What are the typical responsibilities of a school technician?

Here’s the expanded question with added context:

Expanded Question:
Considering the diverse environments within educational institutions, what are the typical day-to-day responsibilities and core duties performed by a school technician, particularly in areas like science laboratories, workshops, IT support, or general school maintenance, and how do these responsibilities vary between primary/elementary schools, secondary schools, and specialized institutions? Please cover key areas such as equipment setup, maintenance, safety compliance, preparing resources for practical lessons, supporting teaching staff, and managing stock/inventory.

The typical responsibilities of a school technician include:

1. Hardware Maintenance & Repair:

   • Installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer hardware (desktops, laptops, servers, printers, projectors, interactive displays, tablets, Chromebooks, network equipment).
   • Diagnosing hardware failures and performing repairs or coordinating replacements.
   • Managing firmware updates for devices.
   • Ensuring hardware devices are functioning optimally for educational use.

2. Software Management & Support:

   • Installing, configuring, updating, patching, and managing operating systems and educational software applications across school devices.
   • Managing software licensing and compliance.
   • Providing technical support and troubleshooting for software issues encountered by staff and students.
   • Installing and maintaining specialized software for labs (e.g., science, design, music).
   • Managing application deployment methods (e.g., mobile device management (MDM), virtualized environments).

3. Network Administration & Security:

   • Managing, monitoring, and maintaining the school’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and wireless networks.
   • Ensuring network security, including firewall configuration, intrusion detection/prevention, and adherence to security policies.
   • Implementing and enforcing network access controls (e.g., user authentication, guest networks).
   • Troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
   • Managing network-related hardware (switches, routers, access points, controllers).
   • Ensuring compliance with student data privacy laws (e.g., FERPA, GDPR, COPPA).

4. Device Deployment & Management:

   • Managing the deployment of new technology devices (1:1 programs, carts, labs).
   • Imaging and configuring devices for student/staff use.
   • Managing device check-out/check-in processes.
   • Overseeing device repair/replacement logistics and turnaround times.

5. Technical Support & Helpdesk:

   • Acting as the primary point of contact for technical support requests from staff, students, and sometimes parents.
   • Managing a helpdesk ticketing system.
   • Providing remote and on-site troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues.
   • Triage and escalation of complex problems.
   • Assisting with basic account management (password resets, permissions).

6. Inventory & Asset Management:

   • Maintaining accurate records of all technology hardware, software, licenses, warranties, and assets using asset management systems.
   • Conducting regular inventory audits.
   • Tracking device lifecycle (procurement, deployment, maintenance, retirement).
   • Managing warranty claims and service contracts.

7. Lab/ Classroom Support:

   • Setting up and maintaining technology in specialized classrooms and labs (science, media centers, art rooms, music rooms).
   • Ensuring classroom technology (projectors, document cameras, interactive boards, sound systems) is ready for daily use.
   • Providing setup support for assemblies, presentations, and events.

8. Staff Training & Development:

   • Providing basic training and ongoing support for staff on the effective use of hardware, software, and educational technology tools.
   • Creating and maintaining documentation, guides, and training materials.
   • Staying updated on educational technology trends and best practices to share with staff.

9. Procurement & Vendor Management:

   • Assisting in the evaluation and selection of new technology hardware, software, and services.
   • Coordinating with vendors for procurement, installation, and support.
   • Managing vendor relationships and service level agreements (SLAs).

10. Budget & Resource Management:

    • Assisting in the preparation and management of the technology budget.
    • Tracking technology expenses and recommending cost-effective solutions.
    • Managing consumable supplies related to technology (e.g., printer paper, toner, cables).

11. Policy & Compliance:

    • Implementing and enforcing school technology acceptable use policies (AUP) and digital citizenship guidelines.
    • Ensuring compliance with relevant educational technology standards and regulations.
    • Managing filtering and monitoring solutions to ensure appropriate internet access.

12. Data Backup & Recovery:

    • Implementing and managing regular data backup procedures for critical systems and user data.
    • Performing periodic backup tests and disaster recovery drills.
    • Ensuring data integrity and availability.