Information Technology Specialist

About Village School

Nestled between the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains and the serene Pacific Ocean, Village School is a flourishing and vibrant educational community. Our school mission is to create a childhood of wonder, joy, and challenge for every student. Founded in 1977, Village has truly become a neighborhood school and an active participant in the community.  With a dedicated, passionate, and committed team of 50 faculty and 20 staff, we wholeheartedly strive to broaden young minds and foster active engagement in our ever-evolving world. Currently, we nurture the growth and development of approximately 290 bright and eager students in grades TK-6, forging lifelong learners who embody our core values of caring, courage, integrity, fairness, respect, responsibility, and trust.

The Opportunity

The Information Technology Specialist supports Village School by providing technical support to staff, faculty, and students. This position serves as technical lead for installation, configuration, and maintenance of IT-related systems in both administrative and academic environments to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and security. This position reports directly to the IT Manager.

Duties

• Provide Tier I and Tier II customer service and technical support to end-users for hardware and software.
• Diagnose, research, and resolve routine end-user issues in a timely manner through established protocol and troubleshooting; escalate as necessary.
• Provide guidance and explain policies and procedures to end-users.
• Create, update, and manage support tickets in a helpdesk ticketing system to track and prioritize issues. 
• Communicate and translate technical information to non-technical end users; maintain communication and monitor incidents through resolution.
• Train users on new devices and technologies.
• Install software on new or existing devices, in accordance with standard procedures.
• Assist in the set-up of new equipment and devices.
• Assist users in obtaining access to systems.
• Contribute to documentation of incidents, internal processes and procedures, maintenance of equipment and training manuals.
• May review and evaluate new computer hardware and software products.
• Assist in the tracking of hardware and software inventory.
• Assist with ATEM switcher to manage and switch between multiple video sources, such as cameras, video clips, graphics, and external feeds, in real-time during live school events. 
• May track and update IP numbers and data-jack numbers.
• Assist and interact with hardware and software vendors.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
• Uphold Village School’s mission through work performed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
•  2-4 years providing hands-on technical support
• Strong knowledge of operating systems, network protocols, and hardware components. 
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices.  
• Working knowledge of Windows and MacOS. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Experience with applications and tools including Google Workspace, Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, MDM, and web?based productivity applications.
• Ability to articulate a strong commitment to diversity and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Physical Demands

The IT Specialist may need to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, such as servers, computers, and networking hardware. They should also be able to work for extended periods in front of a computer monitor, which may require sitting for long periods of time and maintaining dexterity in their hands and fingers for keyboard and mouse use. This role involves bending, stooping, and kneeling to access and troubleshoot equipment, as well as the ability to crawl or climb when working with networking or cabling installations. 

Work Environment

Our work environment offers a dynamic and diverse setting. Expect a moderate to high noise level that comes with the bustling activity of children in a school setting.  As an IT Specialist, you may encounter various environmental factors, including exposure to dust, potential contact with infectious diseases, proximity to moving equipment, and the occasional presence of fresh paint fumes or cleaning chemicals.

Furthermore, your role may occasionally require you to work in outdoor conditions, exposing you to the elements. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, such as rain, heat, and cold. Rest assured that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees and provide the necessary measures to mitigate any risks associated with your work environment.

Additional Details

This is a non-exempt, 40 hour per week position. Employment is at-will.  The position will be reviewed for renewal on an annual basis. 

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of criminal, education, and employment screening. 

Village School will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Village School is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.  

In accordance with California law, all school employees are required to comply with applicable tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment requirements.

All employment with Village School is conditioned on completion of the Form I-9 and receipt by the School of documentary proof sufficient to establish identity and authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Village School is an equal opportunity employer: The School does not make any employment-related decisions based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.