Job Description

Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) is dedicated to delivering and supporting critical campus operations. We are seeking an Infrastructure Technician to perform essential operational and maintenance duties across the university’s data center, network, and audiovisual infrastructures.

The Infrastructure Technician is a responsive and collaborative professional responsible for essential operational and maintenance duties across the university’s data center, network, and audiovisual infrastructures. The ideal candidate possesses a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn. The candidate should possess hands-on proficiency in managing physical infrastructure, including running fiber and copper data center cabling, patching connections in network wiring closets, and installing peripheral telecommunications hardware. This individual utilizes a problem-solving mindset and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve Tier 1 hardware, software, network, and VoIP issues. Furthermore, the technician ensures ongoing service availability by monitoring system health via central consoles, performing routine audiovisual functionality checks, maintaining accurate operational records, and communicating clearly with the broader team.

Special Instructions to Applicants All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest that the documents be in PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements

• This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
• Be able to perform a full range of motion activities, such as, but not limited to, walking, standing, lifting equipment (servers, switches, etc.), or climbing ladders while performing duties.
• Must be able to work different shifts and be available outside of normal working hours.
• Occasional extended work hours.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary is $20.64 - $25.64 per hour, depending on experience and skills. *Non-exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 0–1 years of experience
• Valid Texas driver’s license (or the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment), with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past 36 months, and no DWI/DUI convictions or deferred dispositions within the past five years

Skills

• Familiarity with running and terminating fiber and copper cables in data centers and network closets.
• Ability to operate cable testing tools.
• Performs routine functionality checks and maintenance on audiovisual equipment (e.g., Crestron displays and projectors).
• Installs or replaces peripheral equipment and telecommunications endpoints.
• Basic knowledge of LAN/WAN network protocols (TCP/IP), standard operating systems (Windows/Mac), and basic IT security best practices.
• Ability to apply practical diagnostic techniques and analytical skills to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve Tier 1 hardware and software connectivity issues.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation and procedure manuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication for recordkeeping and status updates.

Additional Skills/Experience

• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to providing patient, responsive, and solution-oriented support to university faculty, staff, and students, reflecting the TS&S core values of trust and collaboration.

Essential Functions:

• Monitors central dashboards, work queues, and environmental controls for data center, network, and audiovisual system health and serves as the initial responder to alerts.
• Performs physical moves, adds, and changes (MACs) across campus, including running, testing, and labeling fiber and copper cables in data centers, and patching connections in network wiring closets.
• Racks, stacks, and installs data center servers, network switches, wireless access points, and telecommunications equipment; loads standard software and firmware images and replaces failed hardware components.
• Conducts routine physical inspections and functionality checks on classrooms and conference rooms with AV technology (e.g., Crestron displays, projectors, and control panels) to ensure operational readiness.
• Manages shipping and receiving for the department, maintains accurate inventory records for hardware, cabling, and consumables, and conducts regular stock audits.
• Accurately logs all infrastructure changes, repairs, and cable paths in the designated record systems and assists in performing site surveys and inspecting work completed by external contractors.
• Must participate in an on-call rotation.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University Office of Technology Solutions & Services

TS&S provides excellent constituent service, acting as a strategic partner to advance Rice University’s priorities and mission of “pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contribution to the betterment of our world.” We fuel innovation at speed across the university by building a culture of trust, using an effective operating model, driving seamless experiences, and providing core IT capabilities. TS&S is service-oriented and team-enabling. We seek applicants who will contribute to our mission.

Trust Building and Stakeholder Engagement – Foster trust across campus by being transparent, reliable, consistent, and solution-oriented in communication and execution. Ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all constituents, maintaining a service-oriented mindset and addressing challenges with integrity.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Commitment – Work effectively with colleagues across teams, departments, and roles to support shared goals and a positive work environment. Communicate clearly and professionally with team members throughout TS&S and across campus to ensure smooth coordination of tasks and projects. Build and maintain positive relationships by being approachable, reliable, and responsive. Proactively share relevant information and follow up to ensure alignment and efficiency in team efforts.

Agility and Responsiveness – Adapt quickly to evolving needs, technologies, and priorities, ensuring efficiency and relevance. Identify potential challenges in advance and take proactive steps to minimize disruption to end users. Approach unexpected changes with a problem-solving mindset, balancing speed with thoughtful engagement. Prioritize user experience by delivering seamless, timely, and effective support and solutions. Maintain a culture of continuous learning—ask questions from a place of curiosity and possibility to enhance agility and service outcomes.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement – Maintain a culture of continuous improvement in all IT operations to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Regularly assess and optimize processes, systems, and technologies to enhance performance, scalability, and user satisfaction.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.