IT Systems Technician

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public with a vision to broaden conversations and deepen understanding. We are committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, dismantling racial inequities, and amplifying underrepresented voices in our community.

We have an outstanding opportunity for an IT Systems Technician (Computer Maintenance Technician 3) to build, configure, maintain, and upgrade the information technology systems and infrastructure necessary for KUOW to create and serve a more informed public. In addition, this role serves as an inward-facing customer service position, supporting the employees of KUOW in their IT needs.

JOB SUCCESS SUMMARY

KUOW IT Specialists must be committed to racial equity and transforming KUOW into an anti-racist organization, including fostering a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all. IT Specialists know how to earn trust, are curious, have courage, value diversity, act in service, demand integrity, always grow, and collaborate.

A successful IT Systems Technician will thrive in a collaborative, diverse work environment, supporting KUOW staff in their IT needs, while working on maintaining, configuring, developing, and improving the organization’s IT infrastructure. Ideally, the IT Systems Technician will have a solid base knowledge of the technical side of information technology systems management and enthusiasm to continue to learn and grow.

Collaboration, outstanding customer service, and the ability to explain highly technical concepts in non-technical language are keys to building and supporting the internal and external relationships critical to this role’s success. Also essential is the ability to balance responding to daily help desk and security needs with a focus on longer-term, proactive infrastructure and IT improvement projects, manage time effectively, work independently, and take initiative.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Installation and Upgrade Projects 50%

• Lead system installation or upgrade projects as assigned by the IT Systems Manager, including software systems, network and endpoint security, backup and redundancy infrastructure, broadcast technology systems, audio production studio systems, collaboration platforms, and work processes.
• Research, evaluate, and present options to the IT Systems Manager, develop project plan, and provide testing and documentation. Assist with rollout, presentation, and training to other KUOW departments
• Maintain awareness of new technologies, updates, as well as developments with UW’s systems, and communicate ideas for changes, upgrades, and improvements
• Collaborate with IT team, other KUOW departments, external vendors and service providers, and/or UW IT

Technical Support 10%

• Respond immediately to any broadcast or production issues. Assist other technical staff as needed in emergencies
• Triage and respond to daily help tickets and other IT requests from KUOW staff, including recovering items from backup as requested by users
• Assist other KUOW departments with system installation, upgrading, or configuration

Cybersecurity 10%

• Configure, install, and maintain security for users and endpoints
• Perform daily checks on cybersecurity infrastructure and effectively triage any issues. Respond immediately to threats to network infrastructure
• Maintain awareness of generalized cybersecurity threats and alert, train, and educate other staff regarding cybersecurity risks and safety best practices

Hardware and Software Management 10%

• Install, configure, and maintain user, studio, and conference room workstations
• Confirm that KUOW hardware and software specifications will meet requirements
• Install and configure operating system and software and peripheral hardware, such as audio devices, computer monitors, keyboards, mice, etc.
• Perform maintenance, including operating system and software updates, and hardware replacement as needed.
• Recommend changes to the IT Systems Manager

System Administration 10%

• Create Active Directory accounts and mailboxes for all new users per information from KUOW HR department. Assign to distribution lists, permission groups, and remote access permissions
• Modify existing accounts as requested, including removing accounts and mailboxes for departing employees
• Configure and maintain KUOW network infrastructure under the direction of the IT Systems Manager, including software configuration, hardware installation and configuration, and cable installation
• Configure and maintain remote access
• Coordinate with UW Networking as needed

Staff Training 5%

• Provide basic orientation for new users, and any additional training as needed
• Keep KUOW IT handbooks and other documentation up-to-date

Other 5%

• Attends and participates in department or organization meeting trainings
• Back up other members of the IT department as needed
• Support internal station initiatives

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Duties may infrequently require evening and weekend work when necessary for emergencies or system maintenance.
• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Hybrid office. Occasional telework allowed
• Physical Demands o Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time. o Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

SUPERVISION • Position reports to IT Systems Manager

• Position supervises n/a

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and Ability

RACIAL EQUITY

Actively contribute to a workplace culture of anti-racism, belonging, and inclusion that is supportive and welcoming to all.

SUCCESS PROFILE

Knowledge of:

• Ways to troubleshoot IT challenges: both on the large-scale systems level and with individuals
• Developing proactive systems to support a robust IT infrastructure
• Management of Office 365, including Azure and InTune
• Installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of hardware and software
• Protecting systems from cybersecurity threats

Ability to:

• Earn trust and develop buy-in by building relationships across the organization
• Be curious, creative and resourceful in short and long-term problem solving
• Value diversity and accessibility, and seek to understand and create space for multiple perspectives and experiences
• Communicate and collaborate closely with IT team, while also working independently
• Maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality
• Always grow in the constantly changing world of information systems and infrastructure

KUOW Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At KUOW, we believe that attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving the communities where we work and live. We are dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in an anti-racist, multicultural environment that promotes racial equity and inclusivity. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), veterans and individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

KUOW staff are employees of the University of Washington. The University of Washington and KUOW are committed to full and positive compliance with all applicable federal, state, and University of Washington laws and policies regarding discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Requirements include:

• One year of experience as a Computer Maintenance Technician II or five years of experience as a computer maintenance technician or equivalent education/experience

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

• Experience with digital audio systems in a broadcast, studio, or live production environment
• Two years' experience managing and configuring Office 365, including Azure and InTune
• Interest in learning about all aspects of building and maintaining IT systems and infrastructure for a news organization
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
• Experience with digital audio systems in a broadcast, studio, or live production environment