Salary: $81,120.00 - $119,600.00 Annually
Location : Metro Parks Headquarters, 1069 W. Main St., Westerville, 43081, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: MP9-26-01
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
PurposeOversees and directs the organization's IT daily operations. Responsible for ensuring the availability, security, and efficiency of the technology infrastructure while leading, mentoring, and developing the IT staff.
Develops, executes and manages information technology strategies for Metro Parks. Maintains the integrity of the technology environments supporting the various parks and departments within Metro Parks. This includes providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the Metro Parks' information technology services, facilities, hardware, software, and IT staff.
Examples of DutiesInfrastructure ManagementMaintains essential IT operations, including operating systems, security tools, servers, email systems, and network hardware. Ensures resource availability across a very diverse environment (22 parks + headquarter offices).
Business Critical SystemsMaximizes high availability and minimize operational downtime for core enterprise platforms, including Business Email, Financial System Software, Digital Asset Management (DAM) tools, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Team LeadershipTrains, mentors, develops, and evaluates IT staff. Assigns projects and oversee day-to-day IT support activities Supervises information technology sta? including approving leave requests, conducting performance evaluations, establishing goals, administering coaching and discipline, and assigning projects/work.
IT Strategy & BudgetDevelops and implements IT policies, procedures, and strategic plans that support business growth. Collaborates with the Finance Director to prepare and manage the annual IT budget to ensure cost-efficiency. Develops and maintains equipment and software lifecycles and renewal processes.
Cybersecurity & ComplianceEstablishes and enforces strict security measures to protect sensitive company and customer data. Ensures all systems comply with industry standards (particularly NIST CSF) and regulatory requirements. Works closely with the organization to develop, implement and monitor Business Continuity Plan (BCP) including Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). Manage compliance relationships (such as auditors and insurance providers).
Project ManagementManages IT projects from planning to execution, including system upgrades, software migrations, and new hardware rollouts. Manages multiple and competing demands while determining the impact on time and budget. Report project status to directors.
Vendor ManagementLiaise with external IT vendors, service providers, telecommunications providers, and consultants to procure hardware, software, and negotiate service contracts.
Endpoint ManagementManages the evaluation, review, and selection of computer equipment, software applications, and telecommunications equipment for all work units. Oversees Patch & Vulnerability Management initiatives to proactively identify system risks, deploy critical security updates, and shield the organization's digital environment from emerging threats.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or any combination of education and equivalent enterprise-level industry experience will be considered.
Professional ExperienceMinimum of 5+ years of hands-on IT industry experience required; 10+ years is highly preferred. Public sector IT experience is highly prefered.
LeadershipPrevious experience in a management, supervisory, or team lead role is strongly preferred.
Preferred Certifications - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or CAPM or similar
- ITIL Foundation Certification or similar
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or similar
- Professional Google Workspace Administrator or similar
Preferred Experience- Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Server
- Google Workspace (Including mail, cloud storage, etc.)
- FortiNet FortiGate NGFW
- Aruba CX Switches, Cisco Catalyst Switches
- Cloud-based RMM, Google Endpoint Management
- Hypervisor (Microsoft Hyper-V, VMWare, Proxmox, etc.)
- Modern Backup Solutions (Veeam, SaaS Backup, etc.)
- VoIP phone systems
Team-OrientedWorks on a team. Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.
AttendanceBeing present at work is an essential function of the position.
Language SkillsAbility to communicate verbally and in writing to coworkers, other professionals, the general public, Franklin County Data Center, and public o?cials; ability to explain technical information in everyday language which non-technical people can understand; ability to train others. Ability to deal with and defuse di?cult and stressful situations calmly.
Mathematical SkillsStrong knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to deal with symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to proofread technical materials, recognize errors and make corrections.
Reasoning AbilityAbility to de?ne problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and develop appropriate recommendations to resolve identi?ed problems; ability to gather, collate and classify information about data, people, and things. Ability to design and produce concise and accurate reports that provide management with meaningful data for decision-making. Uses critical and systems thinking.
Licenses, RegistrationsPossession of a valid Ohio driver license, insurable by Metro Parks' insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy.
Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods of time, walk/move, talk and hear. The employee is required to use hands and ?ngers to use computers, IT and basic office equipment, etc.Lifting up to 50lbs computer equipment without assistance is regularly required.
Work EnvironmentThe employee regularly works in an o?ce environment, but is required to work in outdoor weather conditions to address networking, outdoor cameras, and telephone lines, etc. Outdoor work may occur in extreme weather conditions. Employee will be exposed to insects and poison ivy. The employee is required to travel to parks throughout the District and to other locations as necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Work HoursEmployee must be prepared to work flexibles schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
Other InformationThe above description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein. In addition to the job description, further information in performing duties is found in the Metro Parks' Rules & Regulations, MetroLink, and Emergency Response Guidelines.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.
Full-time benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, Children
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Sick Leave
Bereavement Leave
8 Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Uniforms for specified positions
Agency paid training & conferences
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
Deferred Compensation Programs
01
Are you at least 18 years of age?
02
Do you possess a valid Ohio Driver's License?
03
Do you have 6 or more points on your Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
- Will Explain in Interview
04
This position will typically require a minimum of 40 hours per week, with work hours occurring on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing and able to work a schedule like this?
05
I acknowledge that if I am selected and conditionally offered this position I must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal record check to be appointed to this position.
Required Question