Applications Specialist

About the Department

The City of Cupertino is currently recruiting for a two-year full-time Limited Term Applications Specialist under the Applications Division in the Innovation Technology Department. Under general supervision, this position implements systems maintenance, and performs operational duties, and modification of application systems. Serves as a liaison between system users and information technology staff, vendors, and service providers. Provides technical and analytical support and training to system users. Performs system administration functions to ensure security and effective operations. Coordinates the design, development, programming, and maintenance of the City of Cupertino's Internet and Intranet web sites. Includes user’s permissions, security, A.D.A. accessibility, effectiveness, efficiency, and training to achieve optimal performance.

Appointment to this position is limited and will end no later than two years from the date of appointment.

Position Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Ensures the clear, comprehensive, and accurate presentation of the City's online presence on the Internet. Designs, develops, and maintains web site documents, templates, graphics, and navigational tools. Maintains standards and procedures for web page design and site maintenance.

Contribute to WCAG 2.1 accessibility remediation for City Website, other online applications and digital assets.

Participates in a variety of system users and work groups to identify user needs and operational processes, programmatic and configuration changes affecting application requirements.

Participates in the modification of existing systems and the implementation of new systems by developing, writing, and disseminating procedures that utilize new or updated system applications.

Performs software application, design, research, development, conversion, installation, and maintenance projects through entire project life cycle.

Receives requests for assistance related to the use of department and software applications, systems and external websites and digital portals. Determines severity of problem and resolves or refers to appropriate personnel or vendor for resolution.

Provides or arranges for the training of staff on the information systems used by the department and/or program. Respond to requests for creating ad-hoc reports.

Develops and executes system test plans to ensure application performance conforms to specifications. Implement new technologies to correct errors and optimize system performance and cost-effectiveness.

Works with the project lead in planning, and defining project requirements, methods, and finalize the project objectives in consultation with end users. Coordinates project activities with team members, other information technology services staff, user representatives, and outside vendors.

Assist in business process redesign, technical design sessions and focus groups for design and implementation of new processes or systems.

Writes and maintains user and technical operating instructions and documentation. Prepares training materials and conducts formal and informal training programs on the use and operation of the applications and advises on the best practices.

Provides continuous training to the city staff in areas of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Front-end web development experience using HTML, CSS, JavaScript is required. Object-Oriented programming, .NET, C#, PHP, Python and XML a great plus.  

Knowledge of ADA (Americans with Disability Act) accessibility requirements under WGAG.2.1 a great plus.

Database Development and management using SQL and MySQL.

Principles and practices of programmatic analysis and report preparation. Business Intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI and Tableau.

The organization, operation, and functions of the department as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities and to determine appropriate point of escalation.

Learn and use new technology related to web site and web page design and maintenance.

Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with vendors and City staff.

Ability to:

Analyze, develop, design, and maintain Internet web sites and implement standards and procedures for web site development. Train staff in the use of web applications and operating procedures. Evaluates, recommends, and implements content and design improvements of web sites. Prepare Internet documentation and graphics presentations.

Perform ADA remediations based on the ADA audits, accessibility guidelines.

Code and configure software applications. Operate and maintain software systems, troubleshoot system software, and user issues related to software applications.

Work on multiple projects, prioritize projects and complete assignments in a timely manner.

Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and creativity in making effective and timely decisions.

Provide a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with vendors and City staff.

Make sound decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, polices, and procedures.

Education and 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:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or closely related field.

Two years of experience in computer science, which includes web site management, development, design, and programming. Experience with city government web sites is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

A valid Class C California driver’s license. 

Other Qualifications

Application and Selection Process

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your City of Cupertino employment application to Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m., May 11, 2026. Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to complete the supplemental application will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience or stating “See Resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to rejection. Resumes may be attached separately. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cupertino , or application materials may be submitted to: Human Resources, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include a written examination and/or panel interview.  An eligible list will be established as a result of this process and will remain in effect for 3 months from the date established and may be extended up to one year. 

Additional Information

The City of Cupertino is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Cupertino Human Resources upon submittal of application.  Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.  

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.