DPS - IT - Data Center System Support Specialist - 0231

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Perform advanced (senior-level) computer systems support work. Work involves providing customer support for agency information technology systems and operating automated office equipment in a stand-alone, network, or mainframe environment.

Responsible for day to day operations, care and maintenance of the TXDPS Data Centers. Maintain TXDPS data center power and cooling systems.

Ensure space is provisioned appropriately and capacities are monitored. Continuous monitoring of data center environment through use of third party DCIM (Struxureware), video surveillance and other monitoring applications such as Alerton.

May supervise the work of others. Work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

1. Perform and direct the Rack and Stack duties for server, network, and other data center hardware.

2. Perform the day-to-day functions of implementing and modifying batch jobs schedules across the enterprise (Server and Mainframe based).

3. Repair, upgrade, and decommissioning of data center hardware including Servers, Network Devices and Data Center support infrastructure components.

4. Implement and audit cabling standards and best practices throughout the Data Center. Will train others in skills needed to properly implement data center cabling standards.

5. Assist in defining the Change Management Strategy, developing and implementing Change Management plans, and collecting and analyzing feedback to reinforce change in an enterprise level data center.

6. Contribute to and maintain relevant procedures and documentation. Participate in the quarterly / monthly review of the documentation and provide the updates as needed.

7. Work with vendors to return Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) damaged or defective devices. Rebox devices and ship via overnight courier.

8. Maintain inventory of all data center assets using DCIM product (Struxureware) and DPS inventory system. Maintain responsibility for the internal audits conducted on the associated assets.

Respond to the audits in a timely manner.

9. Use DCIM products to keep track of relevant data center metrics. Generate and distribute monthly reports on capacity on Power, Cooling, Rack allocations.

10. Work with vendors to support various third party applications (StructureWare, TWS). Support may include Windows / Linux server administration.

11. Review and make suggestions regarding the procurement of information technology equipment.

12. Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems, remedial actions taken, and installation activities.

13.Establish and ensure appropriate security controls within the data center are adhered to.

14. May function as the Data Center team lead in the absence of team Lead staff member.

15. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS :

Education - Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with a major in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field is required.

Experience Minimum of two (2) plus years’ experience working within similar IT operations or Data Center environment. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience of Rack and Stack procedures is required.

Two years of knowledge batch scheduling in a mix environment is a plus, but not required. Training will be provided to obtain the needed work skills.

Substitution Note : Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Licensure and / or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.

Regulatory knowledge Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.

Technology (computers / hardware / software / operating systems) Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software / systems.

Experience with personal computers; Information Management (IM); server and network hardware; Windows / Linux administration;

DCIM products such as Aperture and Struxureware.

• Ability to learn new software tools and programs to aid in monitoring the Data Center, DCIM, camera and cooling systems.
• Familiar with ticketing systems, understand the importance of documenting tasks performed.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Interpersonal Skills Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working / professional relationships with internal / external customers.

Must demonstrate DPS’ core values : Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment;

able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.

Presentation / Communication Skills Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and / or individuals.

Research and Comprehension Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and / or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Customer Service (internal / external) Must possess a keen awareness and commitment to providing excellent customer service, demonstrate a positive approach to providing assistance and striving for optimal outcomes, and possess the ability to actively listen without adversarial argument, debate, or unnecessarily frequent interruption.

Analytical Reasoning / Attention to Detail Must demonstrate an ability to examine data / information, discern variations / similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Work in a physically demanding setting; perform repetitive technical work, and work in a fast paced environment.

Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws / statutes / policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Safety Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results / risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Schedule and / or Remote / Telecommuting work and / or Travel - Availability for shift work and on-call is required. Availability for after-hour and weekend work is required.

Telecommuting up to 3 days per week. Must demonstrate the ability to deliver on a daily basis on the assigned tasks while working in a remote setting.

PHYSICAL and / or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS :

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and / or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job;

reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Environment : Office, Data Center (cold temperatures);
• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch;
• Hand-eye coordination and arm / hand / finger dexterity;
• Ability to speak, hear, smell and exercise visual acuity;
• Ability to transfer weights of sixty (60) pounds anticipated for this position;
• Driving requirements : Occasional (up to 5%).

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information :

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.

4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.