Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
Core Values- We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
- We are PeopleCentered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
- We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
- We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.
Job DescriptionAbout Office of ITThe Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a costefficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200plus publicschool districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas' 5 millionplus students.
Position OverviewThe Computer Access (CA) Specialist position in the Information Technology Division of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) serves as a member of the IT Operations support team. The Computer Access (CA) Specialist is a member of the Technology Operations team and is a first point of contact between end users and the IT organization. The specialist is responsible for managing authentication and authorization to Agency information resources. The Specialist is responsible for recording the details of reported IT service issues and service requests, working to either restore service as quickly as possible, or alerting and/or escalating them to the appropriate specialist support groups. This position requires technical troubleshooting abilities and excellent customer service skills. The Specialist is required to understand the full users identity and access management life cycle, including user on boarding, transfer, and off boarding. The team coordinates security administration activities on various platforms, applications, and systems, ensuring access is granted in accordance as per the TEA policy, established standards and create processes. Train new Team members and perform special projects as assigned.
Work involves planning, implementing, and monitoring security measures for information systems and infrastructure to regulate access to data and to prevent unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure of information. Works under minimal direction with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. This position will report to the IT Support Manager under the Director of ITS Operations within the Information Technology division.
This is an inoffice position requiring regular onsite attendance Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Telework may be approved on an occasional, limited basis as business needs allow.Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.
1. Customer Service / User Support: Provide exceptional customer service by assisting staff with technical issues and inquiries. This involves responding promptly to Jira ITSM tickets, offering clear and effective solutions, and ensuring users feel supported and valued. The role requires excellent communication skills to explain technical concepts in an understandable manner and to maintain a positive relationship with all users.
2. Provides Technical Support: Responsible for providing efficient and effective technical support to ensure seamless computer access for all users. Keep accurate records of support requests, resolutions, and any changes made to systems or user access are maintained. Additionally, the team provides training and resources to help users understand and effectively use access systems and tools. Collaboration with other IT teams is essential to address complex issues and implement improvements to access systems. Also generates monthly and weekly reports for the senior leadership team to keep them informed about support activities and system performance.
3. Access Management: Manage employee and user access across systems and applications, ensuring permissions are granted appropriately and securely in compliance with security policies. Responsibilities include provisioning accounts, hardware, software, and rolebased permissions for new hires on day one; delivering access training and personalized checklists; modifying existing accounts; and promptly deactivating accounts for departures. For offboarding, immediately revoke access to systems and thirdparty tools, recover company assets, transfer knowledge/files, and produce compliance reports. Handle at least 20% of onboarding and offboarding tickets efficiently within established SLAs, maintaining accurate records and achieving less than 1% failure in these tasks. Additionally, participate in all access controlrelated audits across TEA platforms, collaborate with auditors to provide required information, and recommend solutions to resolve findings impacting the Computer Access team and the agency. The goal is to ensure security, regulatory compliance, and smooth transitions throughout the employee lifecycle.
4. Enhancing Access Management and Compliance: Continuously evaluate and refine existing processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Develop and implement Level 1 access controls and regularly review permissions. Stay updated with TEA regulations, conduct compliance audits, and make necessary adjustments to maintain compliance. Be able to understand different causes of behavior on the user account and manage system access issues with redirection to relevant parties when required.
5. Audit Compliance and Process Improvement: Inventory used and unused distribution lists, design and test M365 Groups and cloudbased Distribution Lists and execute automated zerodowntime migrations using PowerShell and Graph API. Validate accuracy, resolve complex nesting and dynamic membership issues, coordinate owner approvals, eliminate legacy groups, and deliver updated governance, selfservice workflows, runbooks, and training all with zero business disruption. Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a proactive mindset in all responsibilities while adapting quickly to shifting priorities and emerging needs. Communicate clearly and professionally with teammates, leadership, and end users, contribute positively to team morale, and collaborate effectively across the IT division. Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service excellence, participate in divisionwide initiatives, and continuously seek opportunities to add value.
QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university
Experience: At least two (2) years of experience administering and supporting enterprise IT infrastructure, including Active Directory, operating systems (Windows and Linux), cloud platforms, networking, databases, and application support, with experience in identity and access management, Group Policy administration, ticketing systems, and PowerShell scripting for automation
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a yearforyear basis
Other Qualifications- Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
- Intermediate to expert level experience with Windows PowerShell preferred
- Skilled at documenting processes and procedures
- Skilled at designing and implementing base infrastructure in a complex environment
- Skilled at managing users, groups, and complex access control lists
- Skilled at creating security standards and investigating and responding to security incidents
- Ability to provide strong customer service while maintaining security principles
- Ability to assess security risk and communicate technical tradeoffs to decisionmakers
- Ability to work closely and supportively with team members, while maintaining high standards of professional ethics and personal accountability
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
BenefitsTEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and worklife balance.
Benefits include:- Retirement through ERS and employerpaid health insurance for eligible employees
- Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
- Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
- Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran InformationApplicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:
- Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
- Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.
Important: Selfidentifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.
For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional InformationTEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a preemployment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.
To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.
How to ApplyTo apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:
- Select the job posting and click "Apply"
- Review and accept the Privacy Agreement by selecting "Accept"
- If you are a firsttime user, select "New User" and create an account using a personal email address.
- Once your account is created, complete and submit the online application.
