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Columbia University

Service Desk Technician

🇺🇸 Hybrid - US

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $70K - $80K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ September 9th, 2025

Unix

Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring a Service Desk Technician. The technician provides technical support to faculty, students, and staff via phone, email, chat, or in-person, operating in Windows, Apple, and some Linux/Unix environments while working in a service-oriented call center. The role includes assisting with IT issues, guiding junior staff, and handling escalations.

Highlights
  • Provide technical support through multiple communication channels for university community members.
  • Operate proficiently in Windows, Apple, and some Linux/Unix shell environments.
  • Utilize knowledge management systems for issue resolution.
  • Guide junior service desk staff and manage escalations.
  • Salary range is $70,000 to $80,000 annually.
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and at least three years of experience.
  • Preferred qualifications include 3+ years helpdesk experience, certifications like HDI, A+, Network+, and customer service experience.
  • Must demonstrate strong communication, problem diagnosis, multitasking, and team collaboration skills.
  • Flexibility for weekend and off-hour shifts may be necessary.
  • Supports the Columbia University community including faculty, students, and staff.

Service Desk Technician Full Description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000

Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Service Desk Specialist, the Service Desk Technician provides technical support via phone, email, chat or in-person consultations to University faculty, students, and staff. Incumbent must be able to comfortably operate in Windows and Apple environments, and some user knowledge of Linux/Unix shell environments. This is a service-oriented phone support call center environment; assisting or redirecting students, faculty, and staff on a wide range of issues.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and remote work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities
  • Provide accurate and rapid response to customer problems to ensure customer productivity.
  • Gather, organize, and document relevant information directly from customers.
  • Consistently apply excellent customer-service techniques to all interactions and work (e.g., set expectations appropriately, confirm problem is resolved, understood correctly and ensure satisfaction).
  • Utilize Knowledge Management system content (knowledge bases) and personal technical background to identify and resolve IT issues.
  • Work with junior members of the Service Desk, providing guidance and handling escalations.
  • Monitor and oversee the work of other team members when needed.
  • Escalate single-user issues when and where appropriate (e.g., service owners, Senior Service Desk Specialist, other Helpdesks) as per knowledge content and training.
  • Participate in Service Desk tasks and projects when appropriate.
  • Weekday, Weekend, and off-hour work may be necessary on occasion. Shift hours may vary based on work schedule.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned and/or requested.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus three years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of full-time frontline helpdesk/tech support experience.
  • Strong knowledge of Windows and Apple operating systems, connectivity and email applications, network troubleshooting, web tools and problem-diagnosis skills.
  • Experience troubleshooting ID/authentication issues.
  • Some user knowledge of Linux/UNIX shell environments.
  • HDI certification (Support Center Analyst, Desktop Support Technician, Customer Service Representative).
  • Knowledge Centered Support Publisher Certification.
  • A+, Network+ certification.
  • Minimum 3 years’ Customer Service experience (in any industry).
  • Minimum 3 years’ previous Service Desk or Desktop Support experience supporting internal customers.

Competencies
  • Ability to communicate clearly via the telephone, utilizing active listening skills, asking questions for clarification, and using interpersonal skills such as empathy and patience.
  • Ability to identify and diagnose basic IT problems and recommend solutions; and self-motivated to use available resources to find the best solution possible.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, team based, customer service-oriented environment.
  • Ability to work as part of a cohesive team and on own initiative with minimal direction.
  • Highly organized individual with ability to learn quickly, prioritize, and an eye for attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask in a high-pressure environment and focus despite frequent interruptions.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.