IT Support Specialist

Central United Cooperative•Winthrop, MN

About The Position

The IT Support Specialist ensures the company has the technology, infrastructure, and customized IT solutions needed to support daily business operations. The role oversees implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of IT systems so technology remains reliable, secure, efficient, and aligned with operational needs. The specialist collaborates with IT and management to assess technology needs and recommend solutions; evaluates systems, applications, and infrastructure; configures and deploys hardware and software; and provides technical support. The role also maintains network infrastructure, monitors system performance, performs routine maintenance and backups, supports virtualized and cloud environments, and assists with cybersecurity measures. The position works with IT team members on technology projects, maintains technical documentation and service records, and keeps informed about emerging technologies and IT best practices. The specialist must attend training sessions required by law and comply with company safety regulations and policies. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Four-year post-secondary education in information technology; experience may be substituted for education.
Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, and network-related issues.
Knowledge of Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.
Experience working with cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
Understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices to help protect company systems, networks, and data.
Knowledge of scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell.
Ability to monitor system performance and ensure IT systems' reliability, availability, and efficiency.
General knowledge and experience in information technology, including computer hardware, software, networks, and system administration.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage IT projects, prioritize tasks, and monitor progress toward completion.
Ability to analyze technical issues, evaluate information, and develop effective solutions.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the IT department and management to assess technology needs, recommend solutions, and support organizational objectives.
Evaluate existing IT systems, applications, and infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities, performance issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Configure, install, test, and deploy computers, software, applications, and network hardware.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, network, and system-related issues.
Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, LANs, and WANs.
Monitor system performance, availability, and reliability to support efficient and uninterrupted IT operations.
Perform routine system maintenance, software updates, security patches, and data backups.
Implement and maintain virtualized environments using VMware, Hyper-V, or similar technologies.
Support and maintain cloud-based services and infrastructure, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.
Assist with implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures, including threat detection, vulnerability management, and security prevention practices.
Collaborate with IT team members on technology projects, providing guidance, coordinating tasks, and monitoring progress.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, service records, and reports on completed work, system changes, and identified issues.
Stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends, and IT best practices to support continuous improvement.
Attend training sessions required by law and comply with company safety regulations and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.