Computer Support Analyst 2

Reporting to Dr. Dee Boersma, this role facilitates the daily functioning of a ~30-computer research lab, maintains and improves data collection programs, administers a 40+ year SQL Server database, and provides general technical support and documentation to support the Center’s research. This is a regular, 80% FTE Professional Staff position represented by SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory.

About the role

The Center for Ecosystem Sentinels (CES), housed at the University of Washington, uses information from the study of sentinel species—penguins, whales, wild dogs, and more—to educate scientists, the public, and policy makers. Members of the Center are interested in natural history with a deep commitment to field biology. The Center fosters the well-being of ecosystem sentinels through long-term datasets, persuasive communication of conservation science, mentorship of early-career scientists, and using science to inform the public and guide policy.

Responsibilities

• Systems Management (65%)
  • Maintenance of lab and field computers including installation, networking protocols, and security on various operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  • Staying up-to-date with security needs and employing cybersecurity measures for the lab’s computers
  • Maintaining the Center’s cloud-based and local backups of fileservers, updating automated processes for backups
  • Maintaining documentation on backup processes, networking changes, and devices
  • Providing technical support for equipment and applications used during biological fieldwork
  • Performing installation, maintenance, and support of software, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, SQL Server/SQL Server Management Studio, ArcMap, R/RStudio, and ResourceSpace
  • Coordinating IT support, purchase, insurance, and backups
  • Advising on purchases of computers and other technology-related devices
  • Overseeing resource needs for student/staff projects, including basic training on computing protocols and necessary software
  • Responding to lab member computing needs, troubleshooting technical barriers, and escalating to departmental/UW IT when necessary
  • Setup and troubleshooting of accessory technical hardware (e.g., projectors, printers, scanners)
• Database Management (25%)
  • Writing SQL queries and stored procedures
  • Programming, developing, testing, and debugging applications in MS Access and SQL Server
  • Training volunteers, students, and researchers on data entry, cleaning, and extraction
  • Providing users with flexible methods to access information with an emphasis on “self-service” and ad-hoc analytics
  • Importing and processing heterogeneous and semi-structured datasets from Center collaborators and instruments into lab databases
  • Database administration, design, modeling, and organization of data to facilitate ease of use and good performance in data entry, reporting, and analysis
• Other (10%)
  • Writing documentation, protocols, and manuals
  • Assistance with file and media management
  • Overseeing student/volunteer technical projects

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Three years of professional experience in programming and/or work in an administrative/operational role OR one year of experience as Computer Support Analyst I
• Additional Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Computer Science, Informatics, or related field
  • Technical knowledge of PC, Mac, and Linux systems, including management and configuration of software and hardware
  • Understanding of information security issues
  • Knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages: SQL, Python, E, C, VBA
  • Demonstrated excellence in written communication; ability to communicate technical concepts or instructions to nontechnical audiences; technical documentation skills; user liaison skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with command-line shell and associated scripting language/PowerShell task automation
• Experience with hybrid backup strategy/data redundancy
• Experience managing software installations and licensing across a variety of software platforms
• Experience with SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Access and Visual Basic for Applications
• Basic understanding of the principles of biological research and/or interest in biology/natural history
• Experience with data management in a wildlife ecology setting
• Experience designing or maintaining databases; experience importing/exporting data
• Experience managing and supervising data entry; prioritizing and assigning tasks and following projects through to completion
• Fieldwork experience; an understanding of the challenges imposed by a fieldwork environment
• Project management experience

Pay

Annual pay range: $71,448 – $96,096

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit UW Staff Benefits.