About the role
Title: Senior Systems Analyst
Executive Area: Information Technologies
Department: IT Administration
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The Senior IT Systems Analyst consults with end users, researchers and stakeholders (Project Managers, vendors, etc.) and conducts technical analysis of systems and network communications to design, build, configure, implement, test and maintain systems. Provides mentoring and training to IT systems analysts and acts as primary technical resource for staff and faculty. Investigates problems with existing systems and delivers solutions while maintaining system compatibility and enabling integration.
Essential Functions
Analyzes system workflows to identify potential points of failure, especially those with possible life safety impacts. Recommends and implements systems, system configurations and procedures which mitigate operational and security risks.
Ensures appropriate system availability, manageability, scalability and security by designing, implementing, maintaining, tuning and auditing systems.
Mentors and trains IT system analysts to elevate the department’s ability to automate processes and utilize the latest technology to increase efficiency with the use of programming (such as Powershell), scripting (such as Kace) and group policies. Serves as primary technical resource for Help Desk Manager and User Support Operations for complex problems and issues. This may entail configuring virtual computing environments in which to test application compatibility and configurations and then developing a process to be used by staff to resolve issues.
Works on multiple projects as a project leader to research, propose and implement strategies in the migration and consolidation of complex distributed systems to a more centralized enterprise model, including converting physical servers to virtual servers, facilitating the reconfiguration of networks and firewalls, migration of users and computers to centrally supported Microsoft SQL server database cluster, and migration of file server data.
Analyzes system dependencies and develop and execute plans to migrate systems to new infrastructure such as virtual environments (VMware), hardware firewalls, authentication systems (Active Directory, Azure, etc.).
Keeps current with established and emerging computing technologies and techniques in order to recommend and utilize improvements to system manageability, configurations, integrations, and uptime, such as virtualization and clustering.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and 4 years of experience in a broad range of computer technologies OR
Associate's Degree and six years of experience in a broad range of computer technologies OR
A high school diploma and eight years of experience in a broad range of computer technologies.
An equivalent combination of education and experience (8 years total) will also be considered.
Expertise in a broad array of computing platforms and/or systems within a distributed computing environment, including, but not limited to workstation software/applications, particularly those which run under MS-Windows: physical and virtual guest server operating systems, particularly Windows 2008. Must have practical experience with scripting languages such as PowerShell.
Must have experience working with TCP/IP networking and an understanding of network firewalls.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with co-workers and with a broad range of clients; ability to work well in a leadership role with peers.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively, in a highly organized manner, paying close attention to detail, accountability and reliability in meeting project deadlines and requirements.
Excellent oral and written communications skills, especially as consultation and accurate communication with non-technical individuals on technical matters are a requirement for this staff member. Willingness to take on new and challenging tasks as they arise.
Ability to pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background check.
Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related area.
Experience with Microsoft Active Directory Group Policies, managing layer 2 and layer 3 switches, Microsoft SQL or Oracle databases and other operating systems such as Linux.
Additional Details
Some off hour/weekend work may be required to respond to critical service problems and modifications.
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (37.5 hours per week).
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28
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Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage, please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.