Academic Application Specialist
Job Summary
Academic Application Specialist supports reliable delivery operation and readiness of software and related technology in SAIT classroom teaching lab and specialized lab environments. The role works closely with academic areas research and applied learning groups ITS teams and vendors to understand instructional operational and client-facing technology requirements coordinate software installation and validation support imaging and configuration activities troubleshoot application and lab technology issues and help ensure supported environments are ready for use.
The position requires a strong understanding of how software hardware specifications licensing mechanisms device configuration and specialized lab requirements support teaching learning applied research and related institutional activities. The incumbent validates software functionality confirms hardware compatibility supports term and operational readiness maintains application and environment documentation responds to service requests and incidents and contributes to continuous improvement for classroom and lab technology services.
- Support the delivery and ongoing operation of software and related technology used inclassroom teaching lab and specialized lab environments.
- Understand technology needs by course program academic area research group applied learning activity or supported lab function.
- Help ensure required applications tools and configurations are available to support teaching learning applied research and related operational requirements.
- Maintain awareness of specialized classroom and lab requirements including software dependencies hardware requirements licensing considerations peripheral devices and unique operational or instructional needs.
- Support the readiness of classroom and lab environments for academic term starts course changes research activity client-facing lab work and other scheduled operational needs.
- Assess whether classroom/lab hardware peripherals graphics capability certifications licensing mechanisms and configuration requirements are suitable for supported software and scheduled use.
Application Installation Validation Imaging Support and Readiness
- Coordinate and support the installation validation and maintenance of applications across classroom teaching lab and specialized lab computers.
- Re-image computers install software validate application functionality and confirm supported environments are ready for scheduled use.
- Smoke test new or updated application packages in coordination with application packaging endpoint and other ITS teams.
- Work with expert instructors academic areas research groups vendors and ITS teams to confirm that software functions as required in the supported environment.
- Assist with software updates version changes image changes and deployment schedules to help minimize disruption to instruction research applied learning or client-facing activities.
Incident Request and Problem Support
- Monitor prioritize and respond to service requests and incidents related to supported software classroom/lab computers and related technology.
- Troubleshoot issues involving software hardware compatibility classroom/lab configurations user access and related technical dependencies.
- Document work performed maintain clear ticket updates and escalate to appropriate technical teams when required.
- Support follow-through to resolution and help coordinate communication when issues affect teaching learning research applied learning or client-facing lab activity.
- Participate in root cause review for recurring or significant issues and recommend improvements that reduce service disruption.
Documentation Knowledge Management and Process Support
- Create and maintain accurate documentation for supported software classroom/lab configurations installation requirements licensing notes troubleshooting steps and support procedures.
- Maintain information that connects applications to courses programs academic areas research groups specialized labs and supported environments.
- Contribute to knowledge base articles service documentation and communication materials that support consistent service delivery.
- Support process improvements related to software intake testing deployment readiness and classroom/lab support.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
- Work with instructors academic areas research and applied learning groups vendors Software Asset Management and ITS teams to understand needs coordinate changes assess technical requirements and support improvements to classroom and lab technology services.
- Provide input into projects proof of concepts technology changes and future planning related to supported software and learning/lab environments.
- Identify risks service gaps and improvement opportunities and raise them through appropriate channels.
- Support safe and effective technology changes by helping assess operational impact timing dependencies and readiness of supported environments.
- Diploma or Degree in Information Technology Computer Systems Information Systems or a related discipline.
- 3 years of experience supporting Windows and/or macOS computers software peripherals and related technology including experience with application support installation deployment validation testing troubleshooting and environment readiness.
- 3 years of experience supporting an enterprise post-secondary lab research applied learning or similarly complex environment.
- Hands-on experience with tools such as Microsoft SCCM (Configuration Manager) and Active Directory.
- Training or experience related to the technical implementation of licensed software including installation requirements activation methods license servers and vendor technical requirements.
- Ability to coordinate with Software Asset Management on entitlement validation licensing constraints and software deployment requirements.
- Vendor training related to specialized academic lab simulation design engineering media or research software used in supported environments.
- Training related to cybersecurity awareness privacy safe work practices or risk management in technology-supported environments.
- Valid Class 5 Alberta Drivers License or ability to obtain and maintain one where required for travel between supported campus locations.
- ITIL Foundation or other service management training is an asset.
- 5 years of experience supporting classroom teaching lab research applied learning client-facing lab or other specialized technology environments where software hardware licensing timing and operational requirements must be coordinated to support scheduled activities.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers hands-on degree, diploma, certificate, continuing education and corporate training programs to develop the skills and knowledge employers demand.