In the daily operation, maintenance and overall management of the University's data centers, this position works in a multi-technology/multi-processing environment. It provides support to system users for a wide variety of Red Hat and Windows based computer systems, and their associated peripherals. It also supports various environmental controls and, security systems to provide stable and secure data center environment. Key responsibilities include installing, monitoring, managing, operating, and providing routine maintenance to computer and environmental equipment as well as ensuring the safety and security of all University assets and data maintained in the data centers. Also responsible for performing and maintaining system backups and enforcing physical security procedures as well as reviewing and suggesting improvements to standard operating procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interface with technology staff:

• Provides first-level support to Information Services staff. Answers questions regarding hardware, software, and system applications. Responds to special requests and accepts trouble tickets. Investigates and resolves user problems. Maintains communications with technical staff members to reach satisfactory resolution of problems.
• Works with the Computer Operations and Network Services personnel to coordinate system schedules.
• Attends project team and departmental meetings. Participates in cross-functional project teams and may act as the project leader.
• Research and recommend hardware and software changes to benefit of data center environments.
• Install enterprise level computer hardware and infrastructure equipment in campus data centers and occasionally in our remote disaster recovery location.
• Build and manage enterprise servers as requested.
• Write scripts that could be used in the test and production environments.
• Participate in departmental projects and initiatives.

System operations and maintenance:

• Monitors all data center equipment to ensure that it is functioning correctly and optimally. Identifies and assesses system-related problems by evaluating system performance including response times and reviewing error reports and logs. Reports problems and deviations to the operations supervisor.
• Operates multiple control consoles, on-line terminals, laser, and line printers.
• Analyzes and responds to alerts and error messages.
• Manage the data center equipment inventory.
• Schedules and runs Banner reports using established procedures. Applies appropriate controls for all Banner reports entering or leaving the data centers.
• Performs routine maintenance tasks for computer equipment and peripherals.
• Monitors system backups and cloud backup library. Works with co-location facility personnel and vendors to maintain off-site backup and disaster recovery equipment.
• Executes facility shutdown and start-up during testing and actual power outages and other disaster scenarios.
• Monitors the physical security of data centers and all equipment contained within.
• Creates, reviews, and maintains documentation related to all data center operations including policies, procedures, maintenance schedules, etc.
• There may be times where the Operator is on call, after hours, weekends and holidays.
• Review and report on data center capacity measurements.
• Initiate and monitor disaster recovery procedures during test and live scenarios.

Other related duties as assigned:

• Assists with server administration tasks as needed.
• Regularly coordinates with data center support vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to learn new hardware and software independently to maintain technical currency (e.g., self-study, training, and workshops).
• Ability to perform under limited supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude; independent problem solving, and reliance on experience and judgment to independently accomplish regular duties and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal with upset individuals; provide guidance and instruction to users; interact with users of varying levels of expertise; and communicate technical information to non-technical users.
• Ability to concentrate despite interruptions while working under pressure on multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Windows PC's, Microsoft Windows server, Microsoft Office, and Linux.
• Knowledge of computing hardware, e.g., HPE ProLiant servers, Dell servers, line and laser printers.
• Knowledge of data center environments (electrical power, UPS, generators, HVAC, PDUs, environmental controls, fire suppression systems, monitoring/alerting systems, server racks, etc.)
• Knowledge of computer backup and disaster recovery systems.
• Basic understanding of high-performance compute clusters.
• Basic understanding of virtual computing environments.
• Basic understanding of cloud-based computing.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years experience in computer operations with working knowledge of printer controls, laser and line printers required.