Systems Engineer

Primary Purpose:

Administer the District’s centralized systems hardware, software, and related infrastructure. Develop, maintain, and monitor all District servers and related services. Responsible for analyzing, designing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and repairing of hardware infrastructure and application components.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience in network administration preferred.
• Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) preferred.
• VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV).
• VMware Certified Professional – Desktop (VCP5-DT).

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of hardware and software applications including servers, Storage Area Networks (SAN), printers, and other equipment.
• Ability to work with multiple operating systems and network protocols (i.e. Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze and resolve computer problems.
• Ability to function in a team based environment with the ability to share knowledge and a willingness to learn from other team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various levels of technical ability.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Technical, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Experience:

• Three or more years of server and/or system administration experience is preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Technology Support:

• Design, setup, configure and support a Microsoft Windows environment.
• Install servers and configure hardware, peripherals, services, settings, and storage in accordance with District standards.
• Identify and resolve all hardware/software problems.
• Ensure all servers, appliances, software and operating systems are up to date with current software releases.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on all servers including the updating of firmware and patches.
• Implement and maintain all server configurations.
• Coordinate and monitor system utilization for all services and disk space; recommend improvements as needed.
• Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, and applications.
• Serve as liaison to software and hardware vendors to maintain appropriate product support and to resolve any issues that occur.
• Maintain system design and configuration documentation for all hardware and services.
• Provide assistance to all staff to identify and resolve equipment and software related problems and answers to technology related questions.
• Provide technical assistance and support to all Technology Support Specialists on any issue that they are unable to resolve.

Data Security:

• Maintain and evaluate district-wide security for all systems; ensure network security by maintaining network and email accounts.
• Maintain operation and accuracy of virus protection software on all computer systems. Monitor activity reports and take actions necessary to eliminate all viruses.
• Perform district security audits and make recommendations for improvement. Monitor activity reports, take actions of intrusion, and act on findings.
• Identify, curtail and prevent possible infractions of the district's Responsible Use for Technology Resources policy.
• Design and implement backup procedures to ensure that backup of all servers are performed on a regular basis, verifying successful completion of scheduled jobs.
• Oversee backups and restore district data as needed.
• Assist with development, implementation and maintenance of a disaster recovery plan as required.

Administrative Functions:

• Provide technical training sessions as required to assist Digital Learning Coaches and/or Technology Support Specialists.
• Assist with the selection and purchase of equipment, software and supplies as needed.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, labeling and safety of all Datacenter spaces.
• Manage assigned projects and programs to deliver services in accordance with established objectives.

Organization Improvement

• Identify and recommend the acquisition of new services, software and hardware to meet the needs of the District.
• Perform network traffic audits and make recommendations for improvement.
• Attend all technology related meetings as designated by the Director of Technical Services.
• Promote departmental culture of customer service through frequent communication, positive relationships and prompt support.
• Research and recommend innovative, automated approaches for system administration tasks.

Records and Reports:

• Maintain accurate documentation, diagrams and maps of district infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate, up to date records of preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate records of time and materials required to perform repairs and service.
• Assist with maintenance of software license records.
• Participate in assignment, priority and record keeping of technology-related work orders.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, the State Board of Education, and the local board policy.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Maintain data and systems to facilitate classroom management district-wide.

Communication:

• Monitor technical research and disseminate ideas and information to other professionals as outlined in the strategic plan.
• Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents and educators.
• Receive telephone calls and assist with end-users to resolve problems.
• Work cooperatively with end-users to assist in the detection of any hardware or software problems.
• Effectively communicate complex concepts with vendors, co-workers, and management both verbally and in writing.
• Communicate with technology staff members to detect and resolve end-user problems with internally developed applications and database management.

Professional Growth and Development

• Attend professional development activities to keep abreast of innovations in information management and technology services.
• Develop professional skills appropriate to job assignment.

Other:

• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing and carrying. Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety procedures.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed to meet district defined service level agreements.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior.
• Respond to updated SLA documents as needed.
• Assist Chief Technology Officer or Director of Technical Services as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used:

• Computers and associated peripherals, printers, battery backup systems (UPS), data switches, various technology devices, and small hand tools.
• Must have a personal vehicle in order to visit various CISD buildings and be willing and able to move equipment in his or her vehicle. When transporting larger orders, the department vehicle may be used.

Working Conditions:

• The majority of the job responsibilities for this position will occur within an indoor office and/or campus environment.
• The employee will occasionally be required to engage in labor in buildings without air conditioning.
• The employee must be willing to work in alternative locations and environments as needed. 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer; lifting and moving of heavy equipment; stooping, bending, and kneeling.
• Lift, carry, push and/or pull items of up to 50 lbs. on a daily basis.
• Prolonged and irregular hours as needed.
• Maintains professionalism under stress.
• Districtwide and statewide travel may be required.
• Meet deadlines as defined.
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person and/or on the telephone.
• Accurately perceive sound, near and far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.