What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technology Specialist position at USD 289?
U.S.D. 289 — Technology Specialist
Job Description
Starting wage based on experience $21.00 per hour
The Technology Specialist maintains district technology infrastructure, hardware, software, and networks in optimal condition to ensure full, secure, and productive use by students and staff. This role is primary in providing Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support and managing the school district’s public website and digital communication tools. To accomplish these tasks, the Technology Specialist works closely with the Technology Director, district staff, and building administration.
- Responsible to: Technology Director
- Terms of Employment: Twelve-month contract (refer to Board Policy for specific terms).
- Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually by the Technology Director in accordance with Board Policy and state regulations, completed by April 30.
- Qualifications
- Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree or technical certification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience: Proven experience troubleshooting computer hardware, operating systems, local networks, and managing modern website Content Management Systems (CMS).
- Certifications: Active industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA A , Network , Google Certified Professional, or Microsoft 365 Certified) are highly desirable. Must be willing to obtain and maintain relevant certifications as required by the district.
- Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.
- Growth Mindset: A clear desire to pursue continuous professional development and stay current with emerging educational technologies.
- General Responsibilities
- Technical Support: Serve as a primary point of contact for district-wide technology problems, inquiries, and support requests.
- Collaboration: Assist the Technology Director in coordinating technology deployments, upgrades, and digital initiatives across all buildings.
- District Website: support, update, and manage the district website, ensuring accurate information, modern design, and compliance with accessibility standards (ADA).
- Needs Assessment: Evaluate the district’s ongoing hardware and software needs and make proactive recommendations for improvement to leadership.
- Professionalism: Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff data in compliance with FERPA/COPPA regulations.
Essential Functions
1. Hardware & Software Support
- Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot end-user devices, including desktops, laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, interactive whiteboards, and printers.
- Manage mobile device management (MDM) systems to push software updates, configuration profiles, and security policies.
- Assist in administering district cloud platforms (e.g., Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft 365, and instructional software).
2. Network & Infrastructure Assistance
- Assist in maintaining local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), wireless access points, and VoIP phone systems.
- Troubleshoot physical and wireless connectivity issues across district facilities.
- Help monitor network security protocols to safeguard district data against cyber threats.
3. Help Desk & Ticket Management
- Utilize the district’s IT ticketing system to log, track, prioritize, and resolve support requests in a timely and efficient manner.
- Document technical procedures, system configurations, and user guides to build a comprehensive knowledge base.
4. Training & Staff Development
- Conduct onboarding and ongoing training for staff on core software applications,
- hardware utilization, digital safety, and cybersecurity awareness.
- Provide technical guidance to teachers to optimize classroom technology integration.
- Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions
- Mobility: Requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to work in tight spaces (e.g., under desks, behind server racks).
- Exertion: Requires physical stamina to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push IT equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Dexterity: Requires stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling, crawling, and climbing ladders to service equipment like projectors and wireless access points.
- Environment: Must be adaptable to working in noisy, crowded school environments, as well as handling typical exposure to dust and standard electronic odors