Technical Systems Specialist-Olympic Oval, Faculty of Kinesiology

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Regular Technical Systems Specialist for the Olympic Oval. This role involves providing technical support for advanced systems, ensuring seamless operations during competitions, and contributing to the development of new processes. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Computer Science or Engineering, strong organizational skills, and relevant technical expertise.

Qualifications

• Experience in system development and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills to support staff and coaches.
• Ability to assemble and maintain hardware systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for advanced equipment during competitions.
• Deliver programming and maintenance for existing systems.
• Research and implement new technologies for training and competitions.

Skills

Technical support

Programming

Communication

Troubleshooting

Adaptability

Education

Post-secondary degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Video display boards

Timing systems

Broadcast systems

Database querying

Job description

Description

The Olympic Oval in the Faculty of Kinesiology is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Technical Systems Specialist .

The Olympic Oval is the premier Winter Olympic legacy facility from the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and part of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology. The facility provides for a number of local, national, and international stakeholders and is home to high performance athletes, world-class high performance program areas, and excellent research. The Oval provides a dynamic environment for Faculty of Kinesiology programs including Dino Athletics, Active Living, and Faculty courses and research initiatives. The Olympic Oval brings international recognition to the University of Calgary through the hosting of major international world class events, the training of Olympic athletes, and the ongoing development of high-performance programs and technologies as a Center of Excellence for the International Skating Union (ISU). Additionally, the Olympic Oval contributes to, and is recognized locally, as a major part of the Calgary community providing public skating, events and bookable spaces for various public user groups and entities.

The Technical Systems Specialist reports to the Team Lead Innovation within the Innovation, Competitions and Sales department of the Olympic Oval. During the peak competition season (October-March), the volume of work increases substantially. The incumbent must be able to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team, where agility is crucial for overcoming challenges and adapting to evolving demands. This position demands a high level of concentration, resourcefulness, and creativity. Work-related stress is heightened by the high standards of quality expected and the real-time demands of competition support. The incumbent must remain level-headed and composed under pressure, making sound decisions in fast-paced and high-stakes situations.

This is a regular full-time AUPE position with a variable work schedule, including evening and weekend hours, and some overtime expected. The role carries a high risk of error, as critical systems must function without fault or interruption during key periods. The incumbent must effectively manage highly complex issues and concerns, often contributing to changes in procedures or practices within the work unit. This position also involves a high level of physical demand.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide technical support and expertise around various types of advanced equipment including video display boards, timing and training monitoring systems, high speed video cameras, broadcast and video replay systems, user access systems, sound systems, networks, and other competitions and operational technological systems as required.
• Deliver technical support prior to and during competitions and events hosted at the Olympic Oval, ensuring the seamless operation of all systems and equipment.
• Participate in recommending, developing, and implementing new processes and systems to support competition, training, guest relations and facility operations.
• Provide programming as required to support existing systems and participate in the successful development and implementation of new technical solutions as required.
• Perform ongoing maintenance and identify areas of concern relating to technical equipment in the Oval.
• Support the Olympic Oval gate access system.
• Support the AV resources located throughout the Oval.
• Support the various networks within the Oval.
• Support the various application servers and web servers within the Oval.
• Support the delivery of content, including graphics and videos through the Olympic Oval electronic display boards.
• Research, innovate, develop, and implement leading edge technology to enhance a variety of systems currently in use at the Oval for use by athletes during competitions and training, (timing and training systems, video board, NAS server, transponder systems, and others as required).
• Identify areas of concern and potential implications relating to Competitions and Operations highly specialized timing/monitoring technical equipment and systems in the Oval.
• Liaise with the Team Lead Innovation, Kinesiology Information Technology Services, and University of Calgary central IT as appropriate to provide PC support throughout the Oval.
• Monitor and analyze systems for compliance with university policy and other legislation (e.g. FOIP).
• Perform other duties as required, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term initiatives.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Experience in system development and strong organizational skills.
• Relevant technical expertise and the ability to contribute operationally when required.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate technical strategies clearly and effectively communicate, motivate and support staff and coaches in adopting new technologies.
• Intermediate to advanced programming skills, with experience in coding distributed web applications, timing systems, video distribution, user access control, low-level communication protocols, or database querying and analysis.
• Ability to assemble, maintain and troubleshoot hardware systems for competitions, training and building operations.
• Proficiency in developing, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting hardware and software applications, including general applications and specialty applications as required.
• Highly adaptable, with a strong commitment to excellence in delivering support, knowledge and expertise in specialized competition and training technologies.
• Experience in high-level sports or academic exposure to kinesiology is highly valued and considered an asset.

Application Deadline: June 21, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2 .

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website .

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ( [e-mail] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( [e-mail] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.