Academic Application Specialist

Technology is just the start. At SAIT, our

IT Services team collaborates across the institution to shape smarter, more connected ways of teaching, learning and working. We’re strategic thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who turn big ideas into digital solutions that move SAIT forward. Join us and help build what’s next. 
The Opportunity   Job classification: P2054 - Programmer Analyst II Salary range: $75,000 - $85,000 Placement within the range is typically based upon a review of skills, experience, and internal equity.  Hours per week: 37.5 Paid leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year Deadline to apply: 4:00PM, October 5, 2026  

Academic Application Specialist supports reliable delivery, operation, and readiness of software and related technology in SAIT classroom, teaching lab, and specialized lab environments. The role works closely with academic areas, research and applied learning groups, ITS teams, and vendors to understand instructional, operational, and client-facing technology requirements, coordinate software installation and validation, support imaging and configuration activities, troubleshoot application and lab technology issues, and help ensure supported environments are ready for use.

The position requires a strong understanding of how software, hardware specifications, licensing mechanisms, device configuration, and specialized lab requirements support teaching, learning, applied research, and related institutional activities. The incumbent validates software functionality, confirms hardware compatibility, supports term and operational readiness, maintains application and environment documentation, responds to service requests and incidents, and contributes to continuous improvement for classroom and lab technology services.

How you'll contribute

Software and Technology Support for Classroom and Specialized Lab Environments
• Support the delivery and ongoing operation of software and related technology used in classroom, teaching lab, and specialized lab environments.
• Understand technology needs by course, program, academic area, research group, applied learning activity, or supported lab function.
• Help ensure required applications, tools, and configurations are available to support teaching, learning, applied research, and related operational requirements.
• Maintain awareness of specialized classroom and lab requirements, including software dependencies, hardware requirements, licensing considerations, peripheral devices, and unique operational or instructional needs.
• Support the readiness of classroom and lab environments for academic term starts, course changes, research activity, client-facing lab work, and other scheduled operational needs.
• Assess whether classroom/lab hardware, peripherals, graphics capability, certifications, licensing mechanisms, and configuration requirements are suitable for supported software and scheduled use.

Application Installation, Validation, Imaging Support, and Readiness

• Coordinate and support the installation, validation, and maintenance of applications across classroom, teaching lab, and specialized lab computers.
• Re-image computers, install software, validate application functionality, and confirm supported environments are ready for scheduled use.
• Smoke test new or updated application packages in coordination with application packaging, endpoint, and other ITS teams.
• Work with expert instructors, academic areas, research groups, vendors, and ITS teams to confirm that software functions as required in the supported environment.
• Assist with software updates, version changes, image changes, and deployment schedules to help minimize disruption to instruction, research, applied learning, or client-facing activities.

Incident, Request, and Problem Support 

• Monitor, prioritize, and respond to service requests and incidents related to supported software, classroom/lab computers, and related technology.
• Troubleshoot issues involving software, hardware compatibility, classroom/lab configurations, user access, and related technical dependencies.
• Document work performed, maintain clear ticket updates, and escalate to appropriate technical teams when required.
• Support follow-through to resolution and help coordinate communication when issues affect teaching, learning, research, applied learning, or client-facing lab activity.
• Participate in root cause review for recurring or significant issues and recommend improvements that reduce service disruption.

Documentation, Knowledge Management, and Process Support 

• Create and maintain accurate documentation for supported software, classroom/lab configurations, installation requirements, licensing notes, troubleshooting steps, and support procedures.
• Maintain information that connects applications to courses, programs, academic areas, research groups, specialized labs, and supported environments.
• Contribute to knowledge base articles, service documentation, and communication materials that support consistent service delivery.
• Support process improvements related to software intake, testing, deployment readiness, and classroom/lab support.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Continuous Improvement 

• Work with instructors, academic areas, research and applied learning groups, vendors, Software Asset Management, and ITS teams to understand needs, coordinate changes, assess technical requirements, and support improvements to classroom and lab technology services.
• Provide input into projects, proof of concepts, technology changes, and future planning related to supported software and learning/lab environments.
• Identify risks, service gaps, and improvement opportunities and raise them through appropriate channels.
• Support safe and effective technology changes by helping assess operational impact, timing, dependencies, and readiness of supported environments.

What you bring

• Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Systems, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience supporting Windows and/or macOS computers, software, peripherals, and related technology, including experience with application support, installation, deployment validation, testing, troubleshooting, and environment readiness.
• 3+ years of experience supporting an enterprise, post-secondary, lab, research, applied learning, or similarly complex environment.
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Microsoft SCCM (Configuration Manager) and Active Directory. 
• Training or experience related to the technical implementation of licensed software, including installation requirements, activation methods, license servers, and vendor technical requirements. 
• Ability to coordinate with Software Asset Management on entitlement validation, licensing constraints, and software deployment requirements.
• Vendor training related to specialized academic lab, simulation, design, engineering, media, or research software used in supported environments.
• Training related to cybersecurity awareness, privacy, safe work practices, or risk management in technology-supported environments.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License or ability to obtain and maintain one, where required for travel between supported campus locations. 
  Preferred Qualifications: 
• ITIL Foundation or other service management training is an asset. 
• 5+ years of experience supporting classroom, teaching lab, research, applied learning, client-facing lab, or other specialized technology environments where software, hardware, licensing, timing, and operational requirements must be coordinated to support scheduled activities. 

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is, and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed, and you will hear from us either way.   Together, we build bold futures    At SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including:    - Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing  - SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported  - Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate  - Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account   - Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses   - Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence  - Excellent dining options on campus  - Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes    And the perks keep on coming!  
About SAIT 
At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.  
Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here. 
We’re committed to community and belonging  
Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.