Technical Support Specialist

Overview

High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) seeks an Technical Support Specialist to provide IT software and hardware support to faculty, researchers, administrative staff, departmental visitors and guests, and students affiliated with HMEI at Princeton University including support for IT applications used in offices, Environmental Studies (ENV) classrooms, teaching labs, computing labs and collaboration spaces.

The Technical Support Specialist must be a versatile technician, familiar with a variety of technologies and able to troubleshoot and resolve issues with Windows PCs and servers, Mac computers, tablets, and smartphones. The Technical Support Specialist may also be called on to facilitate and support HMEI meetings, events and gatherings.

The successful candidate for this position must possess the necessary professional skills and acumen, be poised, and use discretion in handling sensitive information and in interactions with high-profile faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and visitors, and in support of special events while maintaining the utmost level of confidentiality and professionalism.

The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively and in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork with other members of the HMEI administrative team including other IT Support Specialist(s).

The incumbent may be required to provide general IT and event support outside of normal business hours on occasion as needed. The position is fully onsite in Princeton, NJ.

Responsibilities

Technology Support & Security:

• Support Windows and Mac computers, mobile devices, printers, and other hardware/peripherals for department users including device setup and recovery/replacement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve general user-reported technology issues, escalating resolution to central IT support resources as needed and appropriate.
• Provide support for campus collaborative applications including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Google Applications, Zoom, and Webex.
• Provide general support for the University’s teaching and learning applications and tools, including Canvas.
• Support user access management (i.e., network, username/password/multi-factor, systems) and data management (i.e., storage, encryption, backups, and security permissions).
• Assist users with technical requests and setups including new software, printing/copying/scanning, web development/maintenance, and other OIT services.
• Monitor IT support requests and assigned tasks in the University’s service management system (ServiceNow) and respond in the system with timely and detailed communications and updates; create and maintain reports.
• Install, configure, and facilitate upgrades of OS/software to maintain compliance and security.
• Ensure timely remediation of security vulnerabilities and incidents.
• Manage the provisioning, renewal/closure, and ongoing security of shared/sponsored department accounts.
• Facilitate department alignment and compliance with the University’s IT and Information Security policies and procedures as appropriate; participate in periodic risk assessments and consistently promote University and security best practices to end users.
• Provide support for shared space/meeting and classroom technology needs including audio-visual and video recording equipment.
• When provided access to personal, proprietary and/or otherwise confidential data, maintain information in the strictest of confidence and follow procedures to ensure privacy, security and proper data use.

Department-specific technology support:

• Support use of specialized technology equipment and/or software needs for HMEI users and ENV classrooms, teaching labs, and conference rooms; coordinate equipment standards with OIT and/or University Services and facilitate vendor purchases/installations.
• Maintain, organize and distribute HMEI loaner equipment and accessories (i.e., laptops, Garmin GPS devices, etc.).
• Meet regularly with management to ensure department specific needs and goals are being met.
• Research, develop, and/or manage IT solutions to support department needs leveraging OIT services and best practices.
• Contribute to and foster a collaborative team-work environment.

IT Asset and Service Management:

• Support asset lifecycle management for department technology, including equipment purchases, maintaining accurate database records, acting on refresh notifications, and recovering/retiring devices within expected timeframes.
• Provide general consultation on computer replacement options with HMEI users and procure and set up new managed computers and peripherals per standard guidelines.
• Coordinate hardware diagnosis/repair and loaner equipment requests with OIT and/or vendors.
• Support department inventory of loaner equipment according to defined asset management and managed device security policies.
• Adhere to established Service Level Agreements.
• Review available service management metrics and dashboards to ensure service standards for the team are continually met or exceeded.

Support the community and special projects:

• Share best practices and knowledge, partnering with other departmental and central IT colleagues to foster a community of IT support.
• Contribute to and help maintain central IT support documentation including knowledge articles for the campus community.
• Provide input to new and enhanced processes/services and support testing efforts.
• Provide technical and AV support for HMEI meetings and/or events as needed and during peak periods.
• Participate in OIT and departmental projects as assigned.
• Facilitate change management including department level communication and implementation of new/changed services and policies.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience providing technical support.
• A commitment to professional and courteous customer service.
• Ability to be “quick on your feet”, think critically and collaborate with IT colleagues to resolve issues and advance initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of Windows and Macintosh computers, OS, and smartphones such as iPhone/iPad and Android devices.
• Strong understanding of network connectivity, security, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of IT security fundamentals and best practices.
• Experience setting up and resolving issues with various email clients (especially MS Outlook and Gmail) on computers and mobile devices.
• Experience supporting Microsoft 365, printing, and conferencing technologies.
• Motivated and able to keep up to date with ongoing technological development and advancements in personal computing, mobile technology, and cybersecurity.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills suitable for working with non-technical and technical users and the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to work well independently, in a team environment and collaboratively with stakeholders across campus (i.e., OIT, AV services, Venue Services, etc.).
• Willingness to work toward mastery of new technologies and skills as HMEI/campus IT needs or the University/OIT direction evolves and changes.
• Work environment involves expectations for providing outstanding customer service, the ability to meet deadlines, and the ability to remain poised under pressure and in the presence of competing priorities.
• Flexibility to adjust the workday hours and/or hours worked on occasion to accommodate HMEI projects, deadlines, and events requiring support. ‘On call’ responsibilities may be required occasionally.
• Ability to lift 25 to 50 lbs. (e.g. computer equipment).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of IT asset management fundamentals (highly preferred).
• Experience providing technology support for a mid- or large-sized organization or in a higher education setting.
• Experience supporting large meetings, events, gatherings, classes with strong familiarity with A/V technology; familiarity with hybrid A/V technology setup and support.
• Experience using a service management system.
• Experience with ServiceNow, Bomgar, and/or Drupal.
• Experience with device management systems including Intune and JAMF.
• Experience supporting systems integrated with Active Directory or Entra ID.
• Experience with Linux.
• Familiarity with conference room audio-visual equipment.
• A+, MCP, MCSE, Security+, CISSP, Apple and/or MCSA certifications.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as VBScript, PowerShell, and/or Apple script.
• Knowledge of database SQL for queries and reporting.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.