What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations and Inventory Specialist position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Operations and Inventory Specialist is a member of the Instructional Technology and Audiovisual (ITAV) team and is responsible for coordinating the inventory and workflow of equipment supporting ITAV projects and campus technology refresh initiatives. The position manages equipment-related activities, including obtaining quotes, coordinating purchases, tracking orders, maintaining vendor relationships, receiving and tracking inventory, and communicating with campus customers.
This position applies technical and business knowledge to support the development and implementation of sustainable audiovisual solutions across campus. The position communicates and coordinates with the Division of IT and campus departments to maintain standardized workflows and help ensure projects and operational tasks are completed consistently. The role requires working knowledge of State of North Carolina purchasing policies and procedures and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with WCU Facilities Management, vendors, and other university partners.
The position uses university procurement and asset management systems, along with ITAV tools, to purchase, receive, track, and manage equipment. In collaboration with the ITAV Manager, the position supports large-scale initiative planning, financial forecasting, vendor coordination, and equipment lifecycle replacement. The position also coordinates the physical movement of equipment among campus locations for receiving, installation, storage, and surplus activities.
The position contributes to strategic planning for campus investment in audiovisual systems and administers asset management processes for AV inventory and related equipment entering, moving within, and leaving the university. This work is performed in coordination with the IT Asset Manager and other WCU departments.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Operations and Inventory Specialist is a member of the Instructional Technology and Audiovisual (ITAV) team and is responsible for coordinating the inventory and workflow of equipment supporting ITAV projects and campus technology refresh initiatives. The position manages equipment-related activities, including obtaining quotes, coordinating purchases, tracking orders, maintaining vendor relationships, receiving and tracking inventory, and communicating with campus customers.
This position applies technical and business knowledge to support the development and implementation of sustainable audiovisual solutions across campus. The position communicates and coordinates with the Division of IT and campus departments to maintain standardized workflows and help ensure projects and operational tasks are completed consistently. The role requires working knowledge of State of North Carolina purchasing policies and procedures and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with WCU Facilities Management, vendors, and other university partners.
The position uses university procurement and asset management systems, along with ITAV tools, to purchase, receive, track, and manage equipment. In collaboration with the ITAV Manager, the position supports large-scale initiative planning, financial forecasting, vendor coordination, and equipment lifecycle replacement. The position also coordinates the physical movement of equipment among campus locations for receiving, installation, storage, and surplus activities.
The position contributes to strategic planning for campus investment in audiovisual systems and administers asset management processes for AV inventory and related equipment entering, moving within, and leaving the university. This work is performed in coordination with the IT Asset Manager and other WCU departments.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to responsive and professional customer service.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, priorities, and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Working knowledge of IT asset management, inventory control, or related operational practices.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficiency with collaborative productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office, video conferencing platforms, and project or task management applications.
- Ability to interpret and apply procurement requirements, established procedures, and operational standards.
- Ability to safely coordinate and perform the physical movement of equipment required for receiving, installation, storage, and surplus activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
- Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in technology asset management, inventory control, procurement, logistics, business operations, or administrative support within an information technology environment; or a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and at least two years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Catamart (JAGGAER) and WCU purchasing processes.
- Experience with WCU asset management processes.
- Experience supporting classroom technology or audiovisual and information technology systems.
- Knowledge of construction and construction management principles.
- Experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting audiovisual technology in classrooms, teaching laboratories, conference rooms, and student collaboration spaces.
- Knowledge of networking principles and their application to audiovisual system configuration.
- Experience with project management methods, tools, or processes.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
10/28/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
In order to complete the application, applicants must include:
For questions or additional information please contact johnnickel@wcu.edu.
In order to complete the application, applicants must include:
- a cover letter addressing qualifications as related to the job requirements
- a current resume
- a list of three recent (within past five years) professional references which include name, title, email, and relationship
For questions or additional information please contact johnnickel@wcu.edu.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental Insurance