Technician, IT Support, Field Services

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Assistant Manager of Field Services, the Computer Technician is responsible for the support of on-site technology at assigned locations. This includes, but is not limited to, providing hands- on support for the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer hardware and software, network, and peripheral devices. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education: 

• High School diploma or GED. 

Experience: 

• One year of experience supporting, installing, troubleshooting, testing, diagnosing, repairing and replacing computer equipment, network equipment and/or peripheral equipment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Educational Technology, or a related field. 
• Experience working in a K-12 or college/university setting.   

• A+ Certification, Network+,  or applicable vendor certifications (i.e., Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, etc.) 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Works with Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) entities, as assigned, to ensure all technology related issues and concerns are resolved.   

• Tests and repairs computer equipment.   

• Utilizes the HCPSS ITSM system to ensure customer requests are addressed in accordance with documented HCPSS Technology Department service level agreements. 

• Communicates in a positive and effective manner with staff, administration and co-workers.   

• Interacts with vendors and contractors to resolve issues and maintain optimal system performance. 

• Maintains a working knowledge of current technology and trends as they relate to HCPSS.   

• Maintains all work tools, workspace, equipment and vehicles in a professional manner. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

Knowledge  

• ITSM & Ticketing Systems: Comprehensive knowledge of IT Service Management (ITSM) software and workflows used to log, track, and resolve technical issues.  

• Computer Hardware & Diagnostics: Deep understanding of computer architecture, components, and the methodologies required to test, troubleshoot, and repair hardware.  

• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Strong understanding of standard IT service delivery metrics and performance guidelines required to meet organizational timelines.  

• Current Technology Trends: Active awareness of emerging technologies, hardware advancements, and IT industry trends relevant to an educational or enterprise environment.  

Skills  

• Technical Troubleshooting & Repair: Proficient in diagnosing, testing, isolating, and repairing hardware and software faults on computers and peripheral equipment.  

• Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills used to translate technical concepts into positive, easily understood language for staff and administration.  

• Vendor & Contractor Relations: Skilled at collaborating with external vendors, technicians, and contractors to escalate issues and maintain peak system performance.  

• Asset & Workspace Management: Strong organizational skills required to maintain inventory, keep work vehicles stocked, and organize workspaces safely and professionally.  

Abilities  

• Physical Stamina & Agility: Ability to perform demanding physical tasks including walking, prolonged sitting, climbing, squatting, and sustained physical exertion throughout the workday.  

• Heavy Lifting: Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver heavy technology equipment and loads weighing 40 lbs. or more.  

• Customer-Centric Problem Solving: Ability to adapt and work effectively across various school system entities to proactively resolve technology bottlenecks.  

• Accountability & Professionalism: Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently to meet strict SLAs, and care for organizational tools and vehicles responsibly. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Licensure  

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.  

Prior to any employment offer, the selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record. For positions requiring a CDL, a query of your record will also be run in the Federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade IX on the Maintenance/Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.   

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt (philip_wentt@hcpss.org) OR humanresources@hcpss.org. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.