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Purdue University

Desktop Support Specialist

🇺🇸 West Lafayette, IN 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ June 22nd, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring a Desktop Support Specialist. The role involves coordinating and delivering technical support services to faculty and staff while maintaining and upgrading hardware, software, and related systems to enhance technology use across the organization. The specialist will troubleshoot issues, collaborate with IT colleagues, and contribute to improving processes and user experience in support of academic and administrative goals.

Highlights
  • Provide end-user technical support for faculty and staff, addressing hardware, software, and peripheral issues.
  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain PC and Macintosh workstations and related devices.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve multi-system technical problems with a user-focused approach.
  • Collaborate with IT teams to ensure consistent and quality service delivery and support technology evaluations.
  • Associate degree in Computer Science, Computer Technology, or related field required; six months of IT desktop support experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Apple and Microsoft Windows operating systems, PC hardware, networking concepts, and office productivity software.
  • Preference for Apple hardware/software and A+ certification or the ability to obtain within six months.
  • Skills in Microsoft Active Directory, SCCM, and academic support environment are preferred.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, communicate effectively, and lift between 10-40 pounds.
  • Non-exempt position with eligibility for overtime and a comprehensive benefits package.

Desktop Support Specialist Full Description

Job Summary
Join a collaborative IT environment where your work directly supports teaching, research, and daily operations. The Desktop Support Specialist plays a key role in delivering reliable, responsive technical support to faculty and staff, helping ensure technology effectively supports academic and administrative goals. 
 
Position Overview
As a seasoned individual contributor working with limited supervision, this role is responsible for coordinating and providing end-user technical support services. You will help maintain and enhance the use of technology across the organization by supporting hardware, software, and related systems, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and user experience. 
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and deliver technical support for faculty and staff, responding to a variety of technology needs
  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain hardware, software, and peripheral devices
  • Troubleshoot issues and provide practical, user-focused solutions to support day-to-day operations 
  • Collaborate with IT colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery
  • Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of technology solutions that enhance instructional, academic, and research activities
  • Support ongoing efforts to improve processes, tools, and user experience across supported environments
 
What You Bring
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues across a range of systems and devices
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical users
  • A collaborative, service-oriented approach with attention to detail and follow-through
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while contributing to a team environment 
 
Working Environment
You will be part of a team-oriented IT function that partners closely with faculty and staff. The role offers a balance of independent work and collaboration, with opportunities to contribute to new technology initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that support the broader mission.
 
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
  • Associate degree in Computer Science, Computer Technology OR a related field of study
  • Six (6) months of IT desktop support or related IT experience
    • Experience installing and maintaining hardware, software, and peripheral components of PC (Windows) and Macintosh based workstations including operating system, hardware drivers, and common office automation software.
  • Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required work experience
 
Skills Required:
  • Expansive knowledge of one of the following operating systems (Apple and Microsoft Windows), as well as PC hardware networking
  • Apple software/hardware and A+ certification preferred or the ability to earn certification within the first six months of employment is required
  • Knowledge of:
    • personal computer, network, server and office productivity technologies
    • computer networking concepts including IP networking and firewalls
  • Capable of providing quality end-user support and training with patience and consideration of others
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communications skills. Good interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems on desktops
  • Ability to:
    • plan, organize and prioritize workloads, manage details of multiple projects simultaneously, and work within a team environment
    • complete projects within deadlines
    • lift and carry 10-25 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally
 
Preferred:
  • Basic understanding of Microsoft Active Directory management including group policy
  • Ability to navigate collections and packages via SCCM
  • Knowledge of:
    • workstation/user administration within a LAN environment
    • web design and maintenance desirable
    • multiple operating systems
  • Previous academic support is strongly preferred
 
Additional Information:
  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
 
Career Stream
Administrative and Operational Support 3
  • Pay Band S050
  • Job Code #20003371
 
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer 
Purdue University is an EOE employer.