Systems Specialist

Job Description

SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Req #: 234590 Department: ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS Job Location: Seattle Campus Job Location Detail: Hybrid Eligible (Primarily In office and some Telework options) Posting Date: 05/24/2024 Closing Info: Closes On 06/02/2024 Salary: $6,308 – $7,100 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Academic & Student Affairs (ASA) is a division of the Office of the Provost. Our mission is to enhance the student experience for all students—to, through, and beyond the university—inside and outside the classroom (in person and online).
We provide oversight, foster collaboration, pilot new ideas, and unify strategic efforts in and beyond ASA to ensure broad and universal alignment with UW values. We highlight and amplify strategic efforts within ASA and the broader ASA alliance (Graduate School, Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity, Student Life, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and ASA Advancement) consistent with UW values to create a leading edge student experience. We support faculty in instruction and student access, learning and success. We pilot and launch new, strategic efforts and to support unit-led efforts. Academic Technologies (AT) is a unit within ASA that supports teaching and learning technologies as well as formal and informal learning spaces with classroom design, integration, and maintenance service; instructional design and support; and support for several UW event spaces.
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Operations & Training and as a member of the Operations & Training Team, the Systems Specialist is responsible for the technical operations of all Student Technology Fee (STF)-funded computing equipment including the general-access computing labs, Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) loaner equipment, and formal learning spaces, as well as ensuring the security and safety of all related networks and network accessible data. They manage a student-staffed technology help desk, Computer Vet, in Odegaard Undergraduate Library. They are also responsible for the communication of status reports to management and partner organizations. In addition, this position will supervise and guide the Systems and Computer Lab Care teams of student employees.
The Systems Specialist will work closely with UW-IT and other Academic & Student Affairs (ASA) teams to ensure that hardware and software is in working order and all related requests and incidents are resolved in a timely manner. This person will be responsible for technical analysis, cost and effort estimation, and system design. The ideal candidate will be a “hands on” systems administrator who will provide senior-level technical direction on projects and will work actively to develop the skill sets of the student staff. Exemplary leadership and communication abilities are a must.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage technical operations for Student Technology Fee (STF)-funded equipment and other supported spaces (50%)
• Provide prompt resolution to requests and incidents related to hardware and software for Odegaard Learning Commons, Student Technology Loan Program (STLP), and Mary Gates Hall computer classrooms.
• Manage Computer Vet service to ensure seamless and effective technical support to patrons of Odegaard Library.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support software, hardware, and print service requirements.
• Lead the testing of computer lab and loaner equipment images and provide feedback and guidance for current and future images.
• Develop test plans and supervise staff testing of current and upcoming images.
• Create documentation for knowledge transfer and consistency taking into account student employee turnover.
Administer Hardware/Software/Network Offerings (25%)
• Maintain security and operation of networks and services.
• Lead management of approximately 400 workstations in the Odegaard Learning Commons, 100 classroom computers, and 1,300 Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) loaner devices.
• Coordinate with other Academic Technologies teams for support of two computer classroom spaces on campus.
• Configure and manage Windows Active Directory (AD) Server
• Maintain Apple and Windows servers that support both Windows / Mac image deployment.
• Maintain a network of managed Mac hardware.
• Collaborate with staff and vendors to ensure imaging software is updated, licensed and properly applied within the network.
• Develop scripts, such as bash or python, to maintain computer network environments.
Strategic Planning and Development (15%)
• Solicit student input to define strategies and set priorities for the purchasing and use of academic technology improvements.
• Research and develop new technologies that will enhance the student learning experience.
• Develop and present annual budget proposals and reports for the Student Technology Fee (STF) committee for purchase and support of Odegaard Learning Commons equipment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with software and hardware vendors to coordinate volume pricing and ordering of technical equipment.
• Manage annual budget of approximately $275,000.
Staff Planning and Oversight (10%)
• Anticipate labor needs and initiate recruitment processes to maintain full staffing of student teams.
• Hire, train, supervise, and mentor student employees.
• Oversee scheduling to ensure full staff coverage at Computer Vet.
• Develop, communicate, and oversee compliance with policies and procedures for student staff.
• Manage Time and Absence approvals in Workday.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree
• Two years' experience in computer/desktop support or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current versions of Microsoft Windows and Macintosh workstations.
• Experience with network and/or systems administration
• Experience providing technology consulting and training
• Experience managing a number of complex tasks and relationships simultaneously
• Experience using and supporting various desktop applications and software, for example (MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, multiple web browsers, SFTP, Telnet)
• Knowledge of MS Office and Google Drive apps
• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities.
• Ability to embrace change
• Provide excellent customer service by actively listening to user concerns, effectively communicating options, and implementing them in a timely and cost-effective manner.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with servers running Windows, Macintosh and Unix, including both hardware and server-based applications. In addition, understanding of scripting and programming languages like Python, shell script, and PowerShell.
• Experience in managed computer lab environments
• Experience managing student staff
• Project Management Experience
• Ability to use a wide variety of open source technologies and tools such as BitTorrent, DeployStudio and FOG Server
• Understanding of enterprise licensing methods including software suites such as Adobe, SPSS, Matlab, Parallels, and Faronics DeepFreeze.
• Knowledge of Active Directory
• Experience with automation tools
• Understanding of data retention and redundancy methods
• Knowledge of current trends in higher education and information industry
• Familiarity with UW systems, policies, and academic programs
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work in an open office environment. While the general working hours are within Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., this individual manages student staff who work some weekend hours and must be willing to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of their staff and colleagues. Events that will occur outside the normal work schedule include, but are not limited to; student staff communications, client consultations, and system modifications. Likewise, this position has regular stringent deadlines revolving around the academic calendar which may require extended work hours.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

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