Associate It Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Purpose

Manage Utility's overall corporate Operations and Development groups. Provide guidance in the Utility's selection and use of technology. Determine long-term technology needs and evaluate solutions that will accomplish Utility goals and objectives. Responsible for all aspects of safe and effective operation and maintenance of the IT Department's internal and external infrastructure. Provide leadership to the department by developing department goals, establishing standards for employee development, and budgeting for department needs.

Primary Duties

Operations

1. Overall responsibility for all aspects of the Information Technology department of MPW, ensuring that activities are aligned with Utility goals and objectives, and comply with all applicable regulations and policies.
   1. Lead IT staff in corporative work with Communications on ISP operational and strategic planning, fostering innovation and planning projects.
   2. Manage assets for corporate IT hardware, software, and equipment, including establishing and administering procedures.
   3. Ensure that all data and systems are confidential, reliable, and secure. Coordinate security investigations and execute preventive measures.
   4. Maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing standards for implementing technical solutions.
   5. Oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all equipment and systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, hardware, software, and peripherals.
   6. Provide direction and support for technology solutions used in critical Utility operations.
   7. Plan, develop, recommend, and implement specific policies, programs, and methods relating to information processing and designed to carry out long-range objectives.
   8. Act as a liaison between users, operations, and programming personnel.
   9. Work with the IT Supervisors to oversee projects and project portfolio. Coordinate resources and timetables with user departments and affected IT resources.
   10. Collaborate with other departments on cybersecurity matters; maintain Utility systems, policies and procedures to ensure security needs are addressed.
2. Overall responsibility for IT technology projects.
   1. Identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions. Work with stakeholders to define business, systems, and customer requirements for new technology.
   2. Recommend information technology strategies, policies, and procedures by evaluating outcomes, identifying problems, evaluating trends, and anticipating requirements.
   3. Coordinate and standardize processing needs from other areas as necessary to ensure the availability, compatibility, and integrity of interdepartmental data information.
   4. Actively pursue and develop end user departmental applications that will lower departmental costs, improve service, and/or improve productivity.
   5. Oversee development and implementation of user training program. Analyze needs, determine appropriate participants, and review/analyze evaluation results.
3. Manage and support all aspects of capital and large expense projects affecting the IT Department. This may include:
   1. Assist in developing short- and long-range plans for the IT Department infrastructure to ensure system reliability ability to handle future technologies.
4. Manage overall execution of all IT-related projects and initiatives.

Communications and Leadership

1. Supervise and evaluate the Information Technology personnel and coordinate the operation of the department in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. This includes:
   1. Make recommendations for hiring, promotion, evaluation, discharge, or other disciplinary action.
   2. Provide guidance to staff regarding work procedures, technical issues, work priorities, and special requests.
   3. Monitor work schedule for department, including the review and approval of payroll for the department.
   4. Assess, actively develop, and set goals with employees to assist in their preparation for future growth within the Utility.
2. Identify and prepare for succession planning needs within the department and develop employees as necessary to meet those needs.

Financial Management

1. Develop the annual operating budget for the IT department.
2. Review area's compliance with the budget on a monthly basis.
3. Negotiate and administer vendor, outsourcing, and consulting contracts and service agreements.

Organizational Effectiveness

1. Develop/maintain a culture of continuous improvement within the department. Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools in an effort to maximize the efficiency of the department.
2. Contribute to overall business planning regarding technology and systems required to maintain Utility operations.
3. Identify new developments in information systems technology and anticipate Utility modifications. Evaluate and direct research into new technologies, standards, and methodologies for possible implementation.
4. Support and coordinate efforts with the Manager, Marketing & Sales and Manager, Customer Services for the telecommunications area of the Utility, including the design, development, and implementation of products and services.
5. Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with other department managers.

Safety & Risk Management

1. Develop/maintain a culture of safety within the department. Support the Utility's safety programs, ensure adequate training, and provide safe working conditions and practices.
2. Monitor the development, support, and updating of security policies and procedures to ensure Utility compliance with regulatory requirements, including research and interpretation of security standards.
3. Coordinate security investigations and execute preventive measures.
4. Coordinate planning and implementation of Utility technology system defenses against security breaches and vulnerability issues.
5. Ensure Communications department compliance with applicable FCC regulations.

Qualifications

Knowledge

1. Bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
2. Minimum 4 years supervisory experience in the IT field.
3. Strong technical knowledge of network hardware, protocols, and standards.
4. Working knowledge of applicable Technology Industry trends and activities.
5. Demonstrated experience and working knowledge with the following industry specific qualifications preferred:
   1. Broad knowledge of IT technology, related regulations, and business administration.
   2. Strong knowledge and experience in Vitrualization technologies and platforms, Routing and Switching, hardware standards, and developing technology trends.

Skills

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
3. Project management skills.
4. Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel at an intermediate level.
5. Good judgment and reasoning skills.
6. Problem identification, analysis, and solving.
7. Strong leadership skills to influence, motivate, increase productivity, promote teamwork, and maintain a positive image both within the department and as a representative and employee of the utility.
8. Strong analytical skills.

Abilities

1. Ability to work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
2. Ability to think strategically but also focus on tactical and operational issues.
3. Ability to drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
4. Ability to work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
5. Ability to evaluate developmental needs of personnel and ensure that proper training is received.
6. Ability to influence or defuse as needed.
7. Ability to use discretion in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
8. Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and network diagrams and be able to communicate those concepts to non-technical individuals.

Other Position Requirements

1. Must possess a valid driver's license.
2. Must be able to attend work on a regular basis.
3. Must be able to travel for work.
4. Must maintain a method of communication in order to be contacted by MPW outside normal work hours.