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IT Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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An Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), or an IT Professional, is a technical person who maintains, monitors and implements IT systems. Their common duties include network analysis, security and information assurance, IT audits, web and database administration. They also solve IT problems in computer systems, network infrastructure and cloud platforms.

IT Specialist duties and responsibilities

IT Specialists help solve technical problems. They are responsible for installing and upgrading system components, setting up software for employees, resolving IT and hardware issues and assisting in network administration. Their main tasks can include:

  • Consulting with clients and departments to estimate and resolve IT issues
  • Administering data and network security for departments including system firewalls, antivirus, group policy and email security
  • Coordinating the needs of in-house IT experts and remote employees, vendors and contractors
  • Preparing budget estimates used by executives to plan, organise and schedule work
  • Installing, configuring and monitoring wireless network systems
  • Providing training to fellow employees about network security and the best computer usage practices
  • Creating, analysing, reporting, converting and transferring data through systems using application software

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IT Specialist Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does an IT Specialist do?

IT Specialists often cater to the organization’s technical needs. They can work in multiple areas of information technology, which include software engineering, software development, system analysis, database administration, computer security and at a help desk centres to assist end-users with their technical problems. Based on the specific role, IT Specialists perform a variety of tasks such as implementing, maintaining and monitoring IT systems in addition to solving technical problems in computer systems, hardware and networks.

IT Specialist skills and qualifications

IT Specialists are well-informed about developments and trends in the industry. They are tech-savvy people able to solve technical problems without difficulties. IT Specialists handle all IT-related issues, coordinate among multiple departments and provide excellent customer care. A successful IT Specialist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, these may include:

  • Proficiency in the working of servers, networks, computers and peripherals
  • Extensive knowledge of system security and procedures for protecting the organisation’s data from intrusion or corruption
  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages
  • Excellent communication and customer support skills
  • Advanced knowledge about hardware and software configuration
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and create their work schedules with minimal supervision
  • Excellent troubleshooting, creative and technical problem-solving skills

IT Specialist experience requirements

IT Specialists have extensive experience in IT support roles, software and hardware installations, networks, operating systems or similar positions. Most companies prefer to hire candidates who have experience solving technical difficulties in cloud platforms, networks and hardware configuration. Some employers prefer IT Specialists with exposure to technical writing. Scripting experience with programming languages such as Python, Perl and BASH is also beneficial.

The best programming languages for IT Specialists often depend on the job and organisation they are applying for. However, they should know the primary programming languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript. The best programming languages for cybersecurity include C, C++, HTML, PHP and Assembly.

IT Specialist education and training requirements

Entry-level IT Specialists need a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, engineering or a related field as a minimum. Some candidates also have additional technical courses in hardware and software installations, computer packages, networking, database administration and programming languages. Useful industry certifications include Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

IT Specialist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Junior IT Specialist is £20, 710 per year while the salary of a Senior IT Specialist averages at £37, 591 per year. Salary estimates may differ based on factors like experience, education, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an IT Specialist is not what you were looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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IT Specialist job description FAQs

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