Systems Engineer (part-time) - IT Solutions

TITLE

Systems Engineer (part-time)

JOB SUMMARY

The Systems Engineer (part-time) is responsible for assisting the Sr Systems Engineer in developing, maintaining, testing, and analyzing university technology and infrastructure services to enable ITS Infrastructure to meet strategic goals. In this role the position will provide work direction to student assistants, manage and administrate university Linux information technology systems, and ensure the successful integration of both administrative and academic systems.
As a member of the IT Solutions team, the Systems Engineer (part-time) is expected to uphold the division's mission to "empower an agile, digital university and elevate technology as a strategic institutional asset" and contribute positively to a collaborative, human-centered, innovative, accountable, transparent, and inclusive culture within ITS.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Manager, Platforms & Cloud Services

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

Systems Management (65%)

* Manages and monitors all installed Linux based systems and infrastructure.
* Manages system upgrades, patches, and security updates.
* Designs, installs, configures, tests and maintains Linux operating systems, application software and system management tools.
* Proactively ensures the highest levels of Linux systems and infrastructure availability.
* Monitors and tests system performance for potential bottlenecks, identifies possible solutions, and works with stakeholders to implement those fixes.
* Recommend and maintains security, and redundancy strategies.

* Writes and maintains custom scripts to increase system efficiency and lower the human intervention time on any tasks.
* Creates, manages, and documents hardware and software requirements, objectives, deliverables, and specifications on a project-by-project basis.
* Evaluate systems specifications and coordinate the design of information and operational support systems.
* Provides high-quality and timely systems support, including responding to incident/problem tickets and troubleshooting errors and issues with systems infrastructure.
* Provides support for application deployment and integration issues.
* Evaluates, recommends, and implements hardware and software upgrades, updates, and security patches.

Technical Innovation & Project Leadership (25%)

* Participates in design, implementation, and assessment of departmental initiatives and projects, as assigned.
* Researches, recommends, and pilots innovations in technologies and services.
* Takes a lead role in documenting systems and common support procedures.
* Stays current with emerging trends and advances in technology that may have relevance to the university's evolving needs and goals. Proactively educates other team members and departmental personnel on findings and new insights.
* Continuously evaluates internal processes, procedures, practices, and standards and proactively propose changes to bring greater efficiencies.
* Champions infrastructure automation in all facets of computing and process improvement.
* Provides technical mentoring for other ITS staff in their area.
* Help develops long and short-term plans for updating equipment, adding capabilities enhancing existing systems.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Participation & Support (10%)

* Maintains awareness of current practices and future trends in operating systems, infrastructure automation, and best practices.
* Performs other duties as requested.
Assistant Systems Engineer

EDUCATION

Vocational/Technical Diploma, Some College, Associate's or Bachelor's degree required. Additional job-related experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE

Three years of relevant experience in Linux systems administration. Additional job-related education may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.
Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based on the effective completion of assignments and results obtained.
All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

* Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.
* Deep knowledge of at least one major enterprise service and technology:
- Linux
- Linux repository and patch management.
- Produce clear and concise documentation and diagrams.
* Deep knowledge of at least one major Linux server distribution (Redhat Linux, Debian, etc.).
* Strong written and oral communication skills (including ability to present ideas in user- friendly, business-friendly and technical language) and interpersonal skills with a focus on rapport-building, listening and questioning skills.
* Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, including ability to anticipate, identify, and solve critical problems.
* Ability to build effective relationships and strong commitment to working collegially and collaboratively with constituents at all levels in a diverse and distributed environment.
* Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

Additional/Desirable Skills & Abilities

* Knowledge of infrastructure automation tools such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet, Terraform, etc.
* Knowledge of the administration and performance tuning of application stacks.
* Deep knowledge of monitoring systems, automation software, and/or scripting environments.
* Skill in data forensics and preservation of evidence.
* Ability to thrive in a higher education setting.
* Familiarity with Texas Administrative Code (TAC 202).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
The employee must have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds and ascend and descend a ladder.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Employee Signature:

Texas Woman's University strives to provide an educational environment that affirms the rights and dignity of each individual, fosters diversity, and encourages a respect for the differences among persons. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is considered inappropriate.

Texas Woman's University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, veteran's status, or against qualified disabled persons.

All positions at Texas Woman's University are deemed security sensitive requiring background checks.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government. For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov.