View Role : Technical Support Specialist

Civilization Research Institute; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mission‑Driven Culture

Health & Wellness Support

Professional Growth & Development

Competitive Compensation

Flexible Benefits

Team events like dinners and hikes

Coffee/tea station and pantry snacks

Organic, plant‑based meals prepared in

Specialized healing equipment open to,

Bring your dog to work

Job summary

Civilization Research Institute (CRI) is seeking a Technical Support Specialist to manage and secure our devices and networks across the Asheville campus. You will set up, maintain, and troubleshoot laptops, printers, phones, and smart devices while ensuring robust cybersecurity practices and encrypted communications.

You will train staff, create simple guides, and support cross‑platform workflows on Apple, Google, and Windows systems in a fast‑paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of physical hardware, connectivity systems, and modern office technology.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and best practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot across Apple, Google, and Windows; most employees use Apple products.
• Excellent communication skills for training and support; capable of creating simple guides.

Responsibilities

• Hardware setup and maintenance for laptops, tablets, deep‑work machines, printers, phones, and peripherals.
• Manage cybersecurity software, identity protection, encryption, and 2FA workflows.
• Oversee office security devices (detectors, shredders, disposal workflows) and safety systems.
• Troubleshoot device glitches, connectivity issues, updates, and user accounts on shared devices.
• Provide hands‑on training and write clear instructions for staff.

Skills

Hardware knowledge

Cybersecurity awareness

Multi‑OS troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

CompTIA A+

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Security+

Job description

The Civilization Research Institute (CRI) is a research center focused on understanding and mitigating catastrophic and existential risk. Our mission is to create and disseminate actionable knowledge and wisdom that is essential for navigating the metacrisis, and to undertake research into viable future forms for global civilization. Our work spans technology, governance, ecological tipping points, financial systems, civilization theory, and societal sense‑making. The work requires analytical rigor, systems thinking, and cross‑disciplinary fluency. We operate in a high‑trust, low‑ego environment where clarity, integrity, and long‑term thinking are essential.

If you’d like a quick overview of our work, this video with our Executive Director, Daniel Schmachtenberger, is a good place to start.

About the Role

The Technical Support Specialist is responsible for the setup, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting of all physical and digital devices/technology across the organization.

Location & Reporting

• This is a full‑time, on‑site role based out of our headquarters in Asheville, NC.
• The Technical Support Specialist will report to the Executive Director.

What You’ll Own

Physical & Digital Device Management

• Computer setup & maintenance of laptops, tablets, deep‑work machines, recording devices, printers/scanners, phones (cell and landline), smart devices, etc.
• Management of keyboards, mice, cameras, microphones, speakers, power supplies, hard drives, cable management, and other peripheral equipment.
• Connectivity for ethernet, hard‑wired computers, routers, extenders, cell boosters, Starlink, shortwave radio, etc.
• Ergonomic setup of monitor arms, keyboard trays, peripherals, chairs, standing desks, specialized lighting, etc.

Cybersecurity & Psychosecurity

• Psychosecurity systems which include app blockers, screen‑time trackers, and deep‑work machines.
• Security software for malware protection, identity protection, encrypted communication channels, password managers, authenticators, 2FA systems.

Office Security and Safety Systems

• Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, radon detectors, shredders and secure disposal workflows.

Technical Troubleshooting & Support

• General troubleshooting for device glitches, connectivity issues, syncing problems, and settings issues after updates.
• Software installation and configuration (updates, settings, user accounts on shared devices, and new applications).
• Tech support for HVAC, health tech, and other office equipment.

Training & User Support

• Hands‑on guidance for employees learning new devices or software.
• Creation of simple instructions, walkthroughs, and best‑practice guides.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of physical hardware, connectivity systems, and modern office technology.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and best practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot across multiple operating systems and platforms (Apple, Google, Windows); most of the employees use Apple products.
• Excellent communication skills for training and support.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or other related subject and relevant certifications (CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, etc.).

What We Offer

• Mission‑Driven Culture – Work alongside collaborative, values‑aligned colleagues tackling some of humanity’s most complex challenges.
• Health & Wellness Support – Access to wellness resources designed to support your physical and mental well‑being.
• Professional Growth & Development – Employees receive mentorship from senior leaders and the opportunity to take on meaningful projects that support continuous learning and career advancement.
• Competitive Compensation – The starting compensation is competitive and will depend on a variety of factors that include experience, education, training, certification, and location. We do not currently cap salary ranges because we value team members growing in their roles over time.
• Flexible Benefits – Full‑time employees are offered flexible benefits to support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our team members.
• Community events like team dinners and hikes
• Coffee/tea station with a variety of tinctures and powders and a fully stocked pantry full of healthy snacks
• Organic, plant‑based lunches and dinners prepared by in‑house chef multiple times per week
• Specialized healing equipment open to all employees (e.g., sauna, red light therapy, AI deep tissue massage machine)
• Bring your dog to work