Technology Associate

Background

The Mountain Association is a nonprofit that invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient. Our Lending team offers loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations. We are a Community Development Financial Institution, so we can offer greater flexibility and lend to those who may not otherwise qualify. Our Business Support program connects business owners and nonprofit leaders to consultants who can help them succeed. Our Energy experts help businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and homeowners find much-needed energy savings through utility bill analysis, on-site energy efficiency and solar assessments, financing and grant application support.

The Mountain Association also engages in research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and works with partners on a variety of projects to demonstrate what’s possible in Eastern Kentucky.

Summary

The Technology Associate will provide direct technology support for Mountain Association’s technology infrastructure by providing front line response to computer systems, staff workstations and other related systems and equipment. The Associate will frequently use excellent communication and customer service skills to respond to inquiries and requests. This includes installing, diagnosing, repairing, and upgrading hardware and equipment under the direction of the Data & Technology Manager. The Associate will troubleshoot problems in a timely manner and provide user training, new employee technology orientation, in addition to general tech assistance in accordance with best practices. The Associate will lead asset inventory management and keep detailed records of orders and purchases.

Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following areas:

Provide Technology Support

• Lead tech support and installation at all Mountain Association office locations
• Respond to staff requests and troubleshoot technology issues
• Provide support to the Data & Technology Manager
• Primary contact for all affiliate staff (our affiliates include Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Kentucky Natural Lands Trust)
• Monitor backup systems and periodically test backup jobs
• Identify and communicate issues regarding disaster preparedness
• Coordinate with service providers on products and issues as requested
• Maintain, upgrade and patch IT infrastructure as needed
• Work with service providers to minimize down time.

Provide Technology Training

• Coordinate technology needs with staff
• Onboard new staff, student workers and interns to Mountain Association Technology
• Provide general IT training as needed
• Answer ergonomics questions from staff
• Report compliance issues to the Data & Technology Manager

Lead procurement, asset planning and tracking

• Organize inventory and equipment and maintain a precise inventory system
• Under direction, monitor use of systems to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities
• Dispose of equipment in a safe and responsible manner
• Review technology service bills to ensure we are charged appropriately.
• Advise on and purchase technology for general and program specific use.

General

• Provide operational support for all Mountain Association facilities and assets
• Other duties as assigned
• Practice safety in all aspects of the job
• Engage with and participate in the Mountain Association’s journey to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility both in our workplace and our work

Requirements

Knowledge and experience: Four year degree in Information Technology or related field and one year of related experience. Experience can substitute for education. Demonstrated ability for desktop level setup maintenance. Familiarity with Microsoft Office products including MS Outlook and Microsoft 365. Experience with software installation and license management. Customer service experience preferred.

Personal characteristics: Excellent communication skills; persistence; ability to function with good humor in stressful situations. Willingness to learn new things. Patience. Strong desire to help people. Clear written communication skills. Well-organized; able to work on multiple projects at once with strong attention to detail. Able to work successfully on a team with diverse members. Interested in technology as demonstrated by awareness of new developments.

Physical: Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work; manual dexterity needed to operate computer; ability to lift, move and connect computer and network hardware. Able to use a ladder. Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner. The Mountain Association is committed to complying fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all later amendments, and will follow any federal, state or local law that provides individuals with disabilities greater protection than the ADA. Equal employment opportunity will be given to qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation, as defined by applicable law, is available to all employees when a disability affects the employee’s performance of their job functions. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive. Either insurability on the Mountain Association’s group vehicle policy or access to a reliable vehicle for regular trips.

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics:

Knowledge of a variety of systems including Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft 365 management. Computer hardware troubleshooting, and basic networking experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Additional Information

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, with a range of $41,029 minimum to $45,588 midpoint to $53,338 maximum, depending on experience, along with a generous benefits package. This position’s main office location is flexible between Mountain Association’s offices in Berea, Prestonsburg, and Hazard, Kentucky, though our staff currently have a hybrid work schedule where they work from home as their position allows. This position is supervised by Joe Sheehan, Data & Technology Manager. The Mountain Association is an equal opportunity employer. The Mountain Association is committed to principles of diversity and equity and encourages applications from all people.

Please e-mail your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to technologyassociate.hiring@mtassociation.org. We will ask candidates selected for second interviews to provide contact information for three references. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Our hiring process typically includes two rounds of interviews and a skill-based activity.

The Mountain Association is committed to ensuring the safety of all employees and their families, our clients, partners, team members and other individuals that we come into contact with for business purposes. Our approach to COVID-19 is informed by science and aligns to recommendations established by the CDC and other applicable government health agencies.

Our COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all prospective employees, prior to their start date, to: (1) become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination, or (2) request and obtain approval for an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption. Should an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption be approved, an employee would work with the Mountain Association to develop a COVID-19 safety plan.

Employment is contingent upon meeting these requirements and the requirements of the position.

For more information about the Mountain Association, visit www.mtassociation.org. Please no drop-ins.

How to Apply

Please e-mail your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to technologyassociate.hiring@mtassociation.org. We will ask candidates selected for second interviews to provide contact information for three references. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Our hiring process typically includes two rounds of interviews and a skill-based activity.