System Specialist
Yu Ming Charter School seeks dynamic, innovative, and experienced educators to join our team, committed to nurturing lifelong learners who are bilingual, bicultural and able to create change in their own lives and in our community. We seek teachers that are excited by the possibility of transforming the traditional model of education to be learner-centered through personalized and project based learning that cultivates both the cognitive and social emotional skills our students need to thrive in school and beyond. Yu Ming teachers are leaders that thrive on exploration, collaboration, and seek to continuously learn and grow as individuals and team members.
ABOUT YU MING CHARTER SCHOOL
Yu Ming Charter School is a non-profit, tuition-free network of public schools located in Oakland and San Leandro and open to all residents of California. As a leader in Mandarin Immersion education, our mission is to nurture our inclusive and diverse community to become empowered, engaged, and outstanding global citizens. We currently serve 864 students across three campuses, and continue to grow our enrollment each year. Our intentionally diverse student body comes from many racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds representing 70 zip codes across the Bay Area and 29 home languages. Founded in 2011, Yu Ming is the first Mandarin immersion public charter school in the state.
We believe every child, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves a free, high-quality education that prepares them today to succeed tomorrow. Ranked the #7 Elementary School and the #2 Elementary Charter School in California by U.S. News, Yu Ming is a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 2020 and 2023 California Distinguished School. Yu Ming’s future-forward model prepares young people to succeed and thrive in an interconnected and multicultural world through personalized and rigorous learning experiences, active student agency, whole child and community focus, and multilingual education. As a result, our students far outperform their peers in the district, county, and state, regardless of socio-economic status, race, language background, and learning differences. We are closing the opportunity gap for our historically underserved students every day. To learn more about our innovative school visit our website www.yumingschool.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced IT System Specialist to join our dynamic team at Yu Ming Charter School. As an IT System Specialist, you will play a crucial role in supporting the technology infrastructure and educational technology initiatives across our K-8 school sites. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of our students, teachers, staff, and guardians by ensuring reliable access to technology resources and facilitating innovative learning experiences. This position will work closely with teachers, students, and school site staff, and report to the Technology Manager.
The ideal candidate for this role will be a people person who is passionate about leveraging their technology skills to aid in making a lasting positive impact on our students, staff, and families.
RESPONSIBILITIES
System Administration
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot servers, including file servers, domain controllers, and application servers.
- Manage Active Directory services, user accounts, group policies, and permissions.
- Monitor system performance, conduct regular audits, and implement system upgrades as necessary.
Technical Support
- Provide frontline technical support to end-users via helpdesk tickets, phone calls, or in-person assistance.
- Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues and escalate complex problems to senior IT staff when required.
- Maintain a knowledge base of common issues and solutions to facilitate efficient problem resolution.
Network Management
- Configure and maintain network infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls.
- Monitor network traffic, identify bottlenecks or security threats, and take appropriate measures to optimize performance and security.
- Implement network security policies, such as firewall rules, VPN configurations, and intrusion detection systems.
Software Management
- Install, configure, and update software applications used for educational and administrative purposes, such as learning management systems, student information systems, and productivity suites.
- Manage software licenses, track usage, and ensure compliance with software vendor agreements.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to evaluate and recommend educational software solutions that support curriculum objectives.
Data Management
- Implement data backup and disaster recovery procedures to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity.
- Manage storage systems, including SAN/NAS devices and cloud storage solutions, to optimize performance and capacity.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, such as FERPA and GDPR, and implement appropriate data security measures.
Technology Integration
- Collaborate with instructional technology specialists and curriculum developers to integrate technology into teaching and learning activities effectively.
- Provide training and support to educators on the use of technology tools and educational software applications.
- Participate in technology planning and implementation projects to align IT initiatives with Yu Ming’s educational goals and priorities.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, configurations, procedures, and support workflows.
- Generate reports on system performance, service levels, and incident resolution metrics for management review.
- Document and communicate IT policies, procedures, and best practices to staff, students, and other stakeholders.
Other duties included as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- High School diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in IT support or system administration
- Proficiency in Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Office 365, and networking technologies (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) are highly desirable.
- Experience with educational technology tools, learning management systems (e.g., Google Classroom, Clever, Deledao), and student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool) is a plus.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
Preferred
- AA or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field preferred.
- Two years of experience in K-12 or other educational environments is preferred.
Knowledge
- Computer repair and maintenance
- Materials, methods, and tools used in the operation and repair of computer equipment
- Technology management systems
Abilities
- Maintain consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.
- Work independently, use initiative, and prioritize and coordinate workflow to meet established deadlines.
- Provide technical support either by phone, remote access, or site visits as needed
- Perform skilled work in the repair, maintenance, and installation of a variety of computerized equipment and peripherals.
- Troubleshoot and repair basic system malfunctions and maintain system operation
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Stay abreast of the latest technology
- Demonstrate an empathetic, patient, and receptive attitude with students/staff/parents.
- Operate a computer and related software.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Independently problem-solve unique student and employer situations. Ability to understand and carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
- Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive information and files.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties including students , co-workers, staff, supervisors, and the public.
- Be sensitive to and respect the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, and disabilities of students, teachers, administrators, and staff.
- Quickly learn and be able to coordinate multiple tasks.
Physical Requirements
- Stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and talk or hear.
- Sit for extended periods and frequently squat, bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, reach forward and overhead, and push/pull items such as desks, tables, or chairs.
- See and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids.
- Hear and understand speech at normal indoor levels, outdoors, and on the telephone.
- Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, enter data into a computer, and perform assigned tasks using both hands.
- Lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and carry objects weighing over 15 pounds.
- Maintain physical, mental, and emotional stamina to endure work hours under sometimes stressful conditions and constant interruptions.
Work Environment
- Employees in this position will normally perform work in an office and on-the-go environment and come in direct and frequent contact with students, staff, and the public.
COMPENSATION
$32 - $38/hour depending on experience, 100% of Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance covered by the school (depending on the selected plan).
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their resume at https://yumingcharterschool.bamboohr.com/jobs/
Application submission screening and initial phone interviews will be completed on a rolling basis.
Yu Ming Charter School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.
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