Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Miscellaneous Staff

Job Profile Misc Staff Hourly - Workshop Facilitator

Job Title Tech Assistant

Department BIRS Administrative Support | Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range $1.00 - $300.00 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date November 17, 2022

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date Dec 10, 2022

This position is located in Banff, Alberta.

Job Summary

The BIRS Technology Assistant provides on-site Audio-Visual (AV) support to the video conferencing of the BIRS workshops located in Banff, Alberta. This position supports the video conference software, VIMEO livestream and the Automated Video Recording System (AVRS), ensuring coordination and quality assurance of video conferences. The technology assistant also responds to first level support calls and maintains a knowledge base of problems and solutions.

Banff International Research Station (BIRS) is a research infrastructure dedicated to all aspects of mathematical sciences. BIRS is an international partnership between Canada, USA and Mexico. BIRS supports over 2,000 mathematical scientists, educators, students and members of the community each year to its hybrid and online workshops, programs and summer schools in Banff, Alberta, and its affiliated stations in Kelowna, BC; Oaxaca, Mexico; and Hangzhou China.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the BIRS Technology Manager and to the BIRS Administrator. This position involves interaction with staff (Vancouver and Banff), workshop organizers and participants, and other IT staff (UBC IT).

Work Performed

Under the direction of the Technology Manager, the Technology Assistant provides video conferencing technical support to BIRS workshops in Banff, ensuring video quality and the smooth running of programs.

Some of the responsibilities are:

-Adding new functionality, documenting, functionality and changes of the video conference system known as BIRS Automated Video Recording System (AVRS)

-Interfacing with end users on support issues with the BIRS worldwide videoconference system in a professional manner and respond to user demands in a specified time period

-Scheduling, coordinating and administrating video conference and teleconference meetings

-Opening and closing trouble tickets

-Coordination of support and maintenance of computer hardware and software

-Must have a good understanding of the acoustic and viewing challenges for the space in which AV equipment will be used.

-Performs all equipment setup and ensures that all gear is working properly.

-Handles smaller details such as ensuring electrical cords are organized and taped own as necessary to ensure user safety.

-Be called upon to operate the equipment for participants during their presentations.

-Proper maintenance, handling of all AV gear, keeps equipment organized, record inventory.

-Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and technical problems.

Providing technical support in plain English

-Excellent communication is required in creating system documentation, user instructions.

-Support organizers, participants, and team members.

- Occasional support on weekends and holidays may be required, typical on Mondays.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failed to perform the required duties in a timely fashion could delay/ halt the in-house and virtual workshop, affect participant experience and adversely affect the reputation of BIRS.

Supervision Received
Work directions received from the Technology Manager.

Supervision Given
N/A

Preferred Qualifications

-A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

-Post-secondary education in electronics, electrical, telecommunications, or equivalent would be an asset

-Minimum of six months of demonstrated experience providing administrative support services for technical software

-Experience operating and installing any AV Systems preferred but experience from an electrical, mechanical and/or IT support environment will be considered

-Strong problem-solving skills

-Familiar with using Zoom; troubleshooting skills necessary to resolve basic Zoom user issues

-Ability to perform Daily Monitoring of AVRS, AVRS operating, testing and set up.

-Ability to coordinate and setup Video Conference with teleconference over multiple network type such as transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP/IP) and Integrated services digital network (ISDN) using a centralize conference system.

-Basic video editing experience

-Email, Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF usage experience

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail

-Flexibility to work with users in higher education and research environments from all over the world

-Must be able to pass a background check