A LAN/Desktop Support Technician at the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of local area networks (LANs), desktop computers, and related IT infrastructure within the department. Their role is crucial in maintaining connectivity, supporting staff in their daily computer usage, and ensuring that technology runs efficiently to support the department’s objectives in sports, recreation, arts, and culture.
Detailed Responsibilities:
- LAN (Local Area Network) Support:
- Network Maintenance: Ensuring that the department’s LAN is properly maintained, updated, and secured. This involves monitoring the network for performance issues, troubleshooting connectivity problems, and ensuring network devices (such as routers, switches, and access points) are working optimally.
- Example: If a user cannot access shared resources (e.g., documents on a file server), the technician will diagnose whether it’s due to network issues like a faulty switch or a misconfigured network address.
- Cabling and Installation: Setting up network cabling and configuring network devices when new workstations are added or office relocations occur.
- Example: Installing Ethernet cables for a new section of the office, configuring IP addresses, and ensuring that all workstations can access the internet and internal resources.
- Network Security: Implementing security measures to protect the department’s data and network from external threats, such as viruses, hacking attempts, or unauthorized access.
- Example: Configuring firewalls, setting up VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and ensuring that antivirus software is installed and updated across all workstations.
APPLY FOR LAN / DESKTOP SUPPORT TECHNICIAN VACANCIES HERE
- Desktop Support:
- Hardware Setup and Maintenance: Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting desktop computers, laptops, and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners) for department staff. Ensuring that all hardware functions as expected and replacing faulty components when needed.
- Example: If a staff member’s computer stops working due to a faulty power supply, the technician would diagnose the issue, replace the component, and ensure the computer is operational again.
- Software Installation and Updates: Installing and configuring operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) and department-specific software applications. The technician is also responsible for applying software updates and patches to keep systems secure and running efficiently.
- Example: Installing specialized software for managing sports event data, updating office productivity tools, or troubleshooting application issues faced by users.
- Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Addressing user issues with computers, network access, or software, both remotely and on-site. This includes everything from frozen screens and application crashes to more complex issues like network configuration errors.
- Example: A staff member may report that they cannot access their email or the department’s shared drive. The technician would investigate and resolve the issue, which could involve checking network connectivity, server settings, or application configurations.
- User Support and Training:
- Help Desk Support: Acting as the first point of contact for IT-related issues in the department. The technician responds to support tickets, phone calls, or emails from staff, providing assistance or escalating more complex issues to higher-level IT staff.
- Example: Staff members may contact the technician for assistance with tasks such as setting up email accounts, resetting passwords, or installing new software.
- End-User Training: Providing training to staff on how to use various computer systems and applications effectively, as well as educating them on best practices for network security.
- Example: Training staff on how to use new software for event registration or how to securely manage sensitive information, such as login credentials or data stored on network drives.
- System Monitoring and Reporting:
- Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitoring the department’s IT systems to identify and address potential performance issues, such as slow network speeds or frequent system crashes. This proactive approach helps prevent downtime and ensures staff can perform their duties efficiently.
- Example: If the department’s shared network drive is frequently slow to access, the technician might investigate whether the server is experiencing high traffic or if there is an issue with the network configuration.
- Reporting and Documentation: Maintaining documentation of IT systems, including network diagrams, hardware inventories, and incident reports. This helps in tracking assets and troubleshooting recurring problems.
- Example: Documenting the setup of new workstations or keeping records of all software licenses in use by the department.
APPLY FOR LAN / DESKTOP SUPPORT TECHNICIAN VACANCIES HERE
- Collaborating with Other IT Staff:
- Team Coordination: Working closely with other IT personnel or external service providers to resolve larger technical issues or implement department-wide IT initiatives.
- Example: Coordinating with a network specialist to upgrade the department’s LAN infrastructure or working with an external vendor to deploy new software across all workstations.
- Disaster Recovery and Backup Management:
- Backup Solutions: Implementing and maintaining backup systems to ensure that the department’s data is regularly backed up and can be recovered in case of system failure, data corruption, or other emergencies.
- Example: Ensuring that important departmental data, such as records of cultural events or sports registration information, is regularly backed up to prevent data loss in case of a system crash.
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Assisting in the development and execution of IT disaster recovery plans, which outline how the department’s IT infrastructure will be restored in case of catastrophic failure.
- Example: In the event of a power outage, ensuring that key systems (such as email servers or network storage) are backed up on emergency power supplies or cloud servers.
Summary:
A LAN/Desktop Support Technician in the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture ensures that all computer and network systems are running smoothly. Their role is a blend of technical expertise (fixing hardware, software, and network problems) and user-facing support (helping staff with IT-related issues, training them on new systems). By keeping the IT infrastructure efficient and secure, they enable department employees to focus on their work in sports, recreation, arts, and culture without being hindered by technological issues.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
You May Also Like…
WHAT DOES A MAINTENANCE OFFICER DO AT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
HOW TO SECURE A PERMANENT OFFICE ADMINISTRATION GOVERNMENT JOB IN SOUTH AFRICA
HOW TO SECURE A PERMANENT GOVERNMENT JOB IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT MATRIC
