IT Support Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Gridley, IL - Gridley, IL 61744Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary/yearJob Summary:  The IT Support Specialist II provides advanced technical support for a food manufacturing facility across office, production, warehouse, and shipping operations. This role is responsible for maintaining reliable IT systems, supporting end users, troubleshooting hardware/software/network issues, and ensuring technology supports continuous plant operations with minimal downtime. The ideal candidate is hands-on, customer-focused, and comfortable working in both office and industrial manufacturing environments. Experience supporting production systems, ERP platforms, barcode scanners, shop floor devices, and manufacturing operations is highly preferred. Key Responsibilities:  End User Support •Provide Tier 2 technical support for desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and software applications. •New workstation set up and deployment. •Troubleshoot and resolve escalated hardware, software, network, and user access issues. •Support Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. •Assist employees with password resets, account management, MFA, and access requests. •Document incidents, resolutions, and procedures within the help desk ticketing system. Manufacturing & Plant Systems Support •Support production floor technology including: Barcode scanners Label printers Industrial PCs and HMIs Wireless access points Time clocks Shipping/receiving workstations Production workstations •Assist with ERP, inventory, and warehouse management systems. •Coordinate with production and operations teams to minimize downtime during technical issues. •Provide on-call or after-hours support for critical plant operations as needed. Infrastructure & Systems Administration •Support local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, VPN, and basic network troubleshooting. •Assist in maintaining servers, backups, endpoint security, and system monitoring. •Configure and deploy PCs, laptops, printers, and peripheral devices. •Perform software installations, upgrades, patching, and system updates. •Maintain IT asset inventory and equipment lifecycle tracking. Security & Compliance •Follow company cybersecurity policies and food manufacturing compliance requirements. •Support endpoint protection, user access reviews, and phishing awareness initiatives. •Ensure proper handling of sensitive company and operational data. •Assist with disaster recovery and backup validation processes. Vendor & Project Support •Work with third-party vendors for hardware repairs, software support, and telecommunications. •Participate in IT projects including system upgrades, equipment rollouts, and infrastructure improvements. •Help identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology. Skills & Qualifications: Required •Associate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. •3+ years of IT support experience in a business environment. •Experience supporting Windows PCs, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory environments. •Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. •Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical users. •Ability to work in an industrial/manufacturing environment including warehouse and production areas. Preferred •Experience in food manufacturing or industrial manufacturing environments. •Familiarity with ERP systems, warehouse systems, or production software. •Experience with: •Fortinet/SonicWall firewalls •SQL basics •Endpoint management tools •Industry certifications such as Microsoft certifications.   Benefits:  •PPO or HSA medical benefits with Employer Contributions. •Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability insurance. •401K with a competitive company match. •8 Holidays, Vacation accrual, PTO program, Parental Leave. •Attendance, Safety, Service Awards. •Tuition Reimbursement Program. •Uniform and Boots provision. •Employee Assistance Program. •Chaplain Program. •Smart Dollar. •Company Events and Luncheons. •Paid Volunteer Days. •Referral bonuses.