Technical Services Director

CLOSES ON NOVEMBER 8, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M. MST

 

Provides overall leadership and direction for the bureau, establishes goals and priorities, and develops and implements short- and long-term plans that align with SMFR’s mission and organizational needs; promotes professional growth, continuous improvement, and effective performance across the bureau.

Provides leadership and a commitment to excellence by inspiring, empowering, and motivating personnel; participates in the selection and training of employees; evaluates performance; provides coaching and mentoring; and takes corrective measures, including disciplinary actions. 

Lives the SMFR culture and models organizational values; creates a welcoming culture of inclusivity, accountability, candor, and transparency; builds and strengthens relationships with all members of the organization. 

Provides management, supervision, and coordination of personnel in Technical Services including scheduling and assigning work; allocates resources; assists in the coordination of contracted personnel, e.g., instructors, vendors, etc.

Works with the Deputy Chief of Internal Services to develop and implement policies and procedures that support employee performance and professional development within the bureau. Identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Evaluates the effectiveness of bureau operations and service delivery, identifies opportunities for improvement, and ensures resources, systems, policies, and procedures are aligned to support efficient and effective service.

Plans, directs, and coordinates work activities; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; assesses and monitors workload; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. 

Explains, advocates for, and defends programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues. 

Participates in the selection of staff; orients and trains employees, developing personal growth opportunities. 

Maintains a safe and healthy working environment by establishing and enforcing safe work practices and organization values, adhering to legal requirements.

Guides, develops, and implements computing and information technology strategic plans, policies, programs, and schedules for the District; ensures SMFR’s data processing, computer services, network communications, and management information services accomplish organization goals and objectives. 

Ensures the integrity, availability, accessibility, and appropriate management of District data and information assets. 

Provides oversight of the district’s network, communications, connectivity, and related technology infrastructure to ensure reliable service across the organization.

Establishes and maintains enterprise technology infrastructure and standards that support the operational, administrative, and geographic needs of the district. 

Oversees the development, implementation, integration, enhancement, and lifecycle management of enterprise applications and technology systems. 

Establishes technology governance practices, standards, policies, and procedures to promote secure, consistent, efficient, and sustainable use of technology throughout the district. 

Oversees ongoing technology improvements and evaluates the feasibility, costs, risks, and organizational benefits of system enhancements and emerging technologies.

Advises the Executive Team on strategic systems conversions and integrations in support of business goals and objectives; collaborates with various stakeholders to prioritize initiatives and investments.

Ensures the reliability and security of Technical Service systems to meet the needs of the organization; guides and manages disaster recovery, data backup, and cyber security of district systems.

Leads technology transformation and change initiatives designed to improve business processes, operational efficiency, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness; manages the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of District software applications and systems. 

Fosters a customer centric approach within Technical Services prioritizing the needs of the end user.

Reviews and approves major contracts for computing and information technology services and equipment; manages relationships with technology vendors and service providers, including contract performance, service levels, negotiations, and ongoing evaluation of vendor services.

Performs other related duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Business Management or a related field is required. Master’s Degree is preferred. 

Seven (7) years of experience within transformational Technology departments (preferably in industries such as public safety, dispatch or communications centers, government entities, emergency, and rapid response, and/or heavily regulated, high-security environments, etc.)   

Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience directly developing and managing multidisciplinary Technology teams and resources within high-performance, high-pressure environments.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SMFR’s Driving Records Policy. 

Must obtain CPR certification within one (1) year of hire. 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of IT leadership and management theories/practices including budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, and maintenance/retention of public records Ability to demonstrate strong customer service.

Demonstrated skill in managing a large annual budget, managing P&L, developing staffing forecasts, and analyzing financial and operational data.

Ability to interact well with a diverse population with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Skill in giving presentations and in facilitating group discussions.

Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations. 

Ability to gather relevant data, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound judgments, develop conclusions, and present complex findings to a variety of audiences. 

Ability to select, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff; ability to provide goals, direction, and effective leadership.

Knowledge and skills in managing people and processes.

Demonstrated passion for continuous learning and subject matter expertise, relevant IT knowledge through proactive education and training. 

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques within IT.

Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems with technical expertise in two-way, microwave and 800 MHz radio systems, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping helpful.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards (preferably pertaining to fire and emergency medical services; personnel; safety; FCC rules and regulations governing radio and telephone usage highly preferred).

Ability to operate technology/ computer systems in routine, emergency, and/or high stress conditions.

Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to manage interpersonal and organizational conflict and create a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Demonstrated commitment to valuing and respecting diversity, with an understanding of how to effectively incorporate diversity initiatives into the organization. 

Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and work with a variety of people and cultures who work on different shifts and in various geographic locations. 

Knowledge of principles and equipment related to fire and medical emergency response.

Ability to provide goals, direction, and effective leadership for assigned programs and staff.

Skill in providing effective, fair, and impartial evaluations for personnel, including disciplinary actions.

Skill in demonstrating critical thinking and functioning under extreme stress.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Internal Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides general supervision of professional, technical, and administrative staff within Technical Services.

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS 

Requires frequent use of equipment including a personal computer (including various software packages, database, and spreadsheet programs), SMFR vehicles, portable radios, calculators, telephones, facsimile machines, copy machines, printers, and other general office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Requires nimbleness of hands for typing and writing. May be required to exert more than 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or more than 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or more than 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus, allowing a broad field of vision. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION 

The primary duties of this job are performed in a climate-controlled office environment.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS 

South Metro Fire Rescue’s compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. In turn, SMFR’s compensation is more than base pay. All regular full-time SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including base wages, leave accruals, medical, dental, vision and life insurance employer-paid premiums, Retiree Health Savings, Death & Disability, and employer-paid pension contributions as well as positive work culture including a robust Fitness, Wellness and Rehabilitation Program, educational opportunities and support, job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has different meanings to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. Overall, SMFR's goal is to be a great place to work.