Chief Information Officer - Metro - 003

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

This regular, full-time recruitment closes at 5:00 PM on February 4, 2026

$5,194.17 - $6,340.99 biweekly

Plus an additional 10% KernFlex

Definition

Under general policy direction, plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Court Technology Department; plans, directs and integrates the delivery of Court-wide Information Technology programs, services and infrastructure to support the achievement of Court mission and strategies; collaboratively develops and manages enterprise information technology development and implementation for the Court.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a single incumbent, executive management position that is responsible for program and budget development, coordination, and goal setting in the information technology area. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for providing vision and leadership in managing, directing, integrating, establishing standards for and maintaining security of diverse information systems and technology programs and services for the Court, including all infrastructure components, business systems applications, case management systems, customer support, data communications, telecom communications, video surveillance, records management systems and other technology. The incumbent exercises leadership in formulating technology strategy and establishing long-term technology direction for the Court. Assignments are broad in scope and allow for a high degree of administrative discretion in their execution. The Chief Information Officer classification is affixed on technology delivery, strategy, reliability, integrity, and customer service. Additionally, the CIO adheres to information technology industry and government best practices when possible while ensuring the continuity of datacenter operations and related infrastructure components.

• Supervises recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all IT staff in accordance with court budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
• Lead, motivate, and coach a team of technology leaders and professionals to achieve subject matter expertise within their job roles.
• Establish and sustain a career path within the Information Technology Division in an effort to retain skilled staff members within the court and sustain a succession plan.
• Leads the thorough development of and monitors all ongoing aspects of the Court Technology Department budget.
• Manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of work programs, plans, processes, systems and procedures to achieve Court goals, objectives and performance measures consistent with the Court's quality, ethics and public service expectations.
• Plans, prioritizes, and coordinates the acquisition, implementation, utilization, installation, maintenance and ongoing support of technology systems deployed throughout all court facilities.
• Participates in short and long-range strategic planning, policy and procedure development, with particular emphasis in the area of technology.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication channels with Judicial Council of California, State, County and other justice agencies.
• Directs and oversees coordination and delivery of systems and network interoperations with the County of Kern, Justice Partners, Judicial Council, and other interrelated organizations.
• Coordinates and facilitates consultation with vendors, integrators, contractors and other representatives in the development, application and implementation of technology systems.
• Works with Judicial Officers, CEO, executive team, and division managers to evaluate current and anticipated technology systems and requirements; presents technology projects and related topics.
• Develops and manages technology projects including budgeting costs, allocating resources, timelines, and documenting project details using various management tools.
• Monitors and stays educated on technology industry trends and developments; evaluates the uses of emerging technologies in meeting both short and long-term Court business goals and their impact; directs the study of new technology to determine its utility, consistency with established technology standards, relevance for meeting Court business and operational requirements and expected return(s) on investment(s).
• Examines the feasibility of alternative approaches and technologies to accomplish various objectives, increase operational efficiencies and explores new methods for implementing technology within the court.
• Leads efforts on gathering technology forensic information related to internal and external investigations.
• Directs the delivery of application development, network, and computer operations; directs the development, enhancement, quality assurance, testing, and installation of new applications, systems upgrades to the installation, implementation and conversion to new software and hardware.
• Leads IT strategic and operational planning to achieve court goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
• Directs the development and maintenance of major databases and various data repositories.
• Directs the establishment and administration of IT security standards, protocols, processes and disaster recovery programs and plans including the Court's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) as it relates to technology.
• Ensures that established system reliability, backup and recovery standards are met.
• Directs the design, development, maintenance and administration of Court network, server and storage infrastructures and data center services.
• Ensures that network architectures meet standards and Court operational requirements.
• Directs staff in providing planning, budgeting and other administrative services for Court-wide information systems, including the procurement of all IT equipment, supplies and contractor/vendor services and administering contracts for a variety of purposes.
• Oversees and directs administrative studies of technology to increase productivity, improve services and reduce costs; directs and oversees audits, asset management and inventories of Court's IT equipment.
• Contribute and be involved with statewide technology committees and taskforces.
• Set priorities and allocate resources to meet client needs in a timely, effective manner.
• Perform project management responsibilities, including developing logical and efficient project plans, establishing priorities, monitoring and managing task completion anticipating and avoiding problems and working collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply Court, state and federal policy law, regulation and court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in meetings.
• Represent the Court effectively in meetings with the County and other key stakeholders on a variety of technology issues.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials appropriate to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgement within general policy guidelines.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Judicial Officers, Court and County employees, Management, supervisors, staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, member of the public and other encountered in the course of work.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education & Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be five (5) years of experience at the level of supervisor or equivalent classification for a government agency in Information Technology OR completion of a Bachelor degree in management information systems, computer science, information technology, business administration, or closely related field AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible information technology experience, at least three of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity.

Licenses And Certifications

A valid and clear California Class C driver license and the ability to maintain insurability under the court's vehicle insurance program. Must pass background investigation to the satisfaction of the court.

Knowledge Of

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of information technology management including: applications design; hardware and software options for business, operations and specialized case management applications and interfaces; and the cost-benefit of systems alternatives.
• Trends and directional developments in information technology as they apply to formulating technological solutions to meet Court enterprise objectives.
• Business and Customer relationship management and internal consulting concepts and practices.
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques applicable to long-range and strategic technology planning.
• Project management tools and techniques, including project cost accounting and project change management and control.
• Court operations and functions and associated information systems and technology requirements.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, financial planning, purchasing and maintenance of public records.
• Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.
• Theory of general administration leadership, personnel management, and organizational behavior.
  
  

Ability To

• Plan, organize, integrate and manage a large information technology division.
• Plan, organize, integrate and manage Court-wide Information Technology services, including applications development, network and systems infrastructure, user training and desktop support and related administration and records management programs and services.
• Analyze court-wide business, operational and technology needs and formulate conceptual frameworks and work plans to achieve integrated efficient and cost effective technology solutions.
• Understand the business needs of multiple customers and balance fulfillment of those needs with considerations of broader organizational, business, legal and economic issues and requirements,
• Serve as an effective facilitator and consensus builder with multiple stakeholders of diverse views and needs.
• Provide leadership in evaluating complex technology strategies and developing strategic approaches that maximize return on investment.
• Identify information management issues and opportunities, analyze problems and alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Set priorities and allocate resources to meet client needs in a timely, effective manner.
• Perform project management responsibilities, including developing logical and efficient project plans, establishing priorities, monitoring and managing task completion anticipating and avoiding problems and working collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply Court, state and federal policy law, regulation and court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in meetings.
• Represent the Court effectively in meetings with the County and other key stakeholders on a variety of technology issues.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials appropriate to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgement within general policy guidelines.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Judicial Officers, Court and County employees, Management, supervisors, staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, member of the public and other encountered in the course of work.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various Court locations and sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

FLSA: EXEMPT

All applicants are required to submit an online application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application.

STATUS NOTIFICATIONS: You will be notified by email through the governmentjobs.com site during the process of this recruitment. Some email accounts have been known to place these emails in the spam/junk file. Please check your email folders and/or accept emails ending with governmentjobs.com and kern.courts.ca.gov. If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed during Court holidays.

To learn more about how to create an application click here.