Job description: IT architect¶

We have computers. We have creatures. Make it work.

Position overview¶

The Home for Bewildered Beasts of Legend is a long-established institution housing a wide range of mythical creatures who do not fit comfortably into the modern world. Over the years the Home has accumulated computers, servers, networks, and software systems in response to immediate operational needs. The result is a functional but complex environment that nobody fully understands.

We are seeking an IT architect to help bring clarity and order. The role reports to the IT Manager and involves assessing the current environment, documenting dependencies, and guiding incremental improvements that increase stability and understanding across the Home.

Salary is near-competitive and paid in stew.

The environment¶

The Home has:

• Computers, servers, and networks of varying ages

• Systems that interact in unexpected ways

• Legacy applications and databases whose original purposes are partially forgotten

• Staff and creatures with differing schedules, habits, and preferences

The dragons sit on the servers. The werewolves chew cables if left unsupervised. The vampires work nights. Kevin occasionally contributes in ways nobody fully understands.

The IT architect must navigate this environment, understanding both the technical systems and the human and creature behaviours that influence them.

Key responsibilities¶

• Develop a comprehensive map of the existing IT environment, including hardware, software applications, networks, and undocumented dependencies

• Communicate how systems interact to staff and management, making previously invisible connections and risks clear

• Assess the current environment and identify systems that work reliably, systems that partially work, and systems that create operational risk

• Guide targeted, incremental improvements that produce visible results and reduce operational friction

• Establish simple principles and guidelines to govern system behaviour and reduce future complexity

• Maintain clear documentation of access, system ownership, sensitive data locations, and unusual behaviours

• Serve as a point of contact for technical questions, providing calm and consistent guidance

• Balance day-to-day problem solving with long-term architectural clarity, prioritising steady progress over heroic fixes

How success can be measured¶

• A clear map of systems and dependencies exists

• Staff and management can understand how key systems interact

• Incremental improvements demonstrate tangible progress

• Documentation is thorough and maintained

• Operational risks are identified and mitigated

• Staff require less direct intervention for recurring issues

Qualifications and experience¶

• Demonstrated experience untangling complex IT environments

• Ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders, technical and non-technical

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Patience and the ability to guide slow but meaningful improvements

• Experience with infrastructure, networks, and system architecture

Why you might stay¶

• The work is tangible, meaningful, and varied

• The environment is unique, challenging, and occasionally chaotic

• Staff and creatures respond to thoughtful improvements

• Progress is visible and valued

• You are genuinely appreciated

How to apply¶

Send a letter describing a complex system you have helped untangle. Keep it simple and honest.

The interview process includes:

• Meeting Mrs. Clodpull

• Meeting the IT Manager

• Observing the main servers in operation

• Optional tour of the basement

Start date: when you are ready.

• We have computers.

• We have creatures.

• We have no idea how any of it works.

• Help us understand it.

The Home