IT and Data Center Instructor

Position Title: IT and Data Center Instructor

Location: Chicago, IL 

Reports To: Senior Director, Technical Instruction 

Employment Type: Contract 

Contract Duration: 1-3 Months 

Per Scholas seeks a dynamic, team-oriented Technical Instructor to ensure Per Scholas’ adult students are equipped with the necessary skills for success in entry and mid-level tech careers. The Technical Instructor will deliver Per Scholas’ structured and approved curriculum in full-time technical training.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Per Scholas is seeking an IT and Data Center Support instructor to become a member of our Training Team. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, problem-solving individual with strong technical and instructional skills, demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly to a dynamic environment, and maintains a strong sense of accountability. To succeed in this role, candidates must be business-minded within our mission focus and excel in instructional delivery that meets clients’ and learners’ high expectations.

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

 

• Support instructor-led training that prepares learners for entry-level to mid-level careers in IT  and Data Center . Responsibilities include daily instruction, assessment administration, attendance, one-on-one tutoring, daily evaluation and monitoring of individual learner progress, addressing learner violations with learners in a consistent manner, and more.
• Provide learners with access to relevant resources for outside learning on technologies and study aids relevant to the curriculum.
• Work closely with the team to identify learner needs, provide the necessary support, establish individualized plans for learner achievement, and participate in regular learner-status meetings.
• Maintain and update Salesforce and/or our LMS with learner grades, certification scores, and progress notes.
• Support and maintain the training curricula, syllabi, lesson plans, and other classroom materials. 

 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO US

 

Instructional Skill Sets

• 1-3 years of teaching or training experience 
• Strong technical background; able to grasp and convey highly technical subject matter
• Ability to respond clearly to live digital conversations via a digital engagement platform such as Zoom or an in-person training environment.
• Strong communication skills

 

Required Skill Sets  

• Current A+ certification (1101-1102 Series or later)
• Proficient understanding of IT support , including hardware, software, and networking concepts.
• Familiarity with operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure technology (Servers, Enterprise Routers, Switches, Wireless controllers, Load Balancers) 
• Experience in troubleshooting common IT issues, including software installations, network configurations, and hardware malfunctions.
• Knowledge of IT security protocols and best practices.
• Ability to work with diverse IT tools and software like helpdesk ticketing systems, remote desktop tools, and hardware diagnostic utilities.
• Understanding of cloud computing platforms and services.
• Experience with mobile device management and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies.
• Knowledge of IT support and best practices and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Ability to stay updated with the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
• Understanding of network architectures, protocols, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Cisco networking equipment and software.
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines and NFPA 70E electrical safety standards.
• Ability to assess and mitigate potential hazards in IT environments.
• Understanding of data center infrastructure, including power and cooling systems.
• Knowledge of data center topology and operational best practices.
• Skills in server assembly, configuration, and maintenance.
• Experience with various server technologies and their applications.
• Ability to manage and troubleshoot system‑level issues.
• Understanding of cloud service models (IAAS, SAAS, PAAS).
• Familiarity with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Skills in designing and maintaining virtual environments.
• Experience with Type 1 / bare metal virtualization software like VMware or Hyper‑V.
• Proficiency in using project management tools and methodologies.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, applicable certifications, and coursework to stay current with rapidly evolving technology trends and advancements.

 

Preferred Skill Sets

• Network+ Certification ( N10-007 or N10-008)  or Cisco equivalent ( CCNA)
• Experience with ITIL implementation in support of the Help Desk
• Experience using an SLA ticketing system with a customer/consumer service-driven approach

(ServiceNow preferred). 

• Experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various computer hardware, including desktops, laptops, and peripheral devices.
• Ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, including knowledge of file systems, drivers, and system optimization.
• Experience in setting up and managing both wired and wireless networks, with a deep understanding of IP addressing, subnets, routing, and network troubleshooting tools.
• Experience in configuring, troubleshooting, and securing mobile devices across various platforms, including Android and iOS.
• Experience in setting up and managing Windows Server environments and roles such as Active Directory, DHCP, and DNS.
• Experience in designing and implementing Group Policy to manage user environments, system settings, and software installations across an organization.
• Experience in understanding and managing server storage solutions, including RAID configurations and different disk types.
• Experience in implementing backup strategies on Windows Server and restoring data or system states when necessary.
• Experience with complex network configurations and enterprise‑level deployments.
• Certifications in IT safety and knowledge of data center practices and technologies.
• Experience with rack assembly and blade servers.
• Skills in designing and implementing cloud architecture solutions.
• Knowledge of structured cabling best practices.
• Ability to plan, execute, and monitor IT projects effectively.

 

Professional Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical/industry experience)
• Strong technical aptitude (Google Sheets/Excel, Slides/PowerPoint, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, etc.), project management, and organizational skills with detailed follow-through abilities 
• Excellent written communication, presentation, and customer service skills
• Solid understanding of business needs
• Strong evaluation and data management skills
• Prior knowledge or background in IT (if minimal, a desire and willingness to learn what’s needed) and a passion for technology is a plus

 

Personal Characteristics

• You thrive in a creative, inventive, fast-paced startup environment with people who are passionate about their work and mission.
• You are data-driven, result-oriented, and a forward-looking catalyst for social change.
• You have a collaborative and flexible work style. You’re excited to work cross-functionally with other departments and independently.
• You are a life-long learner.
• You are an effective communicator with strong oral and written skills. 
• You are tech-savvy and learn new tools quickly. 
• You are detail-oriented, with exceptional organizational management skills.
• You have strong public speaking and interpersonal skills. You are a motivator who is personable, approachable, and socially engaging. You can cultivate relationships and build rapport quickly and authentically with people from various professional and cultural backgrounds.
• You are adept at managing your time and balancing multiple projects and tasks.
• You stand behind our mission, believing that individuals from any community should have access to well-paying career positions and that talent should be recognized and recruited from diverse sources.

 

Compensation 

For this role specifically, we are targeting a hourly rate of $55.00  - $60.00/ HR where the difference in salary is typically determined by several factors, including geography in which the selected candidate resides, and alignment with qualifications and experience.

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