Information Technology Department Organization
The Information Technology (IT) Department has undergone significant changes over the past year. We continue to look for innovative ways to provide services to County departments and employees that directly and indirectly enhance County services.
In the past year, the department has grown through the transfer of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department and the Telecommunications Manager from Administrative Services. We believe these changes will enhance collaboration, coordination and the delivery of a complete range of technology solutions and services for the County. The GIS team structure remains the same with the exception of the GIS Manager reporting to the IT Director. The Telecommunications position has been added to the Technology and Infrastructure Team.
Staff
| Title | Pay Grade | FTE’s |
|---|---|---|
| Director | 10 | 1.0 |
| Managers | 08 | 4.0 |
| Senior Secretary | 09 (Group T) | 1.0 |
| Network Administrator | 07A | 1.0 |
| Telecomm Administrator | 07 | 1.0 |
| Programmer/Analysts | 06A | 7.0 |
| Programmer | 04A | 2.0 |
| GIS Systems Analyst | 06A | 1.0 |
| GIS Programmer/Technician | 04A | 1.0 |
| GIS Technician | 03 | 2.0 |
| Computer Support Specialist | 03 | 7.0 |
| Total | 28.0 |
User Services Team
The User Services team delivers Help Desk, Computer Operations, Hardware/Software Installation and Computer Training services to County employees. This group rotates between Help Desk/Computer Operations and on-site level II support roles. They support a broad range of technology: personal computers, all associated hardware and software, networking, and servers. This group also provides the preponderance of computer training for County employees. The primary purpose of the IT User Services team is to ensure that County employees have dependable equipment, responsive support and the knowledge to use technology.
Applications & Data Team
The Applications and Data team maintains existing applications and develops new applications. This group also performs project/life-cycle management for software and systems. Within the Applications & Data team, Programmer/Analysts identify needs, develop alternatives and create solutions to problems through knowledge of departmental functions, processes and capabilities. Working with other IT Staff, the team develops solutions that may involve a combination of software, hardware and procedures. Programmers support these efforts by using software tools to create software solutions.
Technology & Infrastructure
The Technology & Infrastructure team installs and maintains the Servers and Voice and Data Networks. They are responsible for providing centralized platforms and appropriate access to County systems and data. The balance between convenience and security of systems, data and software is one of the most challenging issues faced in responding to customer demands. Staying on top of technology trends through research and evaluation is essential for planning and deploying technology that will enhance access, improve operations and assure security. With the transfer of the Telecommunications position into the department, IT has also assumed the role of managing not only the phone system but the audiovisual technology for the County.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a department started in the fourth quarter of 1999. GIS provides access to Ottawa County’s information using the latest in information technology to improve the delivery and quality of government services. The advances in technology and the requirements of a more informed citizenry have increased the need for development of an enhanced access / informational delivery system. Our goal is to enable county-wide accessibility to GIS technology, data and procedures to support the County Departmental business functions. In addition, GIS educates County Departments, external agencies and Local Units of Government on how to use GIS as a tool that can increase efficiency and thereby enhance service to the public and economic advantage to the County as a whole. The role of GIS is unique in providing a specific function not only to County Departments, but to customers outside of the County organization.
