Technical Lead

TECHNICAL LEAD / SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

The IT Technical Lead / Support Technician is responsible for addressing IT support-related requests and ensuring the smooth operation of workstations, network equipment, and servers while managing and sustaining the pipeline infrastructure within our studio.

At ARTISTS ANIMATION STUDIO, we create the best in digital animation by utilizing the passion and talent of an empowered artist workforce committed to the pursuit of excellence. We lead through constant innovation in our technology, creative abilities, and production methodology, and through the creation of a work environment where passionate leadership drives our extraordinary talent to achieve artistic excellence. We embrace communication of all forms - artistic and business - with an environment that encourages the free flow of ideas, honest feedback, fair performance evaluation, and challenges from all employees.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Provide IT support for in-studio and remote staff
• Prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot user workstations and perform basic hardware repairs (PCs, Wacom Cintiqs, Huion tablets, etc.)
• Manage the installation, licensing, configuration, and updating of software applications and operating systems including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Adobe Creative Suite, Shotgrid, and Qube
• Follow procedure on studio inventory management for IT hardware and software
• Maintain user interfaces designed for authoring, validating, publishing, and tracking assets as they progress through various stages of production
• Analyze systems logs, identify issues in the system, and resolve issues as needed
• Oversee and optimize a complex network of automated batch processes, including network switch configuration and management
• Develop and adhere to IT standards and SOPs to maintain IT and corporate compliance
• Ensure compliance with all network security protocols and policies among staff members
• Actively participate in IT projects by understanding project objectives and scope, following project milestones, phases, and elements, sharing technical expertise, and providing recommendations
• Communicate regularly and proactively with studio management and end users regarding IT-related issues, including but not limited to scheduled/unscheduled network downtime and the resolution of such outages
• Stay updated with the most recent advancements in technology

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Technology or Engineering, or other relevant area of study and/or equivalent job experience
• Working knowledge of the administration of network services
• An experienced enterprise System Administrator - installing, configuring, and troubleshooting servers, managing user accounts and permissions, ensuring system security, implementing backup and recovery procedures, and optimizing system performance to meet the organization's needs
• Experience installing and licensing plug-ins, extensions, and software utilities
• Familiarity with and ability to troubleshoot Windows operating systems
• Experience with Python/Django/PySide/PyQ and JavaScript/JSON/REST
• Experience with Shotgrid API, ToonBoom Harmony, and Qube render farm management is a plus
• Nice to have:
  • Experience with 2D design and animation applications: ToonBoom (Harmony, Storyboard Pro), Adobe Creative Cloud (Animate, After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere, Media Encoder), Avid Media Composer, Shotgrid
  • Familiarity with digital video editing equipment and concepts, including color calibration of TVs and monitors
• An analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• A self-starting individual who takes the initiative to identify opportunities and develop plans to improve effectiveness and efficiency within the studio
• A strong communicator - you can effectively communicate technical information to non-technical individuals with patience and empathy, ensuring clarity and understanding in their terms
• Must work independently and resourcefully to address knowledge gaps related to the studio's pipeline
• An actively engaged and collaborative contributor to a positive team environment
  

WHAT WE OFFER

• Fully developed state-of-the-art pipeline and tools to support an efficient workflow
• Leadership with a proven track record of building teams with a stellar sense of camaraderie and placing the highest value on the artists behind the art
• A beautiful, bright studio in downtown Kelowna with a private 1000 ft patio space
• A hybrid work model that provides the flexibility to work from home and the office, role-dependent

START DATE: Spring 2024

*Candidates from Kelowna and surrounding areas are preferred, followed by those within BC.

**Applicants must have citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid work permit to be considered.

Our studio wholeheartedly embraces diversity and inclusion, affirming our commitment as an equal opportunity employer.

We thank you for your submission; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.