IT Systems & Interactive Technology Specialist

DESCRIPTION

PART-TIME or CONTRACT IT & INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

Play Dates Academy

Play Dates Academy is looking for a highly skilled, experienced IT professional to join our team on a part-time basis.

This is NOT an entry-level IT position, a basic computer support position, or a position for someone who simply “knows a little about computers.”

We are specifically seeking someone with extensive, hands-on IT knowledge and strong troubleshooting abilities who is confident working with complex technology and knows how to systematically identify, diagnose, and resolve technical problems.

Our facility uses advanced interactive technology throughout the building, including:

• Large digital screens
• Large interactive projectors
• Interactive floor projection systems
• Interactive wall projection systems
• Interactive tabletop projection systems
• Interactive sandbox systems
• Tablets and computer-based control systems
• Specialized applications and software
• Interactive gaming systems with extensive game libraries
• Network-connected equipment
• Multimedia and educational technology systems

We need someone who understands computer systems, software, hardware, connectivity, configurations, applications, projectors, and how multiple technologies work together.

Most importantly, we need a problem solver.

When something stops working, we are not looking for someone whose response is simply, “I don't know,” “I don't understand it,” or “I can't fix it.”

We understand that no IT professional will immediately know the answer to every technical problem. What we expect is someone who knows how to find the answer.

The right person should know how to investigate a problem, isolate possible causes, test solutions, research unfamiliar issues, communicate with manufacturers or technical support when necessary, and continue working toward a resolution.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of technical problems from identification through resolution.

WHAT WE NEED

The right person should be able to:

• Troubleshoot computer hardware, software, applications, projectors, tablets, displays, connectivity, networks, and related technology.
• Diagnose technical problems and determine the root cause, rather than relying on temporary fixes.
• Develop a systematic troubleshooting process when the solution is not immediately obvious.
• Research unfamiliar technical problems and determine the appropriate next steps.
• Recognize potential problems before they become larger issues.
• Install, configure, update, and troubleshoot software.
• Understand how hardware, software, applications, networks, sensors, projectors, and other components work together.
• Troubleshoot interactive projection and gaming systems.
• Adjust, position, configure, and calibrate projectors and related equipment.
• Safely use a ladder when necessary to access projectors or other equipment.
• Test systems after repairs or adjustments to ensure the problem has actually been resolved.
• Document recurring problems and develop long-term solutions when possible.

COMMUNICATION WITH OUR IT AGENCY AND VENDORS

Our technology was professionally installed, and we need someone who can serve as a knowledgeable technical point of contact between Play Dates Academy and the IT agencies, installers, manufacturers, and vendors who support our systems.

This person must be comfortable with IT terminology and technical conversations.

You should be able to clearly explain what a system is doing, what troubleshooting has already been performed, what error messages or symptoms are occurring, and understand the instructions being provided by another IT professional.

If outside technical support is required, we expect this person to be able to communicate IT professional to IT professional, understand what is being requested, perform the necessary troubleshooting on-site, and follow the issue through until it is resolved.

STAFF TRAINING & DOCUMENTATION

We also need someone who can:

• Create clear troubleshooting guides and checklists.
• Develop step-by-step instructions that non-technical staff can follow.
• Train employees to resolve simple technology problems independently.
• Document equipment settings, configurations, problems, and solutions.
• Maintain organized records of technology throughout the facility.
• Establish procedures for routine equipment and system checks.
• Create preventative maintenance procedures.
• Clearly identify which issues staff can handle and which should immediately be escalated to the IT specialist.

Our goal is to create a technology environment that is organized, documented, dependable, and not dependent on one person's memory.

WE ALSO WANT AN INNOVATOR

We don't only want someone who can fix technology—we would love someone who can help us discover what else we can do with it.

Our interactive systems have the ability to run numerous games and applications, and we are interested in someone who can help us explore additional possibilities.

Experience or interest in any of the following is a major plus:

• Interactive gaming technology
• Programming or coding
• Game or application development
• Adding or integrating new software
• Software customization
• Multimedia and immersive technology
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Interactive educational technology
• Developing new experiences using existing equipment

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are someone who is:

• Highly experienced in real-world IT troubleshooting
• Technically knowledgeable beyond basic computer support
• A strong and persistent independent problem solver
• Curious and willing to investigate problems you have not encountered before
• Reliable and dependable
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive rather than reactive
• Comfortable working hands-on with equipment
• Able to research and solve unfamiliar technical problems
• Comfortable communicating with other IT professionals
• Patient enough to train non-technical employees
• Able to create clear written technical instructions
• Interested in innovation and emerging technology
• Someone who takes ownership of a problem and follows it through to resolution

POSITION DETAILS

Job Type: Part-Time

Formal degrees and IT certifications are welcomed, but demonstrated technical competency, extensive troubleshooting ability, reliability, and hands-on experience are extremely important to us.

Play Dates Academy is looking for someone who can help us maintain our technology, solve problems correctly, prevent recurring issues, train our team, communicate intelligently with our technology partners, and help us continue to innovate.

If you only have basic computer knowledge, this position will not be the right fit. We are seeking an experienced IT professional with the technical knowledge, troubleshooting skills, initiative, and persistence to take ownership of our technology and get problems resolved.

No Calls Please!

Apply Through Indeed Only and please ensure you provide an appropriate contact number.

We look forward to meeting you!

www.playdatesacademy.com

Expected hours: 15.0 – 25.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Are you experienced in BOTH computer hardware and software issues?
• Are you comfortable independently troubleshooting a technical problem you have never encountered before, including researching and testing solutions?
• Are you comfortable communicating directly with with IT companies, installers, manufactures, or technical support personnel using technical terminology?
• Tell us about one difficult computer, software, network, projector, or technology problem you personally diagnosed and resolved. What was wrong, how did you determine the cause, and how did you fix it?
• Tell us about how you gained this knowledge. Where did your experience come from?
• What days and times are you available to work?
• What is your hourly rate request? (Negotiable not accepted- Must be a dollar amount to get an interview)
• If hired, how soon could you start?
• Do you have experience troubleshooting or working with projectors, AV systems, interactive displays, gaming systems, or similar technology? If so, which ones?

Experience:

• Professional hands-on IT troubleshooting : 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person