Job Description

Overview:
The Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist) is responsible for the provision and support of all information technology and related computing systems in the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science. These responsibilities include management of computing environments and supporting infrastructure, enabling and improving outcomes for administrative, teaching, and research computing in the School.

This particular role will act as a Point of Contact for several groups of researchers, helping them acquire and setup advanced research computing systems, especially Linux-based systems.

There is a qualifed internal in the role. Responsibilities:
Client Service

• Work with clients to understand and resolve their computing and related technology issues
• Provide guidance and technical advice to clients
• Document client requests
• Provide timely responses to initial requests for information or assistance as per CSCF policy, prioritizing response among multiple requests
• Resolve problems where the incumbent has the required skills and resources. Forward problems to those who are best suited to solve them based on expertise and resource availability
• Keep clients informed of the progress toward resolution of their issues
• Develop the skills (appropriate to the incumbent’s USG level) to resolve client issues directly
• Communicate with clients and peers (within the School and elsewhere) effectively, clearly, and with empathy
• Provide documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Record work activity for both internal and client use

Systems and Applications Management

• Specify, purchase/acquire, and test computer hardware and software
• Manage the hardware lifecycle, from provisioning and deployment through decommissioning
• Specify, test, and deploy systems and application software on a variety of platforms, including servers, desktop, and laboratory systems
• Manage large and complex computing environments
• Manage and maintain critical network services in support of the School's operations
• Document systems, processes, and procedures
• Diagnose and resolve system and application problems, monitor system and application performance

Services Development

• Identify, propose, and acquire or develop applications and technological solutions to support the School's academic and research missions
• Manage technical projects using best practices to achieve successful outcomes
• Recommend enhancements and improvements to systems and processes; provide guidance on technological evolution

Qualifications:

• A university degree in a computing discipline together with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• The IT Specialist is expected to develop competencies to at least the USG 11 level over the course of their career. See Career Path Matrix
• Experience working with and strong knowledge of Linux-based systems
• Strong client service skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change. Ability to apply abstract thinking to solve complex problems. Able to work with minimal supervision. Good organizational, time management, and communication skills
• The IT Specialist is expected to develop system administration skills for at least one of Windows, Mac OS, or Unix based systems, or equivalent skills in software development or systems support, with demonstrated potential to gain expertise in other areas. Familiar with software, systems, and component level hardware aspects of supporting changing environments. Demonstrated front-line support skills
• Must be able to use verbal and written communication effectively with audiences of a wide range of levels of technical knowledge and understanding. Capable of dealing with people experiencing high levels of stress

Vaccination Requirement Statement:
Effective May 1, 2022, the University suspended its Vaccination Requirement. Prior to May 1, pursuant to this Requirement, all University employees were required to submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (subject to the University’s obligations under the Human Rights Code to accommodate employees who were unable to receive a vaccination). The University’s Vaccination Requirement website can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement.

The pandemic is ongoing and public health advice continues to evolve. Accordingly, the University reserves the absolute right to reinstate the Vaccination Requirement on short notice, and upon such reinstatement you will be required to comply. You shall also be required to comply with any new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University from time to time, including new policies/requirements related to mandatory employee vaccination. As the University may need to reinstate the Requirement on short notice, it will continue to collect and maintain up-to-date information on employee vaccination status. Please submit your Covid-19 vaccine status (QR code) to: https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca/

Failure to comply with the Vaccination Requirement if it is reinstated, including failure to comply with any future amendments to the Vaccination Requirement, or failure to comply with new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University, including those related to new mandatory employee vaccination, shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.

The requirement to be vaccinated, if reinstated, will be subject to the duty to accommodate pursuant to the Human Rights Code. If you are unable to be vaccinated for reasons related to a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written request for accommodation with an explanation of the reasons and/or any supporting documentation. If you request accommodation, the University may follow up with you for further information if necessary. Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.