<Research Support Technologist>

Department:	Electrical and Computer Engineering	Effective Date:	February 2011
Grade:	USG 8/9	Reports to:	Computer Specialist/Hardware Manager

General Accountability

Reports to the Computer Specialist/Hardware Manager, to provide computer support to faculty, staff and students in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Nature and Scope

E&CE is the largest department in the University of Waterloo with over 75 faculty members, ~18 administrative staff, ~28 technical support staff, over 500 graduate students, and over 2000 undergraduate students. The department offers 5 undergraduate degree programs in:

Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering (jointly with the School of Computer Science)
Mechatronics Engineering (jointly with Mechanical Engineering and System Design)
Nanotechnology Engineering (jointly with Chemical Engineering and Chemistry)

Challenges which may face the Research Support Technologist include:

Finding adequate time to perform all desired actions.
Finding sufficient budget funds to keep up to current technology and needs.
Being able to keep up with the latest technology.
Dealing with space limitations of labs and equipment storage.
Dealing with project deadlines and frequent job priority changes.

The Research Support Technologist is expected to participate on various committees to collaborate within and outside the department. He/she deals directly with other Staff, Faculty, and students in the case of specific projects.

The Research Support Technologist will be expected to complete tasks with a minimum of direction and supervision, with some project status meetings held as required.

Statistical Data

Specific Accountabilities

Assist faculty, staff and graduate students in hardware/software evaluation, selection, specifying, purchasing, installation, and testing.
Computer installation: Construction and configuration of purchased computer systems.
Computer maintenance: Hardware level debugging and troubleshooting of systems. Scheduled preventative maintenance for printers and computing systems.
Computer upgrades: Perform FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) upgrades on server class systems that are covered by maintenance contracts with the appropriate vendor. Upgrade peripheral equipment and CPUs as necessary.
Surplus duties: Surplus equipment requested by groups or researchers.
Supervise co-op students. This includes scheduling their duties, ensuring that they are familiar with equipment, procedures, and safety concerns.
Train other staff in the use of specialized hardware.
Keep current with emerging technology as time and finances permit.
Responsible for the technical and safe operation of the assigned areas by ensuring that safety standards are met in the lab, shop and office and ensuring professional practices are followed.

Career Path for a Research Support Technologist

The following descriptions make reference to levels of expertise: foundation, proficiency and in-depth. The foundation level position (USG 8), and proficient level position (USG 9) expect the technologist to develop a general understanding of information systems concepts, information systems within the University, and proficiency in specific technical areas.

Advancements to higher levels are in recognition of ability, skills that demonstrate an in-depth level of knowledge in a range of technical and/or functional areas, and increased levels of experience and responsibility.

USG 8

At the entry level position the Technologist is generally responsible for their own work and work independently on assigned responsibilities within specific application areas or project assignments. The Technologist is expected to develop and demonstrate foundation and proficiency level knowledge and skills in the following:

foundation level knowledge of supported desktop computing environments and standard desktop applications
foundation level knowledge of software development, encompassing systems analysis and design concepts
foundation level knowledge of applications support with an understanding of at least one university supported development environment, development tools, and application area
foundation level of accountability
proficient level of problem solving skills
proficient level of communication skills

USG 9

As an experienced, competent professional, the Technologist is generally responsible for their own work and work independently on assigned responsibilities within specific application areas or project assignments with only general direction required. In addition to a foundation level of accountability, the Technologist is expected to develop and demonstrate foundation, proficiency, and in-depth level knowledge and skills in the following:

foundation level knowledge of organization and planning skills
foundation level of leadership skills
proficient level knowledge of supported desktop computing environments and standard desktop applications
proficient level knowledge of software development, encompassing systems analysis and design concepts
proficient level knowledge of applications support with an understanding of at least one university supported development environment, development tools, and application area
in-depth level of problem solving skills
in-depth level of communication skills

Working Conditions

Working conditions are similar to any typical IT environment. The majority of time will be spent working at computers and peripherals located at desks, in server rooms, or in telecommunication closets. Due to the front-line nature of the job, the Research Support Technologist can expect to be in constant interaction with faculty, staff and students where a high degree of professionalism is required. The Research Support Technologist is expected to physically handle typical IT equipment. Working outside of normal hours may be occasionally required to deal with emergencies, maintenance, or upgrades.