What are the responsibilities and job description for the Information Technology Specialist position at Carter G Woodson School Inc?
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
(Carter G. Woodson School)
Carter G. Woodson School is a non-profit charter school in Winston-Salem, N.C. We serve over 500 students from grades K-12 each year and support over 80 staff and partnerships for technology. In an effort to support everyone through the IT needs, Carter G. Woodson has determined that additional full-time network support is needed. This position will need to be available on-site daily for hands-on support within the school.
The Entry-Level Network IT Specialist will play a critical role in managing and maintaining the school’s computer networks, focusing on both virtual and physical network infrastructure. The role includes setting up, configuring, and supporting local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), handling network cabling within and outside the building, and ensuring optimal network performance, security, and reliability. This position is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, offering growth and hands-on experience within an educational setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Network Design & Implementation
- Assist in designing and deploying LANs, WANs, and other networks to meet school requirements.
- Help create and manage network configurations, ensuring secure access to internal and external resources.
- Work with senior IT staff to evaluate, install, and support networking hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls.
Cabling & Infrastructure Management
- Run, terminate, and test network cables (Ethernet, fiber optic) for both internal and external connections.
- Ensure that cables are labeled and maintained according to safety and best practice standards.
- Troubleshoot physical connectivity issues under supervision and perform regular checks for quality assurance.
Network Maintenance & Security
- Monitor network performance and assist in ensuring system reliability.
- Support firewall administration, VPN configuration, and security measures to protect data and access.
- Perform routine maintenance and system updates to improve network security and performance.
Technical Support
- Provide on-site and remote support for network and cabling issues, including troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with other IT team members to resolve hardware and software issues.
- Document network configurations and procedures for troubleshooting.
Monitoring & Optimization
- Use network monitoring tools to identify and resolve performance issues.
- Recommend upgrades or new solutions to improve network infrastructure.
- Ensure that all systems and cabling setups follow industry standards and internal security protocols.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain comprehensive records of network configurations, cabling layouts, and troubleshooting steps.
- Assist with preparing reports on network performance, issues, and improvements.
- Support IT team in strategizing and planning for network projects.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience: Entry-level (internship experience in network administration or a related IT role is beneficial).
- Certifications: CompTIA Network or Cisco CCNA is a plus but not required.
Skills:
- Basic understanding of networking hardware (routers, switches) and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS).
- Familiarity with network monitoring tools, cabling techniques, and troubleshooting.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, with an eagerness to learn.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Availability for occasional after-hours support or on-call duties.
Willingness to work in diverse environments, including outdoor spaces for cabling tasks.
Benefits:
- Health insurance, including dental and vision
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Salary:
Salary for this position is commensurate with experience.
Work Location:
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Deadline to apply:
This position will remain open until filled.