Computer Operations Tech II

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses across Georgia. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and over 7,700 full-time staff, serving more than 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

About the role

This position involves the operation and monitoring of data center facilities and related infrastructure equipment, including HVAC, electrical grid, emergency backup UPS and generator systems, water/leak detection, security and fire suppression systems, as well as research and enterprise servers, core networking services, and related equipment. The role includes assisting with the installation of server racks, cabinets, servers, storage devices, and network devices, and resolving complex error situations with or without additional technical or supervisory assistance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor data center facility environmental controls and alarms following established procedures for problem reporting and resolution:
  • Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS)
  • Generators
  • HVAC systems
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Water/smoke detectors
  • Security cameras and access controls
  • Chilled water and room temperature controls/gauges
• Monitor all building and core campus network devices, central servers, and storage devices for problems; provide incident response and communicate with technicians to track problems through to resolution. 40% of time
• Monitor Student Information System production job execution via Banner/UC4 tools:
  • Maintain a daily check sheet of production job failures
  • Notify programmers of job failures, system outages, or unusual system activity
  30% of time
• Assist with the installation and monitoring of rack, server, and network equipment:
  • Identify the location of racks, servers, switches, and routers
  • Connect equipment to power distribution units within the racks
  • Install air vents and cable grommets in floor tiles to ensure proper airflow
  • Implement and maintain facility infrastructure monitoring software (e.g., Nagios, SolarWinds, Liebert, Automated Logic)
  • Monitor emerging technologies and their impact on data center topology
  • Produce and propagate new technical knowledge and skills for the department
  10% of time
• Receive and assemble incoming networking equipment and handle RMA process:
  • Verify correctness of shipments
  • Assemble equipment in preparation for configuration
  • Notify appropriate support personnel of equipment arrival
  • Package, document, and schedule shipment of equipment for RMA
  5% of time
• Maintain records/logs of hardware and software errors, production batch errors, problem resolution, and outages:
  • Maintain operation logs by recording system availability, scheduled/unscheduled maintenance, downtime, and corrective actions
  • Assist the client community with problem resolution or direct them to appropriate EITS personnel
  • Notify the user community of scheduled or unscheduled downtime
  • Make service calls for hardware, software, or facility-related issues as needed
  5% of time
• Attend training classes, seminars, e-learning sessions, and refresher courses to further develop required skills:
  • Participate in mandatory in-house training/refresher sessions
  • Perform periodic reviews of established operational documentation
  • Assist in directing or training operations personnel
  • Maintain effective customer service standards
  5% of time
• Perform other duties as assigned. 5% of time

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the operation and monitoring of data center facilities, equipment, enterprise servers, and networking equipment
• Ability to make decisions regarding corrective action for hardware malfunctions and adjust job priorities to meet schedules or optimize equipment usage
• Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate work activities assigned to a shift
• Ability to train or assist in training newly hired personnel
• Ability to make recommendations for new and improved service routines, production techniques, and modifications or additions to computer equipment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with operations staff, management, and the campus community

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Climb ladders and perform overhead work
• Operate hand tools and power tools
• Standing, bending, and kneeling

Schedule

Third Shift: 12am – 8am, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Applicant must be flexible to work holidays and weekends as needed and scheduled.

Pay

Up to $39,000