Apple Systems Administrator

City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. The community college system’s more than 3,500 faculty and staff serve more than 60,000 students annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) supports student success by providing a reliable and innovative technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to improve teaching, learning, and support operations. OIT works with campus partners to support the mission of CCC through the consistent delivery of high-quality solutions and services.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Executive Director of Infrastructure Services, the Apple Systems Administrator maintains the Apple/Mac infrastructure district-wide, using CCC’s current Apple Device Management (ADM) solution, Jamf, in tandem with Apple School Manager to deploy, configure, secure, and manage Apple devices and laptops including shared iPads, Mac Labs, and other macOS, iOS, and iPad OS devices.

The Apple Systems Administrator also acts as an escalation point for help/service desk staff, providing Tier 2 and Tier 3 level support in response to hardware, software, and network-related IT issues; troubleshoots and supports all CCC owned Apple and Mac devices; and helps maintain usage and functionality of Apple classroom environments. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Configures and maintains CCC’s current Apple Device Management (ADM) solution (Jamf) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution (Intune), to configure iOS, iPad OS and macOS devices.
2. Provides prompt response and resolution for hardware, software, and network-related IT issues, maintaining usage and functionality of Apple classroom environments.
3. Provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 level support, handling escalations and addressing complex issues.
4. Creates and updates operating systems, software packages, and settings using deployment solutions (JamF, Intune, etc.) onto CCC laptops, desktops, and other mobile computers.
5. Uses Apple School Manager including DEP (device enrollment program) and VPP (volume purchase program) tools and MDM solutions (Jamf, Intune) to enroll, configure, secure, and manage devices.
6. Proactively monitors and maintains Apple IT equipment and systems to ensure optimal performance within the classroom.
7. Provides comprehensive support for Mac-based systems (MacOS), mobile devices (iOS, iPad OS), and related technologies (ex. Chrome OS).
8. Creates and delivers training for campus IT teams, including presentations, team member training, documentation, and contributions to knowledge bases.
9. Installs, configures, and troubleshoots software applications, including 3rd party applications.
10. Assists with Active Directory services, user account management, and access permissions to students, faculty, and staff.
11. Collaborates with other CCC IT teams to ensure seamless integration and resolution of complex issues developing a district-wide standard of operation.
12. Maintains and advances Apple Infrastructure, focusing on system development, integration, image creation/deployment, and device policies.
13. Performs all MDM Level API scripting and MDM level scripting for system-wide operations in applications such as Jamf, Intune, and other platforms.
14. Participates in research and development activities for continuous improvement of Apple/Mac management.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Executive Director – Infrastructure Services

Direct Supervision: None

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
2. Three (3) years of experience working in an IT role with duties comparable to this position.
3. Technical certifications highly desirable such as: Apple Certified Support Professional Certification (ACSP); Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT); Jamf Certified Specialist (JCS); Jamf Certified Administrator (JCA); and Jamf Certified Specialist (JCS).
4. An equivalent combination of education/certifications and experience may be taken into consideration based on the applicant’s credentials.
5. Proven experience in IT support, with a focus on Apple products and systems, e.g. Macs, iOS devices, and iPads.
6. Experience using Jamf or similar platform to manage and secure Apple devices is highly desirable.
7. Experience with programming languages and scripting such as ZShell, Bash, Powershell, Python, and Java scripting desirable.
8. Experience with management and configuration of Microsoft’s Intune desirable.
9. Knowledge of Mac-based systems, MacOS, iOS, and mobile device technologies.
10. Familiarity with Active Directory services and user account management.
11. Proficiency in scripting, particularly in MDM Level API and Jamf platform scripting.
12. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
13. Strong organizational and time management skills.
14. Strong technical and analytical skills.
15. Exposure to enterprise networking such as 802.1x, IPv4, VPN, Firewalls, and DNS desirable.
16. Ability to prepare technical documentation of system diagrams and task sequences.
17. Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize.
18. Ability to work a varied work schedule during off-business maintenance hours and emergencies including night, weekend, or holidays.
19. Must be accessible via cell phone for technical emergencies.
20. Proficient in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal, and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. Thank you for your interest in CCC!