Information Technology Manager

Harris County ESD 11; Spring (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County ESD 11 IT Manager leads the Information Technology department, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable technology to support 24/7 EMS operations and district services.

You will direct IT staff, oversee cybersecurity and infrastructure, manage external partners, and align technology initiatives with the COO and leadership team to drive strategic improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field (experience may substitute).
• 4+ years management experience, preferably in Healthcare/EMS.
• 5+ years in networking, Exchange, data center operations, and network operations in 24/7 environment.
• 3+ years hands-on SQL Server DB administration and other DB systems.
• Experience with IT project management, Windows and Linux environments, network administration, and cybersecurity frameworks including NIST.
• Experience with two-way radio communications, access control, and security monitoring preferred.
• NIMS ICS-100/200/700/800 within 6 months of employment.
• Maintain current valid Texas driver's license.
• Must not have been excluded by the OIG to participate in federally funded healthcare programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversees IT department operations including technical support, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and reliable services.
• Aligns IT initiatives with COO and department leaders to support operational needs and long-term objectives.
• Manages security, reliability, and performance of technology, applications, and 24/7 EMS operations.
• Leads cybersecurity program with risk management, incident response, and NIST framework compliance.
• Manages external IT vendors, consultants, and service providers and ensures contract obligations are met.
• Coordinates IT integrations with external agencies and partners.
• Develops and manages IT operating and capital budgets, equipment replacement, and long-term planning.
• Collaborates with COO on staffing, recruitment, and performance management.
• Establishes IT policies, standards, and procedures for effective management and consistent service delivery.
• Oversees disaster recovery and business continuity for mission-critical systems.
• Directs technology projects, system upgrades, and lifecycle management to minimize disruption.
• Establishes performance measures and oversees IT service delivery and incident escalation.

Skills

Leadership

IT governance

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology

NIMS ICS-100/200/700/800

Tools

SQL Server

Active Directory

Windows Server

Linux

NIST cybersecurity framework

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The IT Manager is responsible for managing the District’s Information Technology department, ensuring the reliability, security, and effectiveness of technology systems supporting daily operations and 24/7 emergency medical services. This position provides leadership and direction to IT personnel, oversees cybersecurity and technology infrastructure, and manages external service providers. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and department leadership, the IT Manager supports strategic technology planning, operational improvements, and the implementation of solutions that meet the District’s current and future needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages and provides direction for the District's Information Technology department, including daily operations, technical support, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and reliable technology services across all departments and operations.
• Collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and department managers to develop technology strategies, establish priorities, and align IT initiatives with the District's operational needs and long-term objectives.
• Oversees the performance, security, and reliability of the District's technology infrastructure, systems, and applications supporting 24/7 emergency medical services and Communications operations.
• Leads the District's cybersecurity program, including risk management, incident response, security controls, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Manages external IT vendors, consultants, and service providers, ensuring accountability for service quality, contractual obligations, and operational performance.
• Coordinates technology integrations with external agencies, public safety partners, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders to support operational effectiveness.
• Develops and manages departmental operating and capital budgets, including technology investments, vendor contracts, equipment replacement, and long‑term infrastructure planning.
• Collaborates with the COO in managing IT department staffing, recruitment, employee development, performance management, and departmental accountability.
• Establishes and maintains IT policies, standards, and procedures to support effective technology management, information security, system access, and consistent service delivery.
• Oversees disaster recovery and business continuity planning, ensuring appropriate system redundancy, recoverability, and operational readiness for mission‑critical systems.
• Directs technology projects, system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and equipment lifecycle management to ensure effective implementation, system performance, and minimal operational disruption.
• Establishes departmental performance measures and oversees IT service delivery, incident resolution, and escalation of critical technology issues to ensure timely support and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field. Years of Experience considered in lieu of education.
• Minimum four (4) years’ previous management experience, preferably in Healthcare/EMS field.
• Minimum five (5) years’ previous experience in system networking, Exchange email systems, computer center operations, and network operations, preferably in an emergency, 24/7/365 environment.
• Minimum three (3) years’ hands‑on expertise with database administration of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and greater versions, and other database systems.
• Previous experience with application development methodologies and scripting.
• Experience with IT project management methodologies, Windows and Linux environments, network administration, and cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST.
• Experience with two‑way radio communications, access control, and security monitoring systems preferred.
• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700, 800 within 6 months of employment
• Maintain current valid Texas driver's license
• Must not have been excluded by the OIG to participate in federally funded healthcare programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally climbing ladders, crouching, and working in tight spaces (e.g., vehicle interiors, ceilings).
• Frequent use of hand and power tools.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, or driving.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office and server room environments at headquarters.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required for projects or emergencies.
• Exposure to outdoor elements, active public safety facilities, and vehicle interiors.

HCESD11 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, HCESD11 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Furthermore, HCESD11 has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and HCESD11 reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as HCESD11 may deem appropriate.