[MNASIS-L] Broadband Access Team Leader Position (Minneapolis/St.Paul) - still open for applications (UofMN, Digital Divide Initiative)

[VanCura, MaryAnn]

Promote digital inclusion "in the urban core of Minneapolis and St.
Paul" as a Broadband Access Team Leader. Ken Nelson, supervisor of the
Digital Divide Initiative (DDI), just reported the position is still
open for applications, and additional related position postings will
follow. (Nice to hear in tough economic times!) 

 

While the job title refers to broadband access, and includes tech
support for public computer labs, the work of the teams will include
training the public in basic digital literacy skills - so that they can
take advantage of all that broadband has to offer. (Side note: The DDI
estimates that on the north side of Minneapolis, just 26% have computers
in the home, and just 18% have Internet access in the home. They expect
their efforts to expand access and training to the underserved,
complementing the services local libraries and tech centers are
providing now.) Many staff of libraries and other community technology
centers would be excellent candidates for this position. Notice that
skills are required for working with technology, training, coworkers,
and the public.

 

Full Position posting:
https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=85288
<https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=85288> 

 

          From the position posting, Broadband Access Team Leader:

 

The University of Minnesota invites applications for four available
positions as Broadband Team Leaders to work on a three-year federal
grant program. The Broadband Access Project (BAP) is supported by a $2.9
million grant to the University of Minnesota as part of the American
Recovery & Reinvestment Act/Stimulus Bill from the Department of
Commerce and a $750,000 match from the University. BAP will enhance
broadband access, awareness, and use in ten existing public computer
centers and one new center located in the urban core of Minneapolis and
St. Paul.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
- Standardize and upgrade computer and network equipment and software in
existing labs and equip and set up new labs. 
- Train apprentices to provide user assistance, troubleshooting, and
technical support in labs. 
- Supervise the apprentices and manage computer lab operations. 
- Provide troubleshooting and problem-solving leadership in the labs,
and act as a back-up to the apprentices for user assistance and
technical support in computer labs. 
- Train community members using training materials provided.  

 

Program/Unit Description
The team leaders will play an integral role in managing, standardizing,
and upgrading public computer labs. They will be responsible for
installing computers and networking equipment for internet and broadband
connectivity, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting and resolving user
problems, training and supervising apprentices, and staffing computer
labs. 

These are 100 percent time, annually renewable positions in the
University's Professional/ Administrative job classification system
(Class 9354), and report to the Technical Curriculum Developer in the
Office of Business and Community Economic Development. The positions
include full benefits. The expected salary is in the middle $30s range.
Travel within the Twin Cities will be required.  

 

Application Instructions 

Applications must be submitted on-line through the University of
Minnesota online employment system at www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ by
Wednesday, February 10, 2010. The positions will begin as soon as
possible after that date. Use Requisition #164798 to access the online
application. 

A completed application packet includes a letter outlining your interest
in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and the names and
contact information for three professional references. 

A background check will be required for the person to whom the position
is offered. 

For questions please contact Kathy Yaeger at 612-624-5841 or
yaeger at umn.edu.  

 

Send Link to a Friend:
http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=85288  

 

BTW-Supervisor, Ken Nelson, used to work for IBM and later managed the
Patchwork Digital Divide initiative, providing computers to low-income
residents of the north side of Minneapolis, before joining the
University of Minnesota. Good energy, good friend of libraries and other
tech centers.

 

Find this information later at BlogJunction Minnesota:

U of MN Posts Digital Inclusion Position -
http://webjunctionworks.org/mn/blog/?p=283

 

Mary Ann Van Cura

Library Development & Continuing Education Coordinator

State Library Services

1500 Highway 36 West

Roseville, MN 55113

651-582-8632 voice   651-582-8752 fax

maryann.vancura at state.mn.us

education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/Library_Services

________________________________

From: Ken Nelson [mailto:nels6781 at umn.edu] 
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:11 PM
To: carol at churchofstphilip.org; bettylou at churchofstphilip.org; 'jules
omalanga'; 'Cindy Toppin'; lauren martin; Libby Caulum; VanCura,
MaryAnn; Nicole Randolph
Subject: BAT Team Leaders

 

The Team Leader Job is still open for applications. I will let you know
when the other job descriptions are done. Please pass along.

164798 BAT Team Leaders

 

https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?t
ime=1268337998996

 

 

 

Ken Nelson

Supervisor, Digital Divide Initiative

 

Office for Business & Community Economic Development

B-Tech Center

UROC

2001 Plymouth Ave N.

Minneapolis, MN 55411

Phone: 612-624-3556

 

Email: nels6781 at umn.edu

URL: www.theddi.org