Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Systems and Technology, Level C
Job Title
System Administrator I
Department
Administrative Leadership | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
December 7, 2024
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Systems Administrator I provides critical support for systems, networks, and hardware/software configurations for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MBIM). This role includes troubleshooting, system design, implementation, and maintaining a diverse IT infrastructure supporting research, teaching, and administrative services. As part of a technical team, the Systems Administrator I will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and research trainees to address system needs and provide sustainable solutions.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Director of Operations. Works independently and jointly within a team of three IT technical staff to provide services to 250 faculty, staff, research trainees in a heterogeneous environment. Receives general direction from the Director of Operations and collaborates with faculty, research trainees, and staff to solve problems and provide solutions. Interacts directly with other University technology professionals as required.
Work Performed
System Administration: Administer and maintain systems running Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows, including provisioning, configuration, updates, and troubleshooting hardware/software issues. This includes systems for research, teaching and administrative services. Assists in the development of automation to improve processes, monitor servers, extract and convert data. Contributes to the ongoing planning and analysis of systems enhancements in support of current or new services. Collaborates with peers and team members to identify, analyze, recommend, and implement appropriate system enhancements that will improve existing information systems or business processes and productivity.
Network & Security: Monitor network performance and ensure security of data and local networks. Enhances system, network, and data security within MBIM. Administers, configures, monitors, and manages the departmental networks and security requirements including virtual firewall system, network ports and IP spaces, DNS and DHCP system. Ensures security and integrity of local networks. Installs, configures, and maintains network devices and monitors network performance.
Tier 2/3 Support: Provide operational support for production systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure systems are secure and compliant with internal policies. Resolve issues with production systems, define operational support processes, and provide end-user support. Proactively communicates with faculty, staff, research trainees, and team members. Contributes to the development of best practices, standards, procedures and quality objectives across systems infrastructure or platforms.
Collaboration & Planning: Work with faculty and staff to assess system needs, design enhancements, and implement system solutions and improvements. Build and maintain collaborations with other IT groups on campus. Develop recommendations and present options to improve security, efficiency and quality. Participates in end-user committees on behalf of MBIM technical staff. Maintains communication and develops relationships with the user community in order to develop a sound knowledge of their needs and their priorities. Based on feedback, develops recommendations and presents options for improvements and efficiency.
Documentation & Procedures: Develop and maintain operational documentation, user guides, and technical manuals for both end-users and application support teams. Prepares documentation and definitions of system specific dependencies to assist in problem analysis, including user and technical manuals for review by MBIM technical staff. Assists with development and implementation of backup and disaster recovery and operational continuity plans.
Hardware and Software Management: Oversee the procurement, installation, testing, and maintenance of hardware and software using appropriate technologies to the specific needs of the users. Manages the life cycles of departmental computers used by administration, technical and research staff. Determines and recommends computer and networking hardware, obtains quotes, orders and purchases software and hardware; sets up and configures; tests and evaluates performance; integrates equipment into current network structure. Identifies existing hardware due for replacement and decommissions obsolete hardware. Coordinates with third-party service providers for technology procurement or support.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Information Technology plays a key role in enabling the Department of Microbiology and Immunology to achieve its goal research, education, and operational service. The services supported by the Microbiology and Immunology IT technical staff require reliable systems to provide critical functions that support our students, faculty, and staff. Decisions and actions taken by the Systems Administrator I will have a direct impact on how efficiently and effectively the systems will perform and function. Errors in judgment, poor analysis, or failure to act decisively could have detrimental effect on these systems. Unreliable systems or insecure practices could adversely affect the Department and the University, and could have significant financial impact in lost productivity, funding and revenue.
Supervision Received
Works under the general direction of the Director of Operations. The Systems Administrator I must be able to work independently, as well as actively collaborate as a team member. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of specific project objectives.
Supervision Given
Will mentor IT systems administrators, co-op and work-learn students, in the team and other staff who assist with application and system support and maintenance.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or relevant discipline.
- Strong experience with Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows administration, with a focus on Linux servers
- Experience with network management, virtualization, and cloud technologies (Docker, VMware, etc.).
- Ability to write and maintain scripts for automation (Bash, Python, Saltstack, etc).
- Experience with security protocols and best practices.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Prior experience in a higher education or research environment is preferred.
- Excellent responsiveness and proactive attitude.
- CompTIA Network+ or Security+ or other relevant certifications.
- Demonstrated experience working with both technical and user personnel
- Excellent written and verbal communication at a technical level appropriate to the audience
- Excellent documentation skills and attention to details
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to take initiative and work independently with limited direction
- Ability to actively take part in team interactions, constructively expressing own point of view or concerns
- Volunteers to undertake tasks that stretch his or her capability, identifying who can provide support and gains their input
- Demonstrated ongoing career development through active and self-motivated professional development
- Familiarity with some of the following tools and applications which are used within Microbiology and Immunology: Python, shell scripting, Java, Drupal, XML, VLAN, VRF, LDAP, DHCP, DNS, MySQL, Oracle.
- Experience with data backup and recovery systems, virtual machines, Docker, and/or vagrant.
- Experience providing technical support in an academic environment
