Computer Technician

JOB PURPOSE

To install, check and maintain all computer equipment and conduct repairs to hardware components at assigned locations; assist users with the relevant systems and respond to reports of malfunction of machines; liaise with stakeholders and service providers to resolve/report issues identified. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Computer equipment installed, checked, and maintained; 
• Computer hardware and software configured; 
• ICT equipment inventory maintained; 
• Preventative maintenance executed; 
• Computer equipment repaired; 
• Liaise with External Stakeholders to resolve / repair issues identified;
• Equipment and/or systems’ problems resolved; 
• Reports prepared and submitted. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Technical/Professional Duties 

• Carries out routine diagnostic and physical checks on equipment in Main Equipment Rooms (MER); 
• Conducts preventative maintenance by disassembling peripherals from system units, services, reassembles and checks to ensure equipment is in working order; 
• Conducts installation of computers and peripherals for efficient operation; 
• Installs and tests equipment to ensure effective functionality and prepare test reports;
• Repairs defective computer equipment when and where possible; 
• Configures and upgrades computer hardware, software applications and operating systems; 
• Reviews, configures, updates, and implements software to safeguard critical systems, information and data;
• Directs the unloading and un-crating of equipment and ensures items received are to the correct specifications and are in good working condition; 
• Monitors all hardware systems to ensure their availability, performance and network connectivity; 
• In coordination with the Network and Security Team, ensures all network and power infrastructure are in place and ready for equipment to be installed; 
• Performs scheduled back-up of systems and data as well as keeps PC disk space available and participates in system failure recovery; 
• Carries out periodic checks on equipment within TAJ; 
• Monitors and verifies the maintenance of equipment carried out by service providers and updates service order logs; 
• Responds to users’ report of equipment malfunctioning and, if necessary, assists users in understanding proper usage of equipment; 
• Addresses and resolves reported equipment or systems problems within TAJ; 
• Liaises with relevant ICT personnel in resolving complex problems relating to equipment used; 
• Manages and accounts for all dispatch forms used; 
• Maintains the inventory of all ICT equipment inclusive of equipment dispatch at the assigned locations; 
• Researches and keeps abreast of new and existing trends and developments in information technology, in particular to computer hardware and software, in order to make recommendations and ensure that the best solutions and practices are being acquired and used/applied; 
• Conducts cleaning process of all equipment and reports incidents of misuse or abuse;
• Monitors user activities to ensure adherence to security policies and protocols;
• Executes disaster preparedness plans/activities for ICT when necessary;
• Conducts software repairs as directed by the System Administrator; 
• Participates in and assists the Asset Management Manager with Board of Survey (BOS) exercises; 
• Identifies and prepares hardware for disposal when necessary; 
• Ensures hardware is stripped and secured before disposal; 
• Monitors and assists Service Providers in resolving and troubleshooting problems to ensure system reliability and continuity;
• Monitors the servicing of equipment by service providers; 
• Provides support for the maintenance of Anti-Virus services and definition files update;
• Prepares and submits monthly reports to System Administrator; 
• Assists in the identification of ICT Risks within their respective area of work and by extension, the organization; 
• Prepares and submit needs analysis to the System Administrator; 
• Setup and provide support for web-conferencing (onsite and online) meetings / training; 
• Supports the identification of risks within the organization and by extension the respective area of work; 
• Performs any other ICT-related duties assigned by the System Administrator. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

This job is satisfactorily performed when: 

• Computer equipment is installed, checked and in accordance with the set standards and maintained as scheduled; 
• Computer equipment is repaired and recommissioned based set standards;
• Computer hardware and software are configured within the agreed timeframe; 
• ICT equipment inventory is maintained within an agreed timeframe;
• Preventative maintenance is scheduled and carried out in accordance with industry standards; 
• Reported equipment or system problems are dealt with in accordance with the agreed timeframe; 
• Accurate and comprehensive reports are prepared and submitted by the due date. 

AUTHORITY TO:

• Enable and disable local user accounts; 
• Recommend modification and changes to systems being used; 
• Recommend with justification the retirement of Computer Equipment;
• Identify and report persistent hardware malfunctions; 
• Identify and report system breaches.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Specific Knowledge: 

• Expert knowledge of computer equipment maintenance;
• Expert knowledge of computer system operation; 
• Comprehensive knowledge of hardware support and maintenance;
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer architecture; 

Required Skills and Specialised Techniques 

• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills;
• Very good analytical/investigative skill; 
• Good communication, team and interpersonal skills;
• Good time management skill; 
• Keen attention to detail.

Qualification and Experience 

• Associate Degree in Computer Studies or equivalent qualification;
• COMPTIA A+ Certification would be an asset; 
• At least two (2) years of experience in a similar capacity 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Highly stressed working environment; 
• Exposure to low/cold temperatures due to computers/MER;
• Exposure to hazardous conditions; 
• Required to work beyond normal hours and on weekends;
• Required to lift heavy computer equipment and other supplies;
• Traveling (50-60%)