IT Specialist

This is a Remote Position. Position Summary: Whip is seeking an experienced IT Specialist to provide technology support services on an independent contractor basis. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the reliability, security, and usability of the Company’s technology environment across its office and operating locations, including user account and device administration, network and infrastructure support, business application troubleshooting, security and access management, and vendor coordination. This is a hands-on engagement suited to a self-directed technologist who can operate independently, resolve issues without close supervision, and document their work so systems remain maintainable. The Contractor sets their own methods and schedule, subject to agreed availability windows, deliverables, and response expectations. This engagement does not create an employment relationship. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to the following): Serve as the primary technical point of contact for day-to-day IT support requests across Whip and affiliated locations, responding within agreed service windows. Administer Google Workspace, including user provisioning and deprovisioning, group and shared drive permissions, email routing, and license management. Administer Slack and other collaboration platforms, including channel structure, workspace settings, app integrations, and user access. Coordinate IT onboarding and offboarding with HR/People Operations so that accounts, equipment, and access are issued on start date and fully revoked on separation date. Procure, configure, image, deploy, and track company hardware including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, tablets, printers, and peripherals. Maintain an accurate asset inventory covering all company-owned technology, assigned users, serial numbers, warranty status, and physical location. Support network infrastructure at office and shop locations, including routers, switches, access points, cabling, ISP escalations, and connectivity troubleshooting. Administer identity and access controls, including multi-factor authentication, password management tooling, role-based permissions, and periodic access reviews. Implement and monitor endpoint protection, patching, and device management standards across all company devices. Maintain backup and recovery processes for critical systems and company data, and periodically test restoration. Support surveillance, access control, and other location-based technology systems in coordination with Operations. Serve as liaison to third-party technology vendors and service providers, including ISPs, software vendors, and hardware suppliers, and escalate issues through to resolution. Document systems, configurations, credential handling procedures, and support runbooks so that knowledge remains with the Company and is transferable. Assist with technology setup for new locations, office moves, and workstation reconfigurations. Provide practical end-user guidance on company tools, security expectations, and phishing awareness. Identify and recommend improvements to systems, tooling, licensing spend, and support workflows. Report recurring issues, security concerns, and infrastructure risks to Company leadership in a timely manner. Perform other related technical services as mutually agreed upon in writing. Qualifications Required: Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on IT support, systems administration, or help desk experience. Demonstrated experience administering Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365 in a business environment. Experience supporting multi-site or distributed organizations preferred. Prior experience supporting automotive, collision repair, fleet, or multi-location service operations is a plus. Skills and Abilities: Strong working knowledge of Windows and macOS environments, mobile device management, and standard business productivity tools. Practical networking skills including VPN and wireless troubleshooting. Working understanding of information security fundamentals, including access control, endpoint protection, and data handling practices. Ability to translate technical issues into clear, plain language for non-technical users at all levels of the organization. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing requests across multiple locations. Ability to work independently, determine the means and methods of performing the services, and deliver results with minimal oversight. High degree of discretion when handling confidential company, employee, customer, and financial data. Responsive and reliable communication via email, Google Meet, and Slack during agreed availability windows. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing environment where systems and processes continue to evolve. Independent Contractor Status: Contractor is engaged as an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, agent, or joint venturer of Whip. Nothing in this document creates an employment relationship. Contractor controls the means, methods, sequence, and manner of performing the services described herein, subject only to the agreed scope, deliverables, and deadlines. Contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes, including self-employment tax, and will be issued an IRS Form 1099 where applicable. No taxes will be withheld by Whip. Contractor is not eligible for employee benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, workers’ compensation, or unemployment insurance. Contractor provides their own tools, equipment, and workspace, except for Company systems, credentials, and any equipment expressly issued for the engagement. Contractor may perform services for other clients, provided such work does not conflict with Whip’s interests or the terms of any signed agreement. Contractor shall not hire, supervise, discipline, or direct Whip employees, and shall not represent themselves as authorized to bind the Company. All work product, documentation, and configurations created in the course of the engagement are the property of Whip. Contractor will have access to administrative credentials, employee data, customer data, and financial records, and shall handle all such information with strict confidentiality and in accordance with Company data security expectations. Upon conclusion of the engagement, Contractor shall return all Company property, transfer all administrative credentials and documentation, and permanently remove Company data from personal systems. This engagement may be terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the executed Independent Contractor Agreement, which governs and controls in the event of any conflict with this document. Work Environment: Typical work environment includes desktop computing work using typical desktop computing equipment (laptop, keyboard, mouse, monitors, desk, chair) in an office environment and/or remote workspace environment. On-site work may occur in an active automotive repair and operations environment with exposure to moderate noise, moving vehicles and equipment, dust, and varying temperatures. Physical Demands: Ability to sit and use typical desktop computing workspace equipment - e.g. mouse, keyboard, monitor, phone - for extended periods of time. Manual dexterity to operate a typical desktop computing workstation. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, using virtual meeting and communication tools such as email, Google Meet, and Slack. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, if required. Ability to bend, kneel, reach, crouch, and work in confined spaces such as under desks, in network or server closets, and at ceiling access points when installing or servicing equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.