Apprentice

Afognak is committed to providing professional development opportunities to its Shareholders. The goal of the Apprentice program is to provide intensive on-the-job training to one highly motivated Shareholder in Anchorage, Alaska.

The IT Support Specialist Apprentice Specialist provides technical support and maintains end-user computing, network-connected equipment, applications, and related IT systems across corporate and retail locations. The position provides remote and on-site support, troubleshoots hardware, software, network, POS, peripheral, and mobile-device issues, and performs installation, maintenance, deployment, and replacement of IT equipment.

The position works closely with end users, IT teams, operations leadership, vendors, and third-party service providers to maintain reliable technology services and support ongoing technology initiatives.

The apprentice is expected to work full-time (40 hours a week). The length of employment will be determined on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the Apprentice's training needs but will not exceed a one-year period. Apprentices can work in one of the following departments: Accounting, Information Technology, Operations & Maintenance, Human Resources, Lands, Security, or Legal. Work locations vary depending on available work and the successful applicants areas of interests.

Applicants must submit an Apprentice application form, Afognak online employment application, and resume.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Technical Support & Diagnosis
  
  
  
  • Provide technical support to users through phone, email, remote-access tools, ticketing systems, and on-site visits.
  • Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, application, operating system, and network connectivity issues.
  • Support desktops, laptops, POS systems, registers, printers, mobile devices, peripherals, and other technology used throughout the organization.
  
  
  
  
• Installation & System Configuration
  
  
  
  • Install, configure, image, deploy, replace, and maintain desktop and laptop computers and other IT equipment.
  • Install and configure operating systems, applications, user accounts, and related services in accordance with company standards and security policies.
  • Perform basic user and access administration, including Active Directory/Microsoft 365 accounts, security groups, distribution groups, and other assigned systems.
  • Perform routine maintenance and preventive checks on IT equipment.
  • Support software deployments, patches, upgrades, equipment refreshes, and other technology rollouts.
  • Test new hardware, software, technologies, and functionality before deployment when required.
  
  
  
  
• Steward Network Connectivity & Security
  
  
  
  • Troubleshoot basic network issues involving TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, LAN/WAN connectivity, wireless connectivity, and Internet access; escalate infrastructure issues when appropriate.
  • Monitor connectivity and assist with troubleshooting outages affecting remote or retail locations.
  • Support endpoint security activities, including responding to malware or security-related incidents and assisting with remediation.
  
  
  
  
• Manage Inventory and Reporting
  
  
  
  • Maintain accurate inventory and configuration records for computers, mobile devices, network-connected equipment, POS equipment, and other IT assets.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of incidents, service requests, troubleshooting activities, configurations, and resolutions in the IT ticketing system.
  
  
  
  
• Customer & Vendor Service
  
  
  
  • Support assigned client/server and business applications.
  • Coordinate with vendors and third-party service providers for warranty service, repairs, installations, and escalated technical issues.
  • Travel to supported locations for installations, troubleshooting, maintenance, and emergency support when required.
  • Work collaboratively with IT staff, operations, vendors, and consultants on technology projects and support issues.
  • Provide recommendations regarding equipment replacement, technology needs, and improvements to the supported environment.
  • Participate in after-hours, weekend, or on-call support when business requirements dictate.
  
  
  
  
• Perform other related IT support duties as assigned.
  
  

Payrate: $20.00 to $24.00 Hourly

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Computer Networking, MIS, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant technical support experience may be substituted.
• Candidates should have experience supporting Windows-based computers, Microsoft technologies, PC hardware, peripherals, mobile devices, and common business applications.
• Must understand basic networking concepts including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, wired/wireless connectivity, and network troubleshooting.
• Experience with endpoint imaging and software deployment technologies, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, ticketing systems, client/server applications, and remote-support tools is preferred.
• The position requires strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, customer-service, and organizational skills, along with the ability to prioritize multiple issues and work independently when necessary.
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record are required when regular travel to supported locations is part of the assignment.
• Must be able to travel between supported sites and work occasional overtime, weekends, or on-call rotations when necessary.
• Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or applicable Microsoft certifications are preferred.
• Retail/POS support experience is preferred for assignments supporting retail operations.