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IT Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An IT Specialist, or an IT Consultant, manages the information technology system of an organization including computer systems, corporate data and internal networks. An IT Specialist is responsible for IT-related infrastructure and development. Their duties can include building, managing and monitoring a company’s IT system, troubleshooting errors, and updating and upgrading hardware and software.

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IT Specialist duties and responsibilities

An IT Specialist manages and maintains a company’s technology. They are also responsible for security and corporate data privacy. Some duties and responsibilities an IT Specialist must excel at include: 

  • Assessing a company’s information system and identifying gaps that need to be addressed
  • Communicating these gaps to the management in a simplified manner
  • Ensuring all systems run smoothly and efficiently
  • Ensuring security and privacy measures are in place
  • Monitoring security certificates and ensure the organization’s compliance with requirements
  • Troubleshooting and providing technical support to the company staff whenever needed.
  • Installing necessary updates to company software and hardware
  • Staying within budget and allocating cost for necessary updates and upgrades
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IT Specialist Job Description Examples:

What does an IT Specialist do?

An IT Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring computer systems are up-to-date. IT Specialists ensure the security of corporate data and provide technical support to employees. The specific job duties of an IT Specialist can often vary from one organization to the next because IT requirements are not the same for all industries and sectors.

IT Specialist skills and qualifications

An IT Specialist should have excellent technical skills related to a wide variety of applications, software, and hardware systems. They should also have excellent command of coding, computing, configuration, debugging and design. Depending on the type of company and the role of the IT Specialist, the right candidate may also need basic knowledge of networking, network security, maintenance, servers, hardware, data management, and a variety of computer and operating systems. Some other prerequisite skills and qualifications include:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize and manage time
  • Excellent troubleshooting abilities
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Keen interest in technological development and advancements
  • Ability to suggest process improvements

IT Specialist experience requirements

Experience requirements for an IT Specialist vary depending on both the position and the industry. An entry-level IT Specialist should have experience from internships and undergraduate studies. You may require candidates with specific experience in a technology or programming language, and expect candidates to have required certifications in applications and programs required for the role.

IT Specialist education and training requirements

IT Specialists should generally have a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, which could be computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. Candidates with a master’s degree may be preferred. Certifications are an important component of IT Specialist education. Candidates may have to present certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA Security), CompTIASecurity+, and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

IT Specialist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Junior IT Specialist in Canada is $41,895 per year. A Senior IT Specialist earns approximately $65,867 per year. Salary may be dependent on the candidate’s experience level, the location of the job, and the specific company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an IT Specialist is not quite what you’re looking for, some other job description samples that may fit your needs include:

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IT Specialist job description FAQs

What qualities make a good IT Specialist?

A good IT Specialist should have some specific qualities including flexibility and self-motivation. They should also be team players who are capable of working under pressure. An IT Specialist must demonstrate a willingness to learn, especially when it comes to the latest advances in computer technology as an early adopter, since technology changes rapidly.

Who does an IT Specialist report to?

A good IT Specialist job description is one that specifies technological and experience requirements, as they differ by industry. Provide examples of responsibilities and daily duties, and include the size of the company. Candidates want to know how many hours they’ll be working a week, and if they will handle phone calls or help employees with IT issues in person. Including a pay bracket and any benefits such as pension programs or remote working opportunities are also attractive to skilled candidates.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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