The Computer Lab Trainer and IT Specialist is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the IT department, managing infrastructure, ensuring system security, and leading technical staff. This role also oversees and supports program participant training and certification in CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ to maintain a highly skilled and compliant IT workforce. Top candidates will be energetic, committed to individual and social change, and willing toassist in all aspects of executing our classroom job readiness program and participant placementand retention goals. The ideal candidate will have experience in group facilitation, working 1-on-1 or in small groups with marginalized populations, and cultural sensitivity in working withdiverse populations. Finally, the IT Lead will be passionate about engaging adult learnersthrough interactive and well-structured lessons and developing curriculum. Growing Home is a USDA-Certified Organic urban farm in the Englewood neighborhood ofChicago that uses urban farming as a vehicle for paid job training for individuals with barriersto employment. Individual barriers for program Production Assistants ("PAs") may includeprior contact with the criminal justice system, barriers related to living near or below thepoverty line, or lack of traditional market economy work experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES Plan, coordinate, and manage all IT operations, systems, and infrastructure. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate IT staff and contractors. Oversee and support staff training and certification for CompTIA A+, Network+, andSecurity+. Develop training plans and track certification progress for technical staff and trainees. Coordinate and perform website updates and content maintenance Ensure network, server, and cybersecurity systems are secure, updated, and optimized. Manage IT projects, upgrades, and system implementations. Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and security standards. Monitor system performance, troubleshooting, and issue resolution. Manage IT budget, vendors, licensing, and asset inventory. Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory requirements. Provide leadership in incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuityplanning. Initiate survey and certificate for all training sessions after course completion incoordination with clients. Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of all training programs and maintain records ofall resource allocation and provide support to all internal and external customers. Troubleshoot all technical issues (i.e. internet issues, desktop/laptop issues, printerissues etc.) Growing Home Internal IT Support 25%: Perform data entry and Generate reports in Growing Home's CRM (Salesforce) Conduct staff training and educate them on Growing Home's CRM and use multipledesktop applications and software such as Microsoft Office and other desktop programs. Set up new employees with technologies needed for their role (email, database, googleworkspace access). Respond to requests for technical assistance in person, via phone, chat or email Diagnose and resolve technical hardware and software issues, advise user on appropriateaction and follow standard help desk procedures Inform management of recurring problems Stay current with system information, changes and updates Help update training manuals for new and revised software and hardware
Program Assistance: Assist in office support tasks and operations as needed Assists in the coordination of events Assists with Board liaising as needed Assists with employer cultivation as needed Performs other duties as assigned
Other: As needed, assist with Growing Home open houses and events, which mayinclude night or weekend hours Assist in the collection of appropriate pictures, videos, and stories for social media
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (orequivalent experience). Minimum 4 years of IT management or supervisory experience. Strong knowledge of networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Experience supporting user environments across hardware, software, and networksystems. Demonstrated leadership, communication, and project management skills. Experience with classroom or with group facilitation required Demonstrated ability to teach adults Comfortable working directly with marginalized populations; ability to engage withindividuals in an authentic and nonjudgmental manner Outstanding written and verbal communication skills required; ability to engage Great organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently andexercise sound judgment in decision-making Professional computer skills required, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and GoogleSuite required, proficiency in Salesforce or related CRM a plus Ability to work some evenings and weekends Some travel for meetings and retention duties will be required. Must have an aptitudeand willingness to navigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago area, ora valid driver's license with reliable personal transportation.
Preferred Certifications CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ (required or preferred) ITIL, CISSP, or similar (a plus)Preferred Skills Team leadership and staff development Cybersecurity and risk management Vendor and budget management Policy development and compliance Training program coordination
Physical Work Environment Ability to lift up to 25-30 lbs. Occasional after-hours support for system upgrades or emergencies. In addition to base wage, Growing Home offers a competitive benefits package.