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Information Technology Specialist

Department:

Applied Health Sciences

Effective Date:

October, 2013

Grade:

USG 9-12

35 hr/wk
Reports to: Director of Information Technology

General Accountability

The Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist) reports to the Director of Information Technology (IT Director) and is responsible for the assisting in the administration of all computing systems in Applied Health Sciences. These responsibilities include the administrative, teaching and research computing environments and the supporting infrastructure.

Nature and Scope

The role of Applied Health Sciences Computing is to provide general and specialized computing system resources for the Faculty.  AHS Computing is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of computing systems and network strategies for the Faculty. A team-based approached is used and the incumbent is expected to take a role in projects where his/her skills are most appropriate.  The incumbent is expected to work closely and co-operatively with other staff in AHS Computing towards achieving its goals.

 

Computing activities in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences continue to accelerate both in demand and diversity. The administrative systems in the Faculty currently consist of: a UNIX server (RHEL), a number of Windows Servers (2008R2 and 2012), approximately 300 hundred networked Windows Nexus workstations, an increasing number of Apple computers and a wide variety of laptop computers and peripherals.  Hardware supporting research in the Faculty consists of:  almost two dozen Windows Servers and approximately 250 networked Windows workstations with an array of specific hardware used to support data collection and other research efforts. The integrated student computing environment is comprised of:   25 Windows Nexus workstations, 1 software application server, and several networked printers.

 

The network in Applied Health Sciences consists of approximately 40 network switches (over 1000 ports) in 6 telecommunications closets in BMH and LHI.  These are maintained and secured in conjunction with Information Systems and Technology.

 

Software used in the Faculty is as diverse as the hardware.  Administrative and instructional software includes: Microsoft Windows, Mac OSx, Red Hat Enterprise Linux; Microsoft Office Suite (all versions and components); SPSS, SAS, R, and NVivo; Photoshop, Paintshop and Coreldraw ; Microsoft SQL server, various web browser and a wide array e-mail and other Internet applications. Software used in the research centres in Faculty includes the above as well as MathCAD, Matlab, Labview, Powerlab and programming languages such as Visual Basic and C++.  IT Specialist is also expected to provide consultation on various web applications, including the Learning Management System (Learn), the Waterloo Content Management System (WCMS), and the university’s mail servers (Connect and Mailservices).

 

 

Job responsibilities

Core Competencies

There are six major categories of competencies described fully in the document: “AHS Information Technology Specialist (USG 9-12): Career Path Competencies Table.”

Statistical Data

Specific Accountabilities

Career Path

The career-path competencies table forms the basis from which the following descriptions are derived. Each level of the Specialist position builds on the prior levels. Details at each level will evolve in response to changes in technology and the needs of the University. Progression is in recognition of substantial increases in depth and breadth of expertise with technologies, products, and techniques, complemented by increases in task/project organization and planning, leadership, and accountability. The IT Specialist is expected to develop competencies to at least the USG 11 level.

 

This is the usual entry-level position for the IT Specialist who has a university degree (or equivalent) with suitable exposure to network and computing-systems architecture and software engineering, is proficient in relevant programming languages and development tools, has some immediately useful work experience in project-team development in network or computing or database system management, and has good interpersonal and written and oral communications skills.

 

 

At this level, the IT Specialist has additional experience that consistently demonstrates sound technical judgement and high productivity.

 

 

 

 

Working Conditions