Information Technology Specialist

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Effective Date:

January 2011

Grade:

USG 9/10

35 hr/wk

Reports to:

Information Technology Manager

General Accountability

The Information Technology Specialist is responsible for the continuous evolution and maintenance of an effective and sustainable computing infrastructure in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). It is the Specialist’s responsibility to investigate, acquire, develop, and deploy new software, servers, and operating systems. The Specialist must be familiar and comply with the University’s policies and its directives related to information systems and technology. This position reports to the CEE’s Information Technology Manager and is part of the CEE IT support Group.

Nature and Scope

The Information Technology Specialist provides computing support to the CEE faculty, staff, and students in their administration, research, and teaching activities. Members of the CEE IT Support Group are consulted on both hardware and software issues. They also make recommendations on purchases, and order computer hardware, software and network products. The Specialist is required to collaborate with the other members of the CEE IT Support Group and the Faculty of Engineering to ensure consistency with all IT systems.

The Specialist will also participate in projects and initiatives with other University groups external to CEE. These projects are intended to enhance the functional services these groups provide to CEE.

To perform effectively, members of the CEE IT Support Group are expected to follow new developments in the rapidly evolving field of information technology. All members of the group must develop and maintain expertise with emerging, current and evolving technologies, products, and implementation practices. The CEE IT Group must understand and communicate how and where new technologies can be applied to fulfil CEE‘s requirements in a cost-effective way. The knowledge areas span a wide range of specializations that currently include:

Personal computer hardware, installation, configuration and maintenance
Network hardware installation, configuration and maintenance
Advanced workstation hardware installation
Network hardware and system administration
Network security and evasive forecasting
Computing systems software development
Desktop operational environments
Electronic desktop and specific engineering applications
Procurement
Problem solving and analytical skills
Communication and organization development
Documentation of current infrastructure

Statistical Data

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering currently has 41 faculty, 31 staff, 700 undergraduates, and 230 graduate students. There are more than 500 computers in the department.

Specific Accountabilities

Career Path for an Information Technology Specialist

The following descriptions make reference to levels of expertise: foundation, proficiency and in-depth. The foundation level position (USG9), and proficient level position (USG10) expect the specialist to develop a general understanding of information systems concepts, information systems within the University, and proficiency in specific technical areas.

Advancements to higher levels are in recognition of ability, skills that demonstrate an in-depth level of knowledge in a range of technical and/or functional areas, and increased levels of experience and responsibility.

USG9

At the entry level position the Specialist is generally responsible for their own work and work independently on assigned responsibilities within specific application areas or project assignments. The Specialist is expected to develop and demonstrate foundation and proficiency level knowledge and skills in the following:

foundation level knowledge of supported desktop computing environments and standard desktop applications
foundation level knowledge of software development, encompassing systems analysis and design concepts
foundation level knowledge of applications support with an understanding of at least one university supported development environment, development tools, and application area
foundation level of accountability
proficient level of problem solving skills
proficient level of communication skills

USG10

As an experienced, competent professional, the Specialist is generally responsible for their own work and work independently on assigned responsibilities within specific application areas or project assignments with only general direction required. In addition to a foundation level of accountability, the Specialist is expected to develop and demonstrate foundation, proficiency, and in-depth level knowledge and skills in the following:

foundation level knowledge of organization and planning skills
foundation level of leadership skills
proficient level knowledge of supported desktop computing environments and standard desktop applications
proficient level knowledge of software development, encompassing systems analysis and design concepts
proficient level knowledge of applications support with an understanding of at least one university supported development environment, development tools, and application area
in-depth level of problem solving skills
in-depth level of communication skills

Working Conditions

Working conditions are similar to any typical IT environment. The majority of time will be spent working at computers and peripherals located at desks, in server rooms, or in telecommunication closets. Due to the front-line nature of the job, the IT Specialist can expect to be in constant interaction with faculty, staff and students where a high degree of professionalism is required. The IT Specialist is expected to physically handle typical IT equipment. Working outside of normal hours may be occasionally required to deal with emergencies, maintenance, or upgrades.