Information Technology (IT) Systems Specialist - Level II

QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum):
An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with at least 2 years of relevant
experience; alternatively, industry-standard certifications or equivalent professional experience
will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Basic Functions:
A Information Technology (IT) Systems Specialist - Level II at BLaST provides advanced
support, maintenance, and optimization of IT systems for a diverse client base, including
businesses, school districts, government agencies, and internal infrastructure. This mid-level
position is a strong blend of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service
excellence.

Core Responsibilities:

• Troubleshooting: Efficiently address and resolve complex technical issues that exceed
• first-level support capabilities, focusing on specialized software and hardware
• challenges.
• System Upgrades and Implementations: Lead and assist in the execution of system
• upgrades or new system deployments, prioritizing minimal operational disruption and
• seamless integration.
• Administering Cloud-Based Services: Configuring, managing, securing, and
• troubleshooting a suite of cloud-based applications and tools such as Exchange Online,
• Intune, Autopilot, SharePoint, and Google Workspace, ensuring smooth operation to
• support business functions.
• System Maintenance and Monitoring: Perform regular checks on client systems for
• optimal performance, executing routine maintenance tasks like patch management,
• software updates, and system backups to mitigate potential issues.
• Client Consultation and Training: Provide expert technical advice to clients regarding
• IT infrastructure best practices and conduct training sessions for client staff on new
• systems or software applications.
• On-Call Outage Responsibilities: Serve as a contact for System outages, including
• immediate troubleshooting and coordination with relevant teams to ensure timely
• resolution following IU17 defined protocols. This responsibility requires availability
• outside of standard working hours, including weekends and holidays, to address urgent
• system issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Operating Systems: Advanced knowledge of operating systems (Windows Server,
• Linux/Unix) including installation, configuration, and maintenance. Familiarity with server
• roles and features. Virtualization Technologies: Proficiency in virtualization
• technologies and platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) for creating and managing virtual
• machines, understanding of storage, networking, and compute resource allocation.
• Active Directory & Network Services: Experience with Active Directory setup and
• management, including group policy, user and group management, and DNS/DHCP
• configurations.
• Storage Solutions: Understanding of storage technologies (SAN, NAS) and protocols
• (iSCSI, NFS, SMB). Ability to manage storage allocations, permissions, and backups.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Experience with backup solutions, data recovery
• strategies, and business continuity planning. Familiarity with tools for data backup,
• restoration, and replication.
• Security Best Practices: Strong understanding of IT security principles, including
• firewalls, antivirus solutions, patch management, and vulnerability management.
• Knowledge of compliance standards relevant to the organization.
• Scripting and Automation: Skills in scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) for
• automation of tasks, system administration, and deployment of software updates.
• Networking Fundamentals: Basic understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP,
• LAN/WAN, subnetting, routing, and switching) to support network connectivity and
• troubleshoot issues.

Essential Functions:

• Implement and manage security protocols to safeguard systems against threats.
• Ensure adherence to relevant IT policies, standards, and regulations.
• Deliver exceptional service, showcasing patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Achieve client satisfaction through effective communication and timely issue resolution.
• Accurately maintain and update records of support requests and resolutions.
• Regularly update knowledge base articles to reflect solutions for common issues.
• Create and maintain customer network documentation.
• Exhibit strong phone and in-person communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with IT professionals and end-users.
• Maintain clear and concise verbal and written communication abilities.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Continuously advance personal and professional IT competencies.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in the IT field.
• Must demonstrate a strong initiative in self-learning and professional development.
• Actively seeks out educational opportunities, workshops, and industry seminars to
• enhance technical knowledge and stay current with emerging network technologies and
• best practices.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for scheduled and
• unscheduled travel.
• Demonstrate punctuality and reliability.
• Possess the physical ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Participate in on-call rotation to provide after-hours support for critical network issues.
• Attend relevant training sessions or workshops to maintain and enhance technical skills.
• Travel Requirements: Regular travel to various IU locations and customer sites is
• mandatory. This may include travel outside of BLaST IU17’s region and necessitates
• overnight stays, which will be covered by the employer as per company policy.
• Be prepared to undertake other duties as assigned.