Your role:

This position provides technical support of Global Relay’s mission critical data center facilities, server environments and related infrastructure. This includes specification, installation, and testing of server and storage systems and peripherals within established standards, as well as development and maintenance of data center support systems such as automated system provisioning, asset tracking, space planning, cable management, equipment monitoring and maintenance. Activities require timely troubleshooting of hardware including servers, storage, use of monitoring application software and operating systems to monitor, diagnose and resolve unique, non-recurring problems.  These responsibilities require independent and team-based analyses, initiative and good judgment, communication and problem solving while working with little supervision. This position is intended as a long-term position supporting Data Center equipment, not a transitionary roll into network administration or server administration.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Assist operations staff with the installation, configuration and ongoing usability of servers, storage systems, peripheral equipment and software
• Work with vendor support contacts to resolve technical problems with computer, mechanical and electrical equipment and related software
• Interact with numerous computer platforms in a multi-layered client/server environment
• Create and maintain a well-organized list of inventory of all equipment and parts, as well as software licenses and maintenance agreements
• Create and maintain detailed documentation on usage procedures and policies
• Recommend and perform upgrades on systems to ensure longevity
• Assess functional needs to determine specifications for purchases
• Perform asset tracking and space provisioning tasks as part of equipment deployments
• Receiving, unpacking, assembling, racking and cabling of servers, storage systems and related components
• Ensure facility is maintained to highest standards possible to ensure 100% uptime is achieved.
• Maintaining service logs and records for work occurring in secure areas
• Escort and supervise mechanical and electrical contractors when performing maintenance and repair work to ensure work does not jeopardize system availability
• Assist in periodic security reviews and audits to ensure facility is always secure.
• Perform rotating shift coverage to meet all support needs
• Will be involved in shift work, including night shifts and emergency coverage
• On-call coverage to provide additional support outside of regular business hours

About you:

The successful candidate will ideally have a post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science or Engineering related disciplines or applicable experience. Minimum 4 years of experience as a Junior Data Center Operations Specialist in supporting servers and data center needs within a mission critical environment, or have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Essential qualifications include:

• A good understanding of Microsoft Windows server and Linux environments as well as some Solaris knowledge an asset.
• Require excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical power distribution systems and how they are used in a data center.
• Familiarity with large Generators and their operation an asset.
• Familiarity with mechanical equipment systems (CRAC, CRAH, evaporative cooling) an asset.
• Experience working in a mission critical data center facility.
• Excellent judgement skills in making critical decisions.
• Ability to lift and move large and awkward equipment safely.
• Working knowledge of VMware virtualization both on the server and client side an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a large variety of server hardware configurations, able to assemble and repair server equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently in an effective and organized manner in a complex and challenging environment.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organization skill and initiatives.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving abilities.
• Excellent cable management skills required.

Working conditions:

• Must be available after hours and / or weekends for emergency related work, service impacting incident resolution, or maintenance that is required during maintenance windows (outside of regular business hours).

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to work with heavy equipment.