Job Description

Systems and Database Lead

*A hybrid Telework Schedule will be considered for this position; hybrid is defined as a pre-determined blend of working from home and in the office.
*This position is eligible for relocation assistance

The Colorado Springs Utilities' Business Applications team is seeking a Systems and Database Lead to serve as the unified technical and strategic authority across both application development and application administration functions for both Cloud and On-Premise solutions. This job is designed to provide high-level direction, subject matter expertise, and strategic oversight while remaining involved in day-to-day operational tasks.

Why should you apply to this role?
As a Systems and Database Lead, you will direct system architecture, database strategy, application lifecycle planning, and key technology decisions supporting a wide range of critical platforms such as Document Management Systems (AssetWise, Ideagen), Emergency Management (Everbridge), Code Repositories (GitHub), Outage Management (iTOA), Microsoft tools (SharePoint, Bookings, Forms), and other applications essential to enterprise, energy, and water operations.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Act as the primary advisor on architecture, integrations, database design, system administration, performance strategy, and long-term platform roadmap
• Provide leadership on best practices for upgrades, modernization, cloud/on-premises strategies, and security standards
• Evaluate and advise on new technologies, vendor proposals, and system enhancements to support organizational goals
• Offer expert guidance to both the Development and Application Administration teams
• Mentor and support Application Administrators and Developers, fostering a cohesive, high-performing team culture
• Set and reinforce team standards for coding quality, database design, system administration procedures, and documentation
• Oversee project technical execution - ensuring alignment, quality, risk mitigation, and scalability - while delegating hands-on work to team members
• Enable cross-training and skill development to strengthen team resiliency
• Guide application and database performance tuning, optimization, query design, and data integrity best practices
• Advise on integration patterns, middleware, API usage, and data flows across the Business Applications ecosystem
• Participate in planning for system upgrades, patching strategies, lifecycle management, and architecture evaluations
• Support mission-critical applications through leadership and advisement while participating directly in operational 24/7 standby rotations
• Collaborate with business partners to understand functional and data needs and translate them into strategic technical recommendations
• Review requirements, architecture diagrams, solution designs, and technical specifications for quality and alignment
• Serve as the senior technical liaison in cross-functional discussions, vendor interactions, and project planning sessions
• Ensure system reliability, scalability, and performance are embedded into all design decisions

What You Bring:

Experience & Expertise:

• Significant experience in application administration, software development, database management, or a combination of these disciplines
• Strong knowledge of array of Cloud based and On-Premise applications, systems and related integrations
• Demonstrated experience with server administration (Unix/Linux/Windows), scripting, and automation using tools such as PowerShell and Windows batch scripting to support enterprise infrastructure and operational processes.
• Proficiency with relational databases, query optimization, and enterprise data practices
• Experience overseeing complex enterprise systems and influencing technical direction across multiple teams
• Familiarity with cloud/on-prem architectures, middleware, scripting, and modern development practices
• Demonstrated ability to seamlessly shift across multiple systems, priorities, and technologies, maintaining continuity and performance

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Proven ability to lead through influence, providing direction without micromanaging
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust and connections across organizational levels
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical nuance with enterprise goals

Who You Are...

• You will likely have a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a closely related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). You have accumulated significant, progressive experience in technical leadership roles—ideally spanning both system administration and application development within complex, technology-driven environments. Your background includes guiding multi-application ecosystems, influencing system architecture decisions, and supporting Enterprise wide and Utilities based platforms.
• Experience leading or advising on project execution and familiarity with ITIL practices are highly valued.
  Beyond technical expertise, you excel at leading through influence, cultivating strong team performance, and fostering collaboration across diverse technical groups. Your interpersonal skills enable you to build trust, develop positive relationships, and unify teams around shared goals. You empower others, promote growth, and take pride in helping individuals and teams achieve success.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
- Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Who We Are...Colorado Springs Utilities is one of the largest four-service public utilities in the nation, providing water, wastewater, electric, and natural gas services to 500,000 residents in the Pikes Peak region. Our work culture is dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and synergy, and we are a national leader in reliability, with power on an average of 99.991% of the time. In fact, we were recently awarded the Diamond Designation from the American Public Power Association, for having some of the highest ratings in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvements among the nation’s 2,000+ public utilities.

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness