Information Technology Audio/Visual Specialist

Grand Valley State University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Valley State University is seeking a hands-on IT/AV technician to support and maintain classroom, lab, and simulation environments across the City Campus in Grand Rapids and the Valley Campus in Allendale. The role covers operating, repairing, upgrading equipment and delivering end-user training, with an emphasis on XR/VR and immersive technologies.

You will supervise student staff, collaborate with IT teams, and help implement Blue Dot initiatives, with opportunities to pilot new

Qualifications

• High school graduate with a two-year degree in electronics or data communications.
• Minimum of two years' experience in computer and peripheral equipment repair.
• Demonstrated knowledge of TCP/IP networking and AV systems.
• Ability to read schematics and develop system diagrams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and customer service.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
• Experience coordinating with contractors and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on desktop and AV support across university facilities including classrooms, labs, and conference rooms.
• Provide post-implementation support to AV projects with equipment readiness and training.
• Deploy and maintain XR/VR hardware and software, including headsets and content platforms.
• Supervise student employees and develop user training and onboarding materials.
• Collaborate with IT teams, instructional designers, and vendors to resolve issues and assess new technologies.
• Maintain inventory, configuration logs, and licensing for AV and XR equipment across campuses.
• Partner with PMO on IT/AV projects, including design, installation, documentation, and pilots.

Skills

Networking TCP/IP

AV systems knowledge

Desktop/AV support

Customer service

Team supervision

Project collaboration

Technical training

Education

High school diploma + 2-year degree in electronics or data communications

Bachelor's degree in IT/related field (preferred)

Tools

Neat

Logitech

Shure

Extron

Crestron

Biamp

Job description

There are 2 positions open for this role. One is on our City Campus (Grand Rapids) and one is on our Valley Campus (Allendale)

This role is integral to a team responsible for the support and maintenance of IT and audio-visual (AV) systems across various GVSU learning environments, including but not limited to classrooms, laboratories, simulation centers, and conference areas. The position involves a wide range of duties: operating, maintaining, distributing, installing, configuring, repairing, and upgrading electronic equipment to ensure peak performance.

In alignment with IT Services' dedication to the GVSU community, the incumbent will swiftly and accurately address reported technical issues while providing essential end-user training and support. The role also encompasses comprehensive execution of AV projects, from initial evaluation and recommendation through design support, implementation, training, and ongoing maintenance.

This position plays a direct role in supporting and advancing the university's Blue Dot initiative ecosystem, supporting the technology infrastructure, learning spaces, and instructional tools that enable the initiative's academic and student success objectives. In addition, the incumbent will help evaluate, pilot, deploy, and support emerging technologies, including extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), as these tools are integrated into simulation, instruction, and experiential learning across campuses.

This position will provide direct assistance to students, faculty, and staff on all computer, AV, and immersive technology issues. The incumbent will be expected to deliver prompt, efficient, and high-quality technical support across these diverse areas of responsibility.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $63,000; commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties

• Provide hands-on desktop and AV support across university facilities, precisely classrooms, labs, simulation centers, conference rooms, event spaces, and immersive/XR-enabled environments.
• Provide post-implementation support to the Blue Dot project through routine AV technical expertise, equipment readiness, space preparation, and responsive support for associated programs, pilots, and events.
• Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot XR/VR hardware, software, and peripherals, including headsets, tracking systems, content platforms, and network/workstation requirements; ensuring safe, sanitary, and reliable multi-user operation.
• Supervise student employees (hiring, scheduling, mentoring, coaching) and develop and deliver user training, instructional materials, and onboarding for faculty on new and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with internal IT teams, faculty, instructional designers, and third-party vendors to resolve technical issues, assess new technologies, and participate in the Simulation Center's monthly team meetings.
• Maintain accurate inventory, configuration logs, and licensing for AV, simulation, and XR equipment across campuses, and support all learning modalities (in-person, remote, hybrid, distance, and immersive) by ensuring optimal environments and operational readiness.
• Partner with the Project Management Office on IT/AV projects throughout the university, including design, installation, documentation, specifications, and layouts; while researching emerging technologies, running proof-of-concept pilots, creating instruction manuals, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• High school graduate supplemented by a two-year degree in electronics or data communications, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of two years' experience in computer and peripheral equipment repair, with demonstrated working knowledge of TCP/IP networking protocols and AV systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer operating systems and electronics, with the ability to read and interpret complex electronic schematics and develop systems or signal flow diagrams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships and provide quality customer service.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, organizing own work, coordinating with others, and meeting deadlines under pressure.
• Experience working with contractors and vendors to implement projects.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Bachelor's degree, ITIL foundations knowledge, and AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification or equivalent experience.
• Supervisory experience with a demonstrated track record of leading technical projects from planning through implementation.
• Hands-on experience in video and audio technology, including compressed video distance learning principles, network cable and fiber optic termination, and manufacturers such as Neat, Logitech, Shure, Extron, Crestron, and Biamp.
• Familiarity with XR/VR platforms and hardware, including deployment, device management, content distribution, and the technical requirements of immersive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and support rapidly evolving technologies in a higher education environment, with flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.