Lead Technical Specialist, Academic Technology

Description

SUMMARY

The Lead Technical Specialist, Academic Technology is a full-time unionized staff position providing leadership of the academic technology in the School of Film/Video. This position is responsible for academic technology with the School’s labs and classrooms. The School encourages highly motivated students within four unique programs of study. 

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leadership and training of the School of Film/Video technical staff in the area of academic technology and technical support, which includes the Technical Support Coordinator.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the School of Film/Video classroom/lab technology.
• Consult with the Director, Technology & Operations and technical staff to exchange information, present new approaches and to discuss equipment/system changes.
• Provide advanced and specialized technical expertise to support faculty, students and staff of the School of Film/Video.
• Analyze, diagnose, and resolve hardware, software, and network issues within labs, classrooms, and other facilities.
• Consult with Program Directors, faculty, staff, and students to ensure that academic technology needs are met.
• Configure, test, and maintain Mac and Windows workstations. 
• Configure, test, and maintain the render farm.
• Supervise, train and schedule student workers who assist in maintaining the labs and classroom equipment.
• Train classroom and teaching assistants in the setup and use of classroom equipment.
• Collaborate in the creation, testing and deployment of animation lab client computer images, including preparation of application–specific deployment packages.
• Provide end-user technical documentation.
• Analyze support requests and needs to identify areas of improvement both in terms of documentation and instruction.
• Track technical/operational issues; discover trends and alert technical staff.
• Responsible for consistent instructional signage and labeling of equipment and facilities.
• Develop a consistent written style, graphic design, and branding for all documentation, signage, and labeling.
• Manage communications with School of Film/Video students, faculty and staff regarding academic technology.
• Coordinate operations with other Institute and School IT admin support staff.
• Analyze and implement security related procedures including regular software patches and physically securing equipment.
• Manage the School of Film/Video’s ticketing/online resource website.
• Develop, maintain, and update relevant web information on the School of Film/Video technical resource website.
• Advise management on future growth of classrooms and computer labs. Conduct research accordingly, and draft proposals including budget estimates.
• Research, install, maintain and repair (or coordinate the repair of) classroom-related and technical equipment used throughout the School, except that which is maintained by CalArts IT and outside contractors.
• Maintain inventory of equipment in the School.
• Coordinate with Facilities Management, CalArts IT, and outside contractors in the implementation of facility repairs and improvements. 
• Maintain compliance with CalArts IT and the School of Film/Video’s lab and safety policies and promote standards for security conscious awareness and behavior.
• Represent the School of Film/Video to groups both inside and outside of the CalArts community.
• Attend sponsored classes and maintain relationships with company representatives in order to keep abreast of technological advances in the field.
• Attend technical and regular staff meetings within the School and Institute.
• Perform other duties as directed. 

SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

• Expertise with the current Mac operating system and ability to master new versions as needed.
• Extensive knowledge of live action and animation workflows including film, digital cinema, 2D, 3D, XR, and stop motion animation systems.
• Excellent technical and communication skills with some supervisory experience.
• Ability to manage time efficiently with the ability to work under pressure handling multiple duties at the same time.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration.
• Ability to coordinate tasks, designate responsibilities, and supervise others. 
• Ability to work independently using your own initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe applications.
• Critical thinking skills required. 

EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in related field. 

EXPERIENCE