IT Support Specialist

Job Title: IT Support Specialist
Work Type: On-Site
Location: Petersburg, VA 23803
Salary: $18 – $38 per hour
Start Date: December 7, 2026
End Date: June 30, 2027
Industry Category: Higher Education / Information Technology / Technical Support
Employment Type: Contract
Requisition ID: 815995

Overview:

• We are seeking a skilled IT Support Specialist to provide hands-on desktop support, classroom technology assistance, and technical troubleshooting services at Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, Virginia.
• This contract opportunity focuses on supporting academic computer laboratories, smart classrooms, faculty, staff, and students by maintaining reliable technology services across the university campus.
• The ideal candidate will have experience troubleshooting Windows and macOS environments, installing and repairing computer hardware, managing IT assets, supporting classroom technology, and communicating technical information clearly to nontechnical users.
• The selected candidate will also assist with technology documentation, user training, IT security compliance, and departmental operational objectives.
• This position is 100% on-site. Candidates must be available to interview in person and work on-site at Virginia State University. Local candidates are strongly preferred.

Application:

• Qualified candidates should demonstrate at least two years of relevant experience in hardware troubleshooting, IT asset management, technical communication, and supporting departmental IT operations.
• Applicants should have hands-on experience supporting desktops, laptops, scanners, peripherals, Windows and macOS systems, and classroom technologies.
• Candidates must be able to lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, navigate classroom environments, and kneel, crouch, or crawl under desks and in confined spaces to perform cabling and hardware installations.
• Applicants must confirm their current city and state of residence, their ability to attend an in-person interview, and their willingness to work fully on-site.

Job Description:

• The IT Support Specialist will provide technical support services to the Virginia State University community, helping maintain the availability, reliability, and effectiveness of academic and administrative technology.
• The position involves installing, configuring, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining desktop computers, laptops, scanners, peripherals, and other technology equipment used throughout campus laboratories and classrooms.
• The specialist will support smart classroom technologies, including projectors, smartboards, and video conferencing platforms, while troubleshooting hardware, software, and connectivity issues affecting faculty, staff, and students.
• The successful candidate will serve as a central point of contact for technical problem resolution, helping minimize technology-related downtime and improve the campus user experience.
• Additional responsibilities include tracking IT hardware and software assets, maintaining inventory records, creating user-friendly technical documentation, delivering hands-on training, and following Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) IT Security Standards and university policies.
• The role requires strong communication, organization, adaptability, customer service, and problem-solving skills. The selected candidate will work closely with the IT Manager to support departmental objectives, maintain service quality, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Training will be provided on the university's proprietary software suite.

Responsibilities:

• Desktop, Laptop & Peripheral Support
• Install, configure, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair desktop computers, laptops, scanners, and peripheral equipment.
• Provide technical support for Windows and macOS operating systems.
• Diagnose and resolve common hardware and software issues affecting university technology users.
• Perform equipment setup, configuration, replacement, and maintenance.
• Support the installation and troubleshooting of hardware used in academic laboratories and administrative environments.
• Assist with proprietary university software after receiving the necessary training.
• Academic Laboratory & Smart Classroom Support
• Provide technical assistance for academic computer laboratories and technology-enabled classrooms.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot classroom technology, including projectors, smartboards, and audiovisual equipment.
• Support video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
• Resolve classroom technology issues to minimize interruptions to teaching and learning.
• Assist faculty and staff with classroom equipment setup and operation.
• Navigate classroom environments to complete installations, equipment adjustments, and technical repairs.
• Technical Troubleshooting & End-User Support
• Serve as a centralized resource for technical problem resolution across the campus community.
• Respond to technical support requests from students, faculty, and staff.
• Investigate hardware, software, and peripheral issues and determine appropriate solutions.
• Explain technical problems and solutions in clear, accessible language.
• Provide courteous, professional, and timely technical assistance.
• Escalate complex issues when appropriate and collaborate with other IT personnel to achieve resolution.
• IT Asset & Inventory Management
• Track hardware and software assets across academic laboratories, classrooms, and mobile devices.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for equipment, software, and assigned technology assets.
• Support asset deployment, replacement, relocation, and lifecycle management activities.
• Assist with maintaining organized equipment records and departmental documentation.
• Help ensure technology assets are accounted for and properly managed.
• IT Security & Compliance
• Follow VITA IT Security Standards and applicable university technology policies.
• Apply basic information security and data privacy principles during technical support activities.
• Help maintain the integrity and security of supported technology environments.
• Follow established procedures for handling university devices, software, and information.
• Report identified security or compliance concerns through appropriate channels.
• Training, Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
• Provide hands-on technology training to faculty and staff.
• Develop clear, accessible technical instructions and support documentation.
• Create instructional videos and other user guidance materials when needed.
• Explain technical processes in a manner appropriate for nontechnical users.
• Maintain accurate records of technical procedures and support activities.
• Contribute to improved technology adoption and user self-service.
• Departmental Operations & Quality Support
• Support the IT Manager in achieving departmental goals and maintaining service quality.
• Assist with assigned IT projects and operational priorities.
• Maintain accurate records and help keep technical activities organized and on schedule.
• Communicate progress, technical issues, and support needs to appropriate stakeholders.
• Participate in performance feedback and interim evaluation processes.
• Adapt to changing departmental requirements and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Physical Equipment Installation & Cabling
• Lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Install, move, and configure equipment in academic and administrative spaces.
• Kneel, crouch, or crawl under desks and in confined spaces to access cables and equipment.
• Perform hardware installation and cable management activities.
• Navigate classroom and laboratory environments to complete technical support tasks.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of experience installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing desktops, laptops, scanners, and peripheral equipment.
• 2+ years of experience communicating technical information clearly to nontechnical users.
• 2+ years of experience tracking hardware and software assets across laboratories, classrooms, mobile devices, or comparable technology environments.
• 2+ years of experience supporting IT management objectives, departmental performance standards, and effective communication.
• 2+ years of relevant experience performing technical support activities that require kneeling, crouching, or crawling under desks and in confined spaces for cabling and hardware installation.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting Windows and macOS operating systems.
• Familiarity with instructional technology, including projectors, smartboards, or video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex.
• Basic understanding of IT security principles and data privacy standards.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to explain technical concepts and troubleshooting steps in clear, user-friendly language.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and support departmental project schedules.
• Customer-focused approach to providing technical support.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an IT support team.
• Flexibility to perform additional technical support duties as assigned.
• Ability to lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to navigate classrooms and academic laboratories to perform equipment installations.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, and crawl under desks or within confined spaces as required for hardware and cabling work.
• Must be available to interview in person at the designated location.
• Must be able to work 100% on-site at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
• Must physically reside within the United States throughout the assignment in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia security policies.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
• Previous help desk or technical support experience in an academic or corporate environment.
• 2+ years of experience with macOS device management and Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools such as Jamf, Kandji, or Mosyle.
• 2+ years of experience provisioning, deploying, and troubleshooting macOS hardware and software.
• Experience supporting Apple devices in managed educational or enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with academic technology support, computer laboratories, and smart classroom operations.
• Local residency in or near Petersburg, Virginia, due to the mandatory on-site work requirement.

Benefits

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $18 – $38 per hour

Schedule

• Work Arrangement: Fully On-Site

Work Location

• Petersburg, VA 23803