.

We anticipate a hire date of August 1. This will be determined by successful completion of the conditions. New employees serve on a probationary period for 12 months following hire date.

Questions? Please contact Human Resources via email ***email_hidden***.

Essential Job Functions

Controls over work

The position shall report to and is accountable to the Information Technology Manager. Performance is evaluated by the Information Technology Manager through observation of daily activities, program effectiveness, and degree of harmony with community members, co-workers and related outside agencies.

The position shall normally work a 40-hour work week schedule, with flexible hours to meet the needs of the District and is exempt from overtime under the FLSA and Washington State Computer Employee Exemption status. Attendance at required meetings, functions and standby/response to certain equipment emergencies during evening hours, weekends and holidays is necessary of the position.

The Position Shall

• Resource management of data processing system hardware and software, to include but not be limited to local-area and wide-area networks, file servers, telecommunication equipment, and other related data processing and database management information technologies through equipment installation, preventative maintenance, and physical operation of equipment, reconfiguration, and end user support.
• Perform cyber security monitoring and mitigation on all Information Technology Systems.
• Provide technical support to the Information Technology Manager.
• Provide technical assistance to end users.
• Responsible as directed for the research, recommendation, implementation, and maintenance of hardware, software, SAAS, NAAS and associated equipment, which could contribute to the efficiency of the District and/or emergency response system.
• Perform daily Systems Manager functions on Windows server and current software version loaded on personal computers connected to those server systems via a local-area or wide-area network.
• Perform data backup, troubleshoot hardware, software SAAS, NAAS and interfaces using best practices.
• Perform interface support to the graphical information systems (Arc Info & Arc View) and other ESRI products.
• Provide a liaison function for members of other agencies while performing computer support.
• Develop and utilize training techniques and methods which insure optimum utilization of data systems equipment by district personnel.
• Resolve and assist in extraordinary or difficult work problems associated with data processing equipment.
• Provide oral, written and graphic presentations and develop and maintain technical reports.
• The position can be assigned related duties which may be deemed necessary to guarantee an effective data processing role.

The position shall demonstrate the ability and skill to effectively:

• Effectively use tact and courtesy with the public, co-workers, and vendors.
• Ability to communicate in the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate multi-function phone system, computer with standard office suite, email, etc.
• Considerable support and working knowledge of the operation and capabilities of telecommunication, data processing, SAAS, NAAS and peripheral equipment
• A general knowledge of the techniques and principals involved with programming personal computer including system design and documentation.
• Ability to document user controls and procedures; implementation and conversion planning; problem definition/interpretation and the formulation of software solutions through ingenuity and inventiveness.
• Knowledge of the principles and applications of data processing to general office procedures.
• Thorough understanding of Hyper-V and current windows server operating systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Software to include; current Windows Server and Desktop operating systems, Microsoft Office, Exchange/Outlook e-mail system, Office 365 and SharePoint.
• General knowledge of local-area and wide-area networks using routers, switches Wi-Fi access points, firewalls and Windows networking operating systems.
• Skill in troubleshooting hardware problems.
• Knowledge and ability of scripting in Microsoft SQL.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment and to function with considerable independence within established policy and procedure.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas using standard English in both oral and written form, including skill in preparing and presenting oral, graphic, and written project proposals in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to travel between various worksites as necessary to fulfill the needs of the District.
• Ability to train personnel in all aspects of data processing system usage.

Recruiting Requirements

Minimum

• Knowledge of: the operation and capabilities of modern data processing and peripheral equipment; techniques and principals involved in application and management of personal computers; Windows Server and Desktop. A general understanding of the Exchange e-mail system and skills in troubleshooting minor hardware problems.
• Professional experience in modern data processing, peripheral equipment, and Windows Server environments. A combination of these areas is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington.

Education And Knowledge Minimum

• Associate's degree in Computer or Information Technology, or a related field deemed to adequately prepare the candidate for the position, as determined by the Fire Chief or their designee.

AND

• Minimum of 4 recent years' work experience in areas listed under the knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a related field deemed to adequately prepare the candidate for the position, as determined by the Fire Chief or their designee.
• Working understanding of command-line interface and power shell commands.
• Working knowledge of the Cisco IOS and command-line interface for configuration.
• Knowledge of the operation of the fire service.
• Knowledge and experience with programming languages like C++, SQL, Perl or Visual Studio.
• Ability to converse in a language in addition to English.
• Microsoft certifications such as Azure Fundamentals, Azure Administrator, Office 365 Fundamentals or other Computer related certification such as Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA

The Position Shall Have The Demonstrated Physical Ability To

• Communicate over the telephone and speak in person to individuals and groups.
• Sit, talk and hear, move about, operate or control objects, tools, and machines.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Bend, reach, crawl, kneel, climb and assume a variety of awkward positions in order to access equipment for maintenance and repair operations.
• Possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the job.

