IT Support Specialist

Department: Research Operations
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 02/02/2026 to 11/17/2026 
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent 

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Office of Research oversees a $186 million research enterprise across seven colleges, our regional campus at Ridgetown, and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph. The Research Services Office (RSO) is a central service office within the Office of Research that plays a pivotal role in guiding, supporting and facilitating research activities within the University of Guelph. RSO acts as a critical support hub for researchers, helping them navigate the complex world of research administration, secure funding, maintain ethical standards, and ultimately advance the institution's research mission.  

Reporting to the Managing Director Research Operations, the IT Support Specialist provides comprehensive technology support within the Research Services Office. This role is key to maintaining and improving RSO IT systems and services, ensuring accessibility compliance, and supporting RSO strategic operational goals. Responsibilities include developing, updating and managing website content to meet AODA standards, assisting with the implementation and maintenance of IT systems and software, diagnosing and resolving technical issues, and responding to user support requests. The successful candidate will contribute to enhancing service quality, strengthening collaboration, and supporting RSO’s operational objectives. We welcome you to bring your skills and join our dedicated team in making a meaningful impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and update websites under the Office of Research in collaboration with website content creators, department leaders and other IT staff.
• Ensure compliance of Office of Research managed websites with the regulations for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) Act.
• Provide a comprehensive range of front-line IT support to Research Services Office staff and clients.
• Assist with implementation, testing, monitoring, upgrading and maintenance of IT systems, software, products and solutions and Research Services Office IT hardware, software and solutions.
• Provide support, documentation and training on department systems, products, solutions, and services.
• Maintain and enhance technical proficiency by staying current with emerging technologies, tools, and software through continuous learning and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

The minimum requirement is graduation from a two-year community college program in a related field (e.g, computer science), but a university undergraduate degree in a related field is preferred. A minimum of two years of relevant IT experience and technical competence is required.

Specific experience requirements includes the following:

• Familiarity with Drupal 7, BackDropCMS, and Drupal 10; familiarity with the University of Guelph/CCS-provided templates is considered an asset.
• Experience with internal content management systems, such as Microsoft SharePoint.
• Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements related to website and online content.
• Skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware issues.
• Knowledge of relational database design and SQL.
• Experience with form generation tools such as Qualtrics, BackDropCMS Webforms, and GryphForms.
• Proficiency in web design technologies, including HTML, CSS, and PHP.
• Familiarity with business and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office (e.g., Microsoft Teams), SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with multiple operating systems, including Windows 11, Windows Server, and Red Hat Enterprise 8.
• Commitment to utilizing standards and best practices in web development.
• Knowledge of audio/visual systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical components/functionality to non-technical people and to effectively communicate to translate business needs into technical components.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proven interpersonal and client service skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• High initiative, confidence, and professionalism, with attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information with tact and diplomacy.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required; familiarity with large post-secondary IT environments and University of Guelph systems considered an asset.

Specific experience that would be considered an asset includes:

• Familiarity with the research administration environment.
• Proficiency in graphic design tools and technologies, such as Photoshop.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume in your application.  

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10545048 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 01/07/2026  
Closing Date: 01/14/2026