Research Assistantship - Center for Reinventing Public Education

The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) is a research center at the University of Washington Bothell. The Center engages in research and analysis aimed at developing focused, effective and accountable schools in urban areas, and systems that support them. The Center’s work seeks to inform community leaders, policy makers, school and school system leaders and the research community. The Center pursues a national program of research and development on such proposals as charter schools, school contracting, equitable district budgeting policies, choice, and school system decentralization. It also conducts research into reform initiatives in Washington State and the Seattle Public Schools.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The CRPE Research Assistant for CRPE IT/Computing Support will support the research of the center by providing general computer support to the Center’s approximately 35 staff members, including faculty, researchers and graduate students, along with collaborators and contractors. We are a predominantly Apple computing environment.

Responsibilities include:
o Provide technical support to all Center staff – installing, maintaining and upgrading Macs connected to onsite and campus servers and resources via Ethernet and onsite wireless. Including support given over phone/email to off-site staff.
o OSX Server (Xserve): immediate backups, restorations, user account updates/management, etc. using Retrospect, ARD, and Workgroup Manager.
o Windows XP Secure Data Network (SDN) Server: installing new data sets, software, patches as needed; troubleshooting printer and software issues along with the 5 Windows XP workstations.

o Update and maintain system level software (Mac OS 10.3 through OS X 10.5.4, device drivers, memory managers and communications and network software). Install and configure hardware, software, and peripheral devices to allow easy and secure interface with our server and UW computing network.

o Assist in software support (provide training, troubleshooting and maintenance) for all Center staff including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and especially Endnote, Adobe design products, SPSS, FileMaker Pro, Palm (along with synching issues).

o Track and maintain computer inventory, insurance database, and software inventory and compliance.

o Analyze current systems and research new product releases, security patches, updates, relevant new technology, and methods in order to streamline and improve processes. Evaluate and communicate proposed updates/changes, along with costs, to staff.

o Other duties as assigned.

Date Available: December 16, 2008
Application Deadline: December 5, 2008
Notification Deadline: December 17, 2008

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Karen Mooseker at kmoose@u.washington.edu.

Requirements:
Current UW Graduate Student in Public Affairs or related field.

Experience: Candidates must possess excellent organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to think analytically and creatively. Also required are excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to self-direct and organize time and tasks. A background in teaching and/or education policy is preferred.

o Experience with Apple computer support (OS 10.3 -10.5.4), with at least two years of increasing responsibility.
o Proficient with OS Xserve, including configuring and troubleshooting Workgroup manager and Retrospect
o Familiarity with Windows XP; proficiency configuring and troubleshooting workstation, server, and LAN functionality
o The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, with ability to pleasantly and professionally relate technical issues to non-technical staff. Must be able to prioritize, multi-task and follow through. IT Help-desk or technical support experience preferred.

Desired:
Formal Apple training a plus. Database experience (Filemaker Pro) and experience with cross-platform issues helpful. UNIX and/or networking experience desirable. Experience with HTML, BASH, PERL or similar languages. Interest and/or experience in the Education and/or non-profit field desirable. Ability to quickly learn software and identify resources for issue resolution.

Condition of Employment:
Must be able to lift and move computer equipment.