IT Technician II chez North County Transit District

About the Department

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the IT Technician II provides skilled, hands-on support, maintenance, and installation for technology systems supporting District operations. This classification handles intermediate-level troubleshooting, executes defined maintenance plans, assists with upgrades, and works closely with senior engineering staff.

This single classification accommodates two primary specialty tracks while preserving one title/grade:

• Track A — Network/Infrastructure (traditional IT): Support for enterprise platforms (servers, virtualization, storage, networking), cybersecurity tools, end-user compute, and Microsoft 365.
• Track B — Transit Systems / Train Control (operational systems/ST): Hands-on maintenance and support for wayside/central/vehicle systems (e.g., train control interfaces, SCADA/telemetry, CAD/AVL, fare systems, station devices), and operational networks.

The IT Technician II is an experienced, hands-on contributor with intermediate diagnostic and repair skills, often working independently on routine and scheduled tasks.

• Executes standard operational procedures, performs defined system changes, and contributes to troubleshooting complex issues as directed by Systems Engineers.
• One classification/grade with a designated primary specialty focus recorded on the position (e.g., “IT Technician II — Network/Infrastructure” or “IT Technician II — Transit Systems”).
• Employees are encouraged to cross-train and support the other track as needed to build broader competency.
• Growth path: IT Technician I to IT Technician II, to Systems Engineer I, to Systems Engineer II.

The IT Technician II reports to the Program Network Operations Manager and exercises functional supervision over IT Technician I positions. This role provides technical leadership and mentoring while maintaining accountability for project deliverables and system performance.

Normal working conditions include office and field environments with regular travel between district facilities. Evening and weekend work is regularly required for system maintenance, upgrades, and emergency response. On-call availability for critical system issues is expected.

Position Duties

Essential Functions

Essential Functions Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Perform scheduled system maintenance, patching, and lifecycle tasks under the guidance of a Systems Engineer.
• Execute standard troubleshooting, fault isolation, and repair of hardware and software issues across assigned systems.
• Assist with the implementation, configuration, and testing of new technologies and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate inventory, documentation, diagrams, and logs related to system configuration and maintenance activities.
• Respond to and resolve help desk escalations from Tier 1, documenting resolutions and updating knowledge articles.
• Coordinate access and support for vendors and cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, IT, etc.).

Specialty Duties by Track

Track A — Network/Infrastructure

• Hands-on maintenance and administration of Windows Servers, Active Directory objects (users, computers).
• Support the Installation, configuration, and maintenance of virtual machine hosts (VMware vSphere/Hyper-V), network infrastructure (Cisco) and enterprise storage (SAN/NAS) hardware.
• Provide Tier 2 support for Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Teams) and enterprise endpoint management tools.
• Install, cable, and configure LAN/WAN devices (switches, routers, firewalls) under direction; verify segmentation/VLANs.
• Perform routine setup and testing of backup/DR solutions and verify endpoint protection.

Track B — Transit Systems / Train Control

• Perform installation, field commissioning, and preventative maintenance on Operational Technology (OT) devices: PTC, wayside devices, SCADA, CAD/AVL, fare collection hardware (TVMs/validators), and station assets (CCTV, PA).
• Perform troubleshooting and physical repairs on operational networks (wired/wireless, field radio) components, ensuring high availability standards are met.
• Monitor system performance and alarms from the operational control centers; assist with failover/rollback testing.
• Coordinate field work, configuration changes, and post-incident reviews with Rail Operations and Maintenance staff.

Maintain physical and electronic configuration baselines for critical, regulated systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience/Education

• Associate’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of hands-on experience in IT systems or OT support/maintenance aligned to the declared specialty focus, with demonstrated success in advanced troubleshooting.

Technica Competencies

• Basic scripting/automation skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash Scripting) for task execution.
• Experience with ticketing systems, monitoring, and adherence to strict documentation/change management procedures.
• Knowledge of Network fundamentals (IP addressing, basic routing, VLANs) and security best practices.

Preferred/Desirable by Track

• Track A: Microsoft/CompTIA certifications (e.g., A+, Network+, MCSA/MS-900), or entry-level network certifications. Experience with enterprise imaging and patching tools.
• Track B: Prior hands-on experience with industrial control, telemetry, or field maintenance of transit/rail systems.

• Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36 month period and no DUI’s in the preceding 7 year period. 
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics. 

General Requirements

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Basic concepts of high-availability; security best practices; ITIL-aligned service management; and vendor support processes.
• Intermediate analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex priorities
• Physical ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds and work in various environmental conditions including railway right-of-way areas

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 the essential functions.

Ability to use computers and communication devices for extended periods, manual dexterity for technical tasks, and lifting of equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. Ability to travel between district locations and work in various environmental conditions including outdoor railway environments. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and chemicals. Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand for extended periods.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate specialized IT/OT diagnostic and testing equipment
• Proficiency with enterprise backup and monitoring systems
• Ability to carry and operate mobile on-call devices

Other Qualifications

Application Information: To apply please complete the application on the careers sections of gonctd.com.  North County Transit-San Diego Railroad is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.