About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Desktop Support Specialist configures, maintains, and supports the computer systems operated by A&F Systems clients. Services include file and print sharing, group collaboration, messaging and calendaring and server and workstation security maintenance. Additionally, the person recommends new technologies and participates in implementation and special projects as required. This position reports to the Administration and Finance (A&F) User Support Supervisor. This is a one (1) year temporary position.

Essential Functions

• Troubleshoots, repairs and upgrades PC and MAC workstations and peripherals.
• Installs and upgrades software applications and operating systems on network attached workstations.
• Installs workstation peripherals and setup software and operating systems to allow workstations to connect to the University network and computing resources.
• Performs system imaging, data recovery and workstation lifecycle maintenance.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots connectivity problems including, but not limited to, problems involving network operating systems, applications, servers, printers, workstations and cabling.
• Monitors and tunes workstation performance.
• Keeps current with information security practices, common attack vectors, established and emerging network standards and protocols, server operating systems, PC and MAC operating systems, software applications, hardware platforms and peripherals and Industry certifications.
• Makes software, hardware and services recommendations to campus clients.
• Stays abreast of current hardware, software and service technology trends and assessing their usefulness and appropriateness to the campus.
• Participates in planning, installation and expansion of local area network systems, equipment and services.
• Accurately documents and records work performed.
• Operates motor vehicle to travel to work sites.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• One (1) year direct experience is required including; hardware and software troubleshooting and repair, installation and maintenance of enterprise class server operating systems and applications, installation, configuration and maintenance of network client software and operating systems.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Experience working with multiple computer systems in a networked client/server environment.
• Must have working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, the management of shared resources in a networked environment and security management.
• Experience in meeting the demands of complex production-oriented environments where timeliness and availability of information is considered critical.
• Must be able to work effectively to resolve problems under stressful conditions where the rapid restoration of normal operations is critical.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral with the ability to accurately communicate with non-technical individuals on technical matters.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows, Linux, DameWare Utilities, Symantec Ghost Enterprise and data communications.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow detailed instructions and make independent judgments and strong technical analytic abilities.
• Ability to pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background check.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Technical certifications (e.g. CompTIA A+, Microsoft MCSA or MCTP) preferred.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Balancing, carrying, pulling/pushing, standing, bending, reaching, sitting, twisting, lifting and driving.
• Typical office activities as needed.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; 40 hours a week.
• Some night and weekend hours required.
• This is a temporary, unbenefited position with the duration of one (1) year.

Salary Information

$23.20/hr.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit an online application, cover letter, resume and contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.