IT Technical Associate

Academic Affairs Technology Support (AATS) serves a critical role in supporting information technology across Academic Affairs. This position supports the University Libraries while also contributing to the broader Academic Affairs technology environment.

The position provides technology support for library faculty, staff, and students; maintains endpoint devices, learning spaces, media systems, research technologies, and supporting technology infrastructure; and ensures the reliable operation of systems essential to library services, instruction, research, and administration. The position also serves as a resource for specialized and emerging technologies that support faculty and student research, collaborating with users to assess needs, implement solutions, and support research-related computing environments and tools. Additionally, the position provides frontline support for Academic Affairs learning spaces, including technical assistance, troubleshooting, and coordination of classroom technologies that support teaching and learning across the university.

The position collaborates with library leadership, academic departments, and campus partners to evaluate, implement, and support emerging technologies that advance teaching, learning, research, and service while maintaining a secure, stable, and effective technology environment., Technical Operations Coordination

• Coordinates and prioritizes the day-to-day activities of the local team to ensure efficient workflow and consistent service delivery in conjunction with the college liaison and unit leadership
• Provides direct supervision, training, scheduling, and performance oversight for student employees
• Serves as a senior team resource by offering guidance to team members, resolving or escalating operational issues as needed, and supporting the implementation of departmental procedures and priorities
• Monitors work progress and helps ensure tasks are completed accurately, timely, and in alignment with organizational standards

Technology Infrastructure Support

• Works to ensure all supported servers and network services are functioning properly
• Serves as backup systems administrator in the absence of the primary
• Oversees configuration and usage of network and server systems that directly support endpoint systems in the Library, such as file sharing, WSUS, Network Inventory Analyzer, build automation tooling, SCCM, domain GPOs, and other network-based tools
• Develops and administers hardware and software platforms in support of unit projects and goals
• Ensures regular security updates and anti-virus software are installed, configured, and running properly on supported systems

Specialized/Research Technology Support

• Serves as a staff consultant for specialized, research-related, non-standard, and emerging technologies within the area of responsibility
• Works with faculty and staff to assess requirements, develop recommendations, coordinate implementation, establish support practices, and provide training
• Supports technology environments and systems that extend beyond traditional endpoint computing and may involve unique operational, instructional, research, or technical requirements

Tier 1 Learning Space Support

• Responds to calls for technical support from campus learning spaces
• Provides initial triage and troubleshooting, escalate tickets to Tier 2+, and assist customers in room changes when necessary, in conjunction with the scheduling team

Research and Development

• Cultivates and maintains an expertise in current technologies
• Researches and makes recommendations to AATS Director and Dean concerning the adoption and implementation of new technologies

Endpoint Systems Support

• Serves as staff consultant to faculty, staff, and unit leadership in technology use for supported applications
• Responsible for basic technical assistance, trouble shooting and repair of computer hardware and software systems
• Responsible for daily computer operations of several meeting and learning spaces making sure they are configured to the clients’ needs
• Responsible for the regular installation of operating system security patches for faculty, staff, and other computers
• Participates in training unit staff in utilization of technology and the relevant applications available in the areas of responsibility

Special Projects

• Special Projects and other related duties as assigned

Media Systems Support

• Provides setup, support, and instruction in the use of supported media systems including audio/video devices as well as sound/PA systems in the area of responsibility
• Sets up, configures, and provides media support for supported live events, 1. Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
• If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. 2. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. 3. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from HumanResources@niu.edu and/or CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication. 4. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview., In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu. Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
2. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:

3. College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: o 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) o Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) o 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) o Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

4. Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
5. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

1. Knowledge of the systems and operations used within the areas and departments of responsibility.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Ability to oversee and coordinate activities of user groups.
4. Ability to effectively communicate with other colleagues, supervisors, administrative staff, and other IT users.
5. Ability to identify and resolve technical problems.
6. Ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with all staff levels.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

• One (1) year experience supporting specialized and/or research computing technologies in a higher education or research environment
• One (1) year experience supporting classroom, learning space, or instructional technology systems
• One (1) year experience providing information technology support to faculty, staff, and students in a higher education academic environment, 1. * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
• Yes
• No 2. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
• 0-1
• 1-3
• 3-5
• 5-7
• 7+ 3. * What is the highest level of education attained?
• GED
• High School Diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PHD 4. * Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?

Salary $45,000.00-$55,000.08/year - see statement in Application Procedures for special considerations; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $1,875-$2,291.67 semi-monthly Earn Type Salary, * “$45,000.00-$55,000.08 annually; if final selection results in a promotion, an 8-10% increase from the employee’s current base; starting salary is established within the posted range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity; candidates currently earning within this classification can expect placement at or above their current rate; NIU offers a robust benefits package.”, * Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.

• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/96186 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies