DESCRIPTION Lead the future of information technology in an innovative city! Long Beach Utilities (LBU) is seeking an experienced Director of Information Services to drive strategic planning, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies. This position will support a dedicated team of eight direct reports, who provide technical support for over 500 LBU staff and manage a diverse range of devices from desktops to mobile field equipment. The Director will ensure seamless collaboration between divisions and support LBU’s expanding operations. The ideal candidate has IT administration experience in a large city or complex organization, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and software applications, and preferably for a utility agency. They will be a visionary leader who will advocate for the Management Information Services (MIS) Division, ensuring that its priorities are aligned with the broader goals of LBU and the city. Lead Long Beach Utilities on its journey toward digitization and innovation— apply today !
THE COMMUNITYIdeally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses), serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year. The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. Cal State Long Beach is the second largest university in the state and was recently ranked the No. 3 best-value public college in the nation. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach is comprised of a wide mix of industries including education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services. Known for its livable and desirable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People two years in a row. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach offers the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its growth. A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.
THE CITY GOVERNMENTLong Beach, a charter city formed in 1897, is governed by nine City Council Members elected by district and a city-wide elected Mayor. Other elected officials include the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Prosecutor. The elected officials are elected to staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Clerk. The City Manager is responsible for the efficient administration of all City departments, excluding those under the direction of a separately elected official, Board or Commission. Long Beach is one of only three cities in California with its own Health Department and one of the very few municipalities with its own Utilities Department (Water, Gas, and Sewer) and Energy Resources Departments. The City is supported by a FY 2024 total budget of approximately $3.3 billion with a General Fund budget of $719 million. More than 6,000 full and part-time employees support municipal operations with the vast majority being represented by twelve employee associations. To learn more about the City of Long Beach, go to: www.longbeach.gov
- Read the City’s 2030 Strategic Plan: https://longbeach.gov/citymanager/2030-strategic-vision
- Read the adopted budget for FY 2024: https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/finance/media-library/documents/city-budget-and-finances/budget/budget-documents/fy-24-adopted-budget/fy-24-adopted-budget-book
THE DEPARTMENTLBU serves nearly 500,000 people in 50 square miles, providing high-quality, safe, and delicious drinking water and wastewater management for Long Beach, as well as natural gas services for Long Beach and Signal Hill. With the foundation of roughly 500 dedicated employees, the department maintains 1,600 miles of water and sewer mains, 1,900 miles of gas pipeline, and a dedicated groundwater treatment plant, and also provides 24/7 emergency response.
To learn more, visit LBUtilities.org. THE DIVISIONThe Management Information Services (MIS) Division for LBU is responsible for ensuring continuous network connectivity and supporting internal customers through desktop and mobile field device troubleshooting and resolution. A critical element of technology is making it secure, and the MIS Division is responsible for cybersecurity along the business network. The Division also collaborates with key stakeholders within the organization to find innovative solutions, enhance day-to-day functionality, streamline productivity, and meet strategic goals. The LBU MIS Division has a budget of approximately $11 million for FY2024, and will have a budget of approximately $12.2 million for FY2025.
Engaging with the City’s Technology and Innovation Department and fostering a spirit of collaboration is critical to ensure that systems are maintained and improved with technological changes. This translates to working closely with the Board of Utilities Commissioners and executive management on achieving technological objectives for LBU as a whole.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES THE JOB The Director of Information Services will oversee the strategic planning, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies, systems, and software. Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, this Director will supervise a team of eight direct reports who provide technical support for over 500 LBU staff. A key responsibility is advocating on behalf of the Division, clearly articulating objectives and highlighting its contributions to the organization’s overall goals. This role involves consulting with management to address their short and long-term needs, designing responsive processes and information systems, and managing network technology and infrastructure.
This Director will ensure secure data storage and access, oversee hardware and software deployment, and direct the development of the Geographic Information System (GIS). They will also work collaboratively with Operation Bureaus in managing the Operations Technology (e.g., SCADA system) to ensure uninterrupted operation, data integrity and network security. They will provide technical expertise to senior management, formulate policies and procedures, and plan effectively for future technology needs.
CURRENT PROJECTS & OPPORTUNITIES - Timecard Digitization: Assist in transitioning LBU from a paper timecard system to a fully digitized process, in collaboration with the city’s Innovation and Technology Department.
- New Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System: Streamline efficiency by implementing new Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Work Order Management (WOM) systems.
- Enhanced Security: Establish strong and consistent security measures specifically designed for the Operational Technology (OT) environment.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a strong background in infrastructure and software applications, preferably in a complex centralized IT department. Prior experience in utility IT services is highly desired. As a strategic thinker, this visionary Director will proactively anticipate the needs of the LBU Department, advocate for the MIS Division, and provide decisive leadership. They will champion high standards of service delivery, hold staff accountable, and encourage professional development, and continuous improvement. Exceptional interpersonal skills are also essential, including flexibility to diverse perspectives, conflict resolution, and a positive and collaborative mindset. The next Director will be an engaging relationship builder, adept at fostering interdepartmental collaboration, managing expectations through clear communication, and driving innovation in alignment with organizational goals.
The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of... - Best practices and principles of effective IT project management.
- Infrastructure, network architecture, data storage, telecommunications, disaster recovery, and security measures for utilities.
- Technical knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Large-scale management of systems and programs for a significant number of end users.
- Best practices and ongoing compliance needs related to local, state, and federal mandates.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field.
- EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years’ increasingly responsible experience in the administration and management of technology services and activities; three (3) years of which must have been at a supervisory or managerial capacity.
HIGHLY DESIRED - EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field.
- EXPERIENCE: Supervisory experience or demonstration of leadership in a technical project within a utility, large government agency. or complex organization.
- CERTIFICATIONS: Relevant IT certifications in Infrastructure management, Cybersecurity, Network administration, and/or Software Development/Application Development.
- KNOWLEDGE: Understanding of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid motor vehicle operator license. (Required to obtain a California motor vehicle operator license within 6 months of employment if license is out of state.
- Copy of Driver’s License and DMV K4 driver license information report required during onboarding if selected for position).
SELECTION PROCEDURE SELECTION PROCEDURE: The final filing date/time for this recruitment is
Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 11:59pm by submitting your application via WBCP’s Job Board at
: https://wbcp.applicantpool.com/jobs/1136522
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your Bachelor’s degree with your application in PDF format. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter, resume, and/or required attachment(s)) will not be considered.
Individuals who are most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment and/or presentation to further evaluate candidate qualifications.
Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.
The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act .
The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting the Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov) .
The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call WBCP at (866) 929-9227.
QUESTIONS?Please contact your recruiter, Josette Reina-Luken, with any inquiries: - josette@wbcpinc.com
- 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free
The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.
Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.
Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.
Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
Holidays:Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;
- Department Head $650.00
- Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
- Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
- Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00
Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).
- Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
- Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).
Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.
Closing Date/Time: 10/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
