Automation Specialist - ITS3

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives.

This position will be part of the Enterprise Services team, which delivers a full suite of services to state agencies, boards, councils, and commissions, and many central services to local government partners. The Automation Specialist supports the administration and ongoing management of automation tools and processes within the State of Minnesota's multi-platform mainframe environment. This role contributes to maintaining system reliability, availability, and performance by assisting in the design, implementation, and support of automation solutions that enable business-critical services.

About the role

In this position, you will collaborate with technical teams, including system programmers, operations staff, and application partners, to evaluate automation needs, troubleshoot issues, and implement system improvements. This is an opportunity to work with established mainframe technologies and automation tools while building hands-on experience in system operations, scripting, and enterprise infrastructure support.

This position requires an employee to work onsite at 600 North Robert Street, St Paul, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with limited telework available. Telework eligibility depends on residence: Candidates living in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the worksite in a bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) may telework up to 50%. Minnesota residents living more than 50 miles from the worksite may be eligible to telework more than 50%. Candidates living 50 miles or more from the worksite in a bordering state may work onsite 100% or may be telework eligible if relocating within 50 miles.

Responsibilities

• Support system upgrades, maintaining automation processes, and participating in disaster recovery activities.
• Help ensure systems operate efficiently in a 24/7 environment.

Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) years of IT related experience in supporting, maintaining, or administering mainframe automation, system software, or enterprise infrastructure in a production environment. Experience must include:
  • Configuring, monitoring, or supporting the IBM Hardware Management Console (HMC).
  • Applying mainframe automation concepts, commands, and procedures, including work with automation tools and scripting.
  • Monitoring or supporting mainframe environments using CA Automation Point, CA OPS/MVS, OPS/REXX, or similar automation products.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding.
• Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences.

Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master’s degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor’s degree for one (1) year; and an associate’s degree for six (6) months.

Skills

• Strongly Preferred:
  • Experience working with modern IBM zSeries hardware and system architecture.
  • Experience preparing technical documentation, memos, or reports used by system operations or technical teams.
  • Ability to analyze, design, code, test and document automation code and procedures.
• Preferred:
  • Ability to diagnose automation incidents, identify failing components, and take ownership of issues through resolution.
  • Experience supporting or configuring z/OS operating system resources, including system analysis, start-up/shutdown automation, or disaster recovery participation.
  • Experience troubleshooting and isolating automation issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective changes.
  • Experience working within formal IT service management processes such as incident management, change management, or problem management.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Support to help you reach your career goals:
  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Pay

$33.96 - $55.83 / hourly; $70,908 - $116,573 / annually

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited (regular) position
• Day Shift: Monday - Friday
• No travel required