System Administrator III - AI Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Come join the Public Works Information Technology Team of nine diverse and talented staff. This position will support and develop innovative IT solutions to maintain an environment of Windows Servers, numerous software applications, over 300+ user devices via SCCM/Intune, administer security policies via M365, automate tasks using Power Automate, and deliver valuable information via SharePoint and Power BI.
In addition to traditional systems work, this role will increasingly help the department adopt modern automation and AI-assisted tooling. This includes improving manual processes through better technology, integrating systems and data sources, and leveraging pre built AI/ML capabilities (such as M365 Copilot, hosted AI models, or workflow orchestration tools) to enhance productivity, system reliability, and information access.
The PW IT Team also provides support for our Water & Wastewater operations SCADA systems, department GIS mapping initiatives, facilities Access Control & HVAC, as well as a Public Works IT Help Desk and security. Individuals that can work independently, collaborate with both office and field staff, and participate in a team are most desired.
At Public Works, we are committed to being a valued community partner that enhances the quality of life for our County residents. We seek professionals who share our commitment to:
- Integrity: Doing the right thing, holding ourselves accountable, and refusing mediocrity.
- Teamwork: Supporting one another and developing those around us.
- Communication: Building strong relationships and listening to understand.
Requirements
Do you have experience in Computer hardware?, Do you have a Associate's degree?, The ideal candidate will have several years of relevant experience as a self motivated IT professional who is adept at managing priorities, performing root cause analysis, optimizing system performance, and solving problems in collaboration with diverse teams and external partners.
Experience improving departmental workflows through automation, scripting, or modern tooling is highly desirable. Candidates should be comfortable with basic programming or scripting (such as Python, C#, or JavaScript/TypeScript), supporting end to end system deployments, integrating applications and data, and using AI assisted tools to streamline work. Exposure to agentic workflows, function/tool calling, or retrieval based systems is a plus, as is familiarity with responsible use concepts appropriate to a government environment.
A strong work ethic, the ability to learn continuously to keep up with a rapidly changing industry, and clear judgment about where new technologies (including AI) can responsibly add value are essential. Public Works and/or Government experience is a plus. Education and Experience A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Systems Administrator II: Either A: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. OR B: An associates degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university, or a certificate of completion from a job-related, accredited vocational institution. In addition, two years of experience installing and maintaining hardware and software systems. Systems Administrator III: Either A: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. In addition, two years of experience installing and maintaining hardware and software systems. OR B: An associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university, or a certificate of completion from a job-related, accredited vocational institution. In addition, four years of experience installing and maintaining hardware and software systems. Licenses and Certificates Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment., Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
Benefits & conditions
Pulled from the full job description
- Loan forgiveness
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program, Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates: The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions: The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).
Learning and Development The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.