Desktop Support Specialist I

Desktop Support Specialist I

• 510889
• Main Campus - Starkville, MS
• Mississippi - Main Campus
• 460200 - User Services
• Professional
• Full-Time 12-Month
• Opening on: Jul 7 2026

Add to favorites View favorites

Position Function:

A Desktop Support Specialist I is responsible for all desktop support issues for Information Technology Services'' supported departments in addition to general IT support for University Enterprise Systems as they relate to our MSU academic environment. This position also assists and recommends departmental software and hardware purchases, configuration and training, integration with other systems, and compliance with University policies and procedures. This is a customer focused position that requires a strong sense of urgency, open communication, desktop technical skills, customer service skills and the aptitude to learn and teach the integration of various information technology systems within our educational environment.

Salary Grade: 13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Skilled in the installation, configuration and support of Desktop core services:

a. Windows and Mac Operating Systems and supported applications.

b. AD joined workstations.

c. Mobile Integration Services.

d. Anti-Malware/Virus Enterprise Service.

2. Provides good customer service.

a. Anticipates clients'' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner.

b. Develops strong trusting relationship with clients.

c. Communicates the status of issues with clients, team members and upper management.

3. Fluent in installation and troubleshooting of Windows and Macintosh operating systems:

a. Experienced with multiple versions of Windows and Mac operating systems.

b. Analytical skills to trouble shoot operating system problems.

c. Takes initiative to learn the latest updates, service packs and/or operating versions.

4. Manages and/or resolves clients'' information technology problems and issues:

a. Monitors appropriate queue for incidents assigned.

b. Communicates with superiors regarding issues and problems in the field.

c. Regularly communicates with clients regarding problems and/or issues.

d. Troubleshoots and resolves problems efficiently and in a timely manner which may require working beyond the normally scheduled work hours.

e. Provides coordination with secondary support if necessary and closes incidents when problems are resolved to clients'' satisfaction.

5. Provides recommendations, operational assistance and training on various MSU information technology data and/or voice systems.

a. Works with clients through the life cycle of the purchase, installation, training and maintenance of computer and other related equipment and systems.

b. Answers questions regarding the use and configuration of systems.

c. Manages Active Directory accounts.

d. Works with clients to provide systems training when applicable.

6. Develop support material for distribution to MSU clients:

a. Identifies topics and objectives.

b. Develops examples.

c. Develops materials utilizing a variety of media.

7. Remains current on information technology issues related to an academic environment and provides information and assistance to clients with new information technology acquisitions.

a. Reads IT related publications (print or Web delivered).

b. Evaluates new or new versions of technology and assist clients with new information technology acquisitions.

8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor''s degree in Information Technology or related field from an accredited institution AND one year of experience in customer/desktop support.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certifications are preferred but are not required for Desktop Specialist I.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to concentrate/focus for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks throughout the day with minimum supervision.
• Self-motivated.
• Skilled in the removal of malware and viruses.
• Skilled in the configuration of devices to use ITS Microsoft O365 mobile integration services.
• Ability to initiate new tasks after an assigned task has been completed or passed on with minimum supervision.
• Ability to teach others how to use information technology.
• Ability to learn new technologies.
• Experience with installation and support of PC and/or Macintosh OS/application software.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with Office 365 applications.
• Knowledge of AD groups.
• Attributes that contribute to a Desktop team member:

Promotes team cooperation.

Assists team members in completing deadlines and goals.

Develops strong working relationships with other team members.

Develop working relationships with other groups within ITS.

• At least two of the following are preferred:

Experience with local area networks.

Installation and support of Microsoft O365 Products.

Installation and support experience with AD joined workstations.

Certification or Licensure Requirements:

Certifications are preferred but are not required for this position.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• This position requires the ability to manipulate a variety of office equipment, including occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, listening, and handling objects with hands.
• Job frequently requires standing, walking, stopping/kneeling/crouching/crawling.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by attaching a cover letter and resume which includes the names and addresses of 3 professional references. We will accept applications only from persons with indefinite employment authorization in the U.S., and will not sponsor for nonimmigrant or immigrant status for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Back to job listing