IT Specialist

Company Description Preferred Parking is a leading parking management and consulting firm serving clients across the Carolinas. The company focuses on building strong relationships and delivering measurable value to property owners and partners. With an impressive track record in parking innovations and operations, Preferred Parking is committed to improving the parking experience for clients and customers. Team members join a collaborative environment where technology and service are used to create efficient, reliable parking solutions.

The Entry-Level IT Specialist serves as the first point of contact for employees seeking technical assistance. This position provides basic hardware, software, and connectivity support while assisting with computer setup, user accounts, employee onboarding and offboarding, and IT documentation.

The ideal candidate has foundational computer knowledge, strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn new technologies. This position works under the guidance of a senior IT employee, who will provide training and support and assist with complex technical issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Support: Respond to IT support tickets, phone calls, and walk-in requests in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• Hardware and Software Setup: Set up, configure, and troubleshoot desktop computers, laptops, printers, mobile devices, operating systems, and standard business applications.
• User Account Support: Assist with creating, modifying, and deactivating user accounts and email access according to established procedures and security policies.
• Basic Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve common hardware, software, peripheral device, and network connectivity issues.
• Employee Onboarding and Offboarding: Prepare computers, equipment, and access credentials for new employees and assist with collecting company equipment and managing access during employee departures.
• Documentation and Inventory: Document support requests and resolutions, update IT knowledge-based articles, and help maintain accurate inventory of company hardware and software assets.
• Escalation and Collaboration: Recognize issues that require additional technical expertise and escalate complex or recurring problems to the senior IT employee or designated external vendors.
• IT Procedures and Security: Follow established IT procedures and security policies while handling company equipment, user accounts, and confidential information.
• Training and Supervision: This position works under the guidance of a senior IT employee, with opportunities to develop technical skills through hands-on experience, training, and mentorship. Routine support issues will be handled independently as appropriate, while complex technical issues will be escalated for additional guidance.
• Position Expectations: The Entry-Level IT Specialist is expected to provide reliable first-level technical support, deliver positive employee support experience, maintain accurate documentation, follow established security procedures, and continuously develop their technical knowledge and skills.

• Required Qualifications:
• 0 to 3+ years of IT experience in technical support, troubleshooting, problem resoltuions.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer knowledge and familiarity with Windows operating systems.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, software, and network connectivity.
• Strong customer-service skills and the ability to assist non-technical users patiently and professionally.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic problem-solving abilities.
• Dependability, professionalism, and a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Ability to follow instructions, document work accurately, and recognize when an issue needs to be escalated.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The following qualifications are beneficial but are not required:
• Associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on training.
• CompTIA A+, Google IT Support, Microsoft, or other introductory IT certifications.
• Exposure to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Active Directory, or similar user-account management tools.
• Familiarity with macOS or Linux operating systems.
• Basic knowledge of Wi-Fi, VPNs, and local network connectivity.
• Experience gained through internships, school projects, hands-on labs, volunteer work, or previous customer-service roles.

Key Attributes:

• Integrity and Discretion: Handles company information and employee data responsibly.
• Communication: Communicates technical information clearly and professionally.
• Dependability: Arrives on time, follows through on assigned tasks, and maintains accurate records.
• Customer Service: Demonstrates patience, professionalism, and a helpful attitude.
• Willingness to Learn: Accepts feedback, asks questions, and develops technical skills through training and hands-on experience.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with the senior IT employee and follows established procedures.

Work Environment and Why Join Us:

• Salary starting $50 to 60K
• On-site
• Eligible for benefits, PTO after 90 days and 401K after 6 months
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Growing company with advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to build long-term client relationships
• Supportive team and operational backing
• Excellent earning potential for motivated individuals

We will run a 10 year background check.