Applications Systems Specialist - Parks & Recreation

Pay

Typical hiring range (steps 1–5): $69,892.00 – $79,107.96 annually ($33.60 – $38.03 hourly).

About the role

This position configures, maintains, and optimizes software applications to meet business and user needs. The candidate will set up and configure both on-premise and cloud-based applications to align with current business processes, provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and train users. Responsibilities include ensuring applications are updated and patched, managing secure and compliant access, and maintaining data integrity.

Working for the City of McKinney is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. The organization is recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY and is guided by four core values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE) – supported by servant-based leaders fostering a healthy, family-oriented culture.

• Core values: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence (RISE)
• High-performance organization (HPO) environment

Responsibilities

• Manage, maintain, and provide operational support for assigned interfaces and applications, ensuring optimal functionality.
• Use incident management processes to document and track customer interactions.
• Execute installation, upgrades, patches, automate manual tasks, and optimize workflows to improve efficiency.
• Respond promptly to customer and internal stakeholder needs while maintaining high service levels.
• Enhance technical processes, create knowledge articles, and document troubleshooting steps.
• Collaborate with external vendors and technical teams to resolve issues and implement strategic enhancements.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures, maintain regulatory compliance, and adhere to assigned work schedule per attendance guidelines.
• Plan application roadmaps, optimize workflows, and improve business services through data-driven solutions, including understanding stakeholder processes and system alignment.
• If assigned to Parks & Recreation: provide day-to-day technical support and administration for department business systems (e.g., RecTrac, ActiveNet, Cityworks, Wrike, Monday, survey and performance management tools).
• Monitor system performance for Parks and Recreation applications; plan and maintain application backups; troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues through full resolution.
• Log, track, and manage internal/external customer requests with timely, professional communication.
• Review vendor release notes and patches; evaluate, test, and implement updates, fixes, and enhancements.
• Support system upgrades including planning, testing, data validation, and post-go-live support.
• Create and maintain documentation for system configurations, procedures, and end-user reference materials.
• Participate in end-user acceptance testing, quality assurance reviews, and change management processes.
• Support end users during program registration launches, membership renewals, and facility reservation cycles.
• Serve as departmental liaison to IT for citywide initiatives (e.g., Snowflake) and department-specific hardware.
• Partner with software vendors and City IT on implementations, single sign-on (SSO), server access, APIs, and integrations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science or related discipline.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Technology Systems with enterprise-wide vendor software applications and IT support experience.
• Must have or obtain ITIL Foundation certification within 12 months of employment.
• Must have or obtain CompTIA A+ certification within 6 months of employment.
• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have a Class C Texas Driver's License.

Qualifications

• Two (2)+ years' experience in enterprise application administration (installation, upgrading, patching, user access management).
• Two (2)+ years' experience in report building using Crystal Reports, SSRS, or Cognos.

Skills

• Embrace and embody the City's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE).
• Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and service recipients.
• Produce desired work outcomes including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Plan and organize work, time, and resources (and subordinates' if applicable).
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to engage at all levels.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks; manage resources efficiently; escalate prioritization challenges when needed.
• Strong critical thinking, data analysis, and troubleshooting abilities to optimize performance and resolve issues efficiently.
• Well-versed in Windows platform and network technologies.
• Document processes, maintain up-to-date documentation, and ensure adherence to organizational standards.
• Familiarity with ITIL Framework.
• Experience working independently, in a matrixed environment, and municipal settings while engaging multiple stakeholders in technical projects.
• General expectations: understand interconnected team/department/City goals; contribute to positive work culture; maintain regular attendance; assess