Supplemental Information

Below are common questions about the organization and this position. If you have additional questions, please email ***email_hidden***.

How big is the WPFR IT Department?

We currently have 3 IT Technicians and 1 IT Manager. This job posting is to add an additional IT Technician to our staff for a total of 5 employees; supporting 200+ employees amongst 6 fire stations and a Facilities/Fleet shop.

Is this position on-call?

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is an emergency response agency that at times requires support 24/7, 365 days a year. WPFR recognizes the demand for IT support that may require substantial unscheduled work outside of normal work hours. With the addition of a new IT Technician, an IT Support rotation schedule may be developed in an effort to spread out the demand (rotations, fields of expertise, etc.).

Will you be on-call overnight or during holidays?

Yes, due to the emergency situations and 24/7 operation of the organization there is an expectation to be available at all times. Currently, the IT Manager will receive an emergency call and distribute the work between himself, or an IT Technician based on a variety of factors (workload, location, knowledge base, etc.).

If on-call overnight or during a holiday, is there flexibility to work from home the next day?

Yes, the nature of being on-call and emergency situations can lead to fatigue. Working with the IT Manager for adjusting work schedules/times is important. Remote work resources are supplied by the Department to support these expectations; such as a mobile device, different OS devices, desktop and monitor, etc.

How will you compensate on-call employees?

To acknowledge the substantial hours of unscheduled duty required to appropriately manage the department’s technology systems on a 24/7/365 basis, the employee shall receive an additional 3% of base salary.

Non-represented employees are provided a Professional Services Contract (PSC), identifying terms of employment. The candidate selected for this position will receive a PSC for 2026-2027.

Pay Incentives

The following are calculated by the monthly base salary.

Employees may be eligible for education incentive of 5% for a Bachelor's degree plus an additional 4% for a Master's degree. Transcript and/or degree copy will be reviewed prior to start date and incentive approved; where applicable.

Proficiency in a foreign language or American Sign Language shall receive 1% incentive for each; to a maximum of 4%. Such proficiency shall be proven with an exam selected by WPFR.

Longevity begins at 36 months of service on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT); 2% increase to monthly base salary.

Employees shall receive a district-issued cell phone OR may use their personal cell phone for job-related duties. If this option is selected, the employee will receive a monthly cell phone allowance of $150.

Employees utilizing their personal vehicle in place of an assigned staff vehicle will receive a monthly vehicle allowance of $150; and may seek mileage reimbursement in accordance with District policy.

Schedule

The schedule is generally a 40-hour workweek, with remote work possible on occasion; subject to supervisor approval.

Vacation Hours

Employees receive 224 vacation hours on January 1 of each year, with hours pro-rated for 2026 based on hire date.

Holiday Hours & Pay

Employees receive 108 holiday hours annually, pro-rated for 2026 based on hire date.

Sick Leave

The employee is provided 40 hours of sick leave at time of hire and earn sixteen (16) hours for each full month of service.

Medical, Vision & Dental

Medical and vision insurance is provided by the LEOFF Trust (Medical Plan B). Dental insurance is via MetLife. WPFR pays premiums for employees and eligible dependents.

HRA

The health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is a tax-free account for eligible medical, dental and/or health related expenses. WPFR contributes $4,000 shortly after hire and annually. Any monies remaining in the HRA at the end of the plan year remain in the employee's account.

Pension

Employees contribute a percentage of salary to the Department of Retirement Systems PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) Plan 2 or 3. WPFR also contributes a percentage on a monthly basis to your retirement account. These percentages are set by the Department of Retirement Services.

Deferred Compensation

The District pays 6% of the employee's monthly base salary into a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

EAP

All employees/members are offered an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service is available to you, your family, or anyone residing in your home. The program offers confidential, professional help for drug or alcohol problems, marital difficulties, child and family problems, emotional stress, job stress or any combination of these.

Describe your experience with network troubleshooting.

Detail common networking protocols that you are familiar with.

Do you have experience with VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)? If yes, please describe or NA if none.

List what kind of firewalls you are familiar with.

Please list your experience setting up and managing Enterprise Layer 3 switches and Cisco Routers. If none, indicate with NA.

• Required Question