IT Operations Specialist - Data Center

The IT Operations Specialist at the City of Fort Worth has a diverse range of responsibilities, including monitoring the overall operations of the Data Center, managing outages by coordinating all communication, providing first and second level technical support for servers and applications, performing complex functions related to data processing, and ensuring optimal performance of public safety applications. This role is crucial in maintaining seamless IT infrastructure for the city's needs.

To qualify as an IT Operations Specialist at the City of Fort Worth, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, have at least one year of experience in enterprise system operations, and hold at least one relevant certification such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or ITIL Foundations. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is required, and candidates may stand out with further education or additional Microsoft and Cisco certifications.

IT Operations Specialists at the City of Fort Worth will find themselves in an engaging work environment based out of the primary Data Center in downtown Fort Worth. This full-time position operates primarily during night and early morning shifts, fostering a unique atmosphere for those looking to thrive outside the traditional 9-to-5 routine while contributing to significant communal efforts.

The City of Fort Worth offers a robust array of professional development opportunities for IT Operations Specialists. This includes access to training programs, certifications, and resources that can help enhance your skills in IT operations and equip you for career progression within the city’s IT Solutions Operations Division as well as broader IT fields.

The IT Operations Specialist role at the City of Fort Worth features a unique shift schedule of Sunday to Tuesday from 6 PM to 6 AM and Wednesday from 6 PM to midnight. This means you’ll enjoy longer weekends while also being part of a team that ensures the Data Center runs smoothly during the strategic operational hours.

In your response, highlight specific experiences where you managed, maintained, or optimized enterprise systems. Use examples that showcase your understanding of IT infrastructure and mention any tools you’ve used, like monitoring software or ticketing systems, to demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your systematic approach for managing outages, which may include immediately assessing the situation, initiating communication with relevant stakeholders, and documenting actions taken. Show your understanding of both the technical and communicative aspects that are essential in minimizing downtime and resolving issues efficiently.

Share your familiarity with specific monitoring tools or software that you have previously used in data center environments. Provide examples of how you used these tools to gather performance metrics or troubleshoot issues, emphasizing your technical skills and how they apply to the responsibilities in this role.

Explain your philosophy on customer service in a technical context. Emphasize the importance of active listening, clear communication, and timely follow-up on service requests. Provide examples of past experiences where you've successfully resolved customer issues and how your interpersonal skills contributed to a positive resolution.

Share a specific instance that illustrates your troubleshooting process and technical dexterity. Emphasize your analytical thinking, the resources you utilized, and how you effectively resolved the issue, highlighting both your technical aptitude and your ability to remain calm under pressure.

Detail the relevant certifications that you possess—such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or ITIL Foundations—and explain how each certification has prepared you for the responsibilities and challenges faced in the IT Operations Specialist position.

Speak to your experience with task management and prioritization in technical roles, describing any frameworks or tools you use (like priority matrices). Highlight your ability to balance multiple tasks effectively while still maintaining focus on critical systems and high-priority issues.

Discuss your experiences with coordinating vendor activities, stressing the importance of communication and adherence to protocols that ensure equipment installations are carried out safely and effectively. Mention how you’ve handled challenges with vendors ensuring accountability and minimizing risks.

Illustrate your commitment to continuous learning through subscriptions to IT journals, attending webinars, following industry blogs, or participating in relevant training. Show how these practices have helped enhance your skills and prepare you for evolving challenges in IT operations.

Reflect on what attracts you to the City of Fort Worth specifically, whether it’s the city's reputation for growth, its commitment to public service, or its values tied to diversity and community. Connect your career goals to the mission of the City and how you see yourself contributing to its IT solutions.