Academic Technology Support Specialist

University of Wisconsin Stout•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

The Academic Technology Support Specialist works under the general supervision of the Director of Client Services and supports the goals and priorities of Information Technology Services. The role assists UWL faculty, staff, students, and administration with technology-based learning tools and supports classroom and media technologies, distance and online education, digital signage, and instructional applications. Effective customer service, faculty consultation, issue resolution, and communication are essential. The specialist installs, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains classroom presentation and collaboration technology, and leads classroom technology projects and upgrades in partnership with other ITS staff. The role provides faculty training, documentation, and consultation on instructional technology, following best practices and keeping current with emerging technologies. It also supports video conferencing and instructional platforms, maintains equipment records, coordinates vendors and technology projects, and provides peer guidance to ATS staff and student workers. The position requires the ability to climb, bend, and lift approximately 30 pounds. Minimal travel to unit-approved meetings is required. Availability for evening events, start-of-semester rushes, special scheduling needs, and possible additional hours at the beginning or end of the academic year or during critical or emergency situations is expected. Initial interviews will be virtual, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. The university does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a technology-related field, or equivalent work experience.
At least two years of experience in information technology or educational media.
Experience supporting classroom presentation technology and AV control systems, such as Q-SYS or Extron.
Experience with learning technology solutions and Microsoft Office/Office 365 applications.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and listening skills.
Experience creating end-user support documentation.
Excellent oral and written communication and professional customer service skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with coworkers, vendors, and constituents.
Experience working with Windows and Macintosh computer systems.
Ability to climb, bend, and lift approximately 30 pounds.
Availability for evening events, start-of-semester rushes, special scheduling needs, and possible additional hours during specified academic periods or critical/emergency situations.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and able to maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.
Submit a cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications and a CV/resume.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a technology-related field of study.
Four years' experience in information technology or educational media.
Experience administering cloud-based instructional platforms such as Kaltura, AppSpace, or classroom monitoring applications.
Experience with streaming video and digital video editing.
Experience working in a higher education environment.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain faculty-facing documentation, user guides, and quick reference materials based on common faculty questions.
Share solutions and insights across the ATS team to reduce single points of failure.
Provide one-on-one faculty training, group workshops, and consultation on instructional technology.
Build trust with faculty and communicate clearly with users at varying levels of technical expertise.
Determine whether technology support situations require immediate resolution or present an opportunity to teach, and route clients appropriately across ITS.
Maintain accurate, current classroom equipment records in the university asset management system, updating records when equipment is installed, repaired, or removed.
Track equipment age, warranty status, and condition, and flag items nearing end-of-life or requiring replacement.
Provide peer-level guidance and knowledge-sharing to less experienced ATS staff and student workers, including onboarding new classroom technology team members.
Lead classroom technology upgrade projects, technology rollouts, and summer refresh projects, including system integration and compatibility testing.
Coordinate with vendors to obtain quotes for classroom technology upgrades and replacements, and provide research and recommendations for planning.
Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain classroom AV equipment, projectors, document cameras, wireless presentation systems, and podium PCs.
Support video conferencing and instructional technology platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and webinar tools.
Administer cloud-based instructional platforms, including Kaltura, AppSpace, and classroom monitoring applications.
Perform preventive maintenance and set up technology for lectures, conferences, and special events.
Respond quickly to in-class technology issues to minimize disruption to instruction.
Pursue skill development in emerging classroom and instructional technologies as a path for continued growth; this is encouraged but not a required core competency.