IT LEAD – INFRASTRUCTURE (Public Safety)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking an IT Lead – Infrastructure (Public Safety) to oversee the City’s public safety video ecosystem, including body-worn cameras, fixed video infrastructure, and evidence platforms. You will lead end-to-end video operations across agencies and coordinate with regional partners.

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in IT infrastructure, strong knowledge of VMS/PSIM, and experience with CJIS requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field.
• At least six years of technology experience supporting IT infrastructure (networks, security, hardware).
• Substitutions allowed: information systems certs or Master’s degree may substitute for experience/education as described.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale public safety video systems including body cameras, fixed cameras, servers, storage, and integrations.
• Deploy and configure body-worn camera hardware, docking stations, backend storage, and evidence platforms.
• Oversee lifecycle management of video assets and associated infrastructure.
• Maintain system availability, performance, and operational health for all public safety video platforms.
• Integrate video systems with enterprise platforms (e.g., Motorola Command Central Evidence).
• Manage underlying infrastructure: networks, security controls, servers, databases, cloud or hybrid storage, PSIM systems.
• Enforce security protocols, encryption standards, and CJIS policies.
• Collaborate with HPD, regional partners, and City leadership.
• Provide mentoring and technical leadership to junior staff; coordinate with PMO for future projects.
• Position requires driving to various locations to perform duties.

Skills

Public safety video systems

VMS

PSIM

Network security

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / MIS

Tools

Motorola Command Central Evidence

PSIM platforms

Job description

Job Classification

IT LEAD – INFRASTRUCTURE (Public Safety)

Posting Number

39498

Department

HOUSTON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Division

ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Reporting Location

611 Walker St., Houston, TX

Workdays & Hours

MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

Position Overview

The Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) department is seeking an experienced IT Lead to oversee the City’s expansive Public Safety (Enterprise) video system and Public Safety Technologies. The IT Lead – Infrastructure (Public Safety) is responsible for overseeing, managing, and advancing the City’s mission‑critical public safety video ecosystem, including body‑worn camera systems, fixed video infrastructure, backend storage platforms, and regional system integrations. This role ensures high availability, secure operation, regulatory compliance, and continual modernization of public safety video systems.

This position oversees end‑to‑end video operations across public safety agencies and serves as the technical lead for body‑worn camera deployment, video management systems (VMS), evidence handling platforms, and supporting infrastructure. The incumbent will provide direction to junior team members, coordinate with regional partners, manage full‑time staff and contractors, and ensure that the entire ecosystem remains secure, resilient, and aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, and manage large‑scale public safety video systems, including body‑worn cameras, fixed cameras, servers, storage, communications equipment, and integrations.
• Deploy and configure body‑worn camera hardware, docking stations, backend storage, and evidence management platforms.
• Oversee lifecycle management of all video assets and associated infrastructure.
• Maintain system availability, performance, and operational health for all public safety video platforms.
• Integrate video systems with enterprise platforms (e.g., Motorola Command Central Evidence).
• Manage the underlying infrastructure supporting VMS, including networks, security controls, servers, databases, cloud or hybrid storage solutions, and PSIM systems.
• Implement and enforce security protocols, encryption standards, and cybersecurity policies.
• Ensure compliance with public safety regulations, CJIS requirements, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with stakeholder groups including HPD, regional partners, and internal City leadership.
• Oversee future public safety video projects with coordination from the HITS Project Management Office (PMO).
• Train end‑users on video systems, device handling, data management, and operational procedures.
• Manage customer/vendor relationships and contractual deliverables.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and technical leadership to junior team members.
• Position requires driving to various locations to perform duties.

The Position Requires Familiarity With

• Video Management Systems (VMS)
• Large‑scale public safety video infrastructure
• Regional video systems integration
• Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems

Compliance & Security Requirements

• CJIS Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire) is mandatory.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, and fingerprinting per Houston Police Department and CJIS standards.
• Candidate must maintain eligibility for access to sensitive law enforcement buildings, systems and data.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. May occasionally require work in outdoor environment.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field.

Information systems‑specific technical certifications may be substituted for 1 year of either the education or the experience requirement, as applicable.

Related professional Information Systems experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.

Experience

At least six (6) years of technology experience supporting IT infrastructure including networks, security, and hardware.

System-specific technical certifications will often be required. System specific technical certifications may be considered for substitution for 1 year of experience.

A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of the experience requirement.

LICENSE

A valid Texas Driver License and compliance with the City of Houston’s policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

Preferences shall be given to those with the following qualities:

• Experience with large‑scale public safety video infrastructure and video management systems (VMS)
• Experience with public sector/law enforcement videosystems
• Familiar with Regional video systems integration and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems
• The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of network security best practices (both theoretical and applied) and must adhere to all Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures to ensure the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of critical systems.
• Prior experience with FBI CJIS requirements and familiarity with FIPS 140-2 is preferred but not required.

Selection / Skills Tests Required

Department may administer skills assessment test

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 30

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.