Systems Administration Specialist

Department
 

UCPE Human Resources

About the Department
 

Our mission is to create pathways for people who see education as fundamental to the pursuit of professional growth. We develop innovative learning approaches that meet student and company needs while upholding the University of Chicago’s distinct brand of academic excellence. Our core philosophy—the Chicago Approach—values intellectual curiosity, encourages risk-taking, and rewards those with the ambition to take their ideas from good to great.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, IT and Security, the Systems Administration Specialist provides technical support to administrative, instructional, and student staff in desktop computing and general IT problem resolution. Day-to-day work will focus on, but not be limited to, supporting Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, applications, and mobile devices.
Candidates must have experience in a professional office environment, a service-first approach and attitude, and strong verbal, written, and in-person communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Administers operating systems, maintains security, and implements backup procedures for UCPE’s information systems and peripheral equipment, such as servers, desktops, printers, and storage devices.
• Plans and installs necessary patches and upgrades for servers and their associated storage, network, communications, and peripheral sub-systems. Establishes and maintains an appropriate level of intrusion detection, monitoring, and auditing software as required. Analyzes system logs and identifies potential issues. Applies operating system updates, patches, and configuration changes.
• Provides telephone, in-person technical support, problem-solving, and troubleshooting for instructor and administrative staff computers, including Windows OS, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
• Tracks compliance and maintains documentation for hardware, software, and service inventories.
• Promotes teamwork and collaboration within the Administration and Operations team and across UCPE IT.
• Supports Microsoft Windows-powered classrooms and student labs at UCPE’s downtown campus and the Hyde Park spaces UCPE supports.
• Installs and configures new hardware and software.
• Performs routine audits of systems and software.
• Monitors and tunes system performance.
• Performs system backups.
• Troubleshoots any reported problems.
• Creates, updates, and deletes user accounts.
• Responds to technical inquiries and assist users within established service level agreements.
• Builds and tests new computer systems and software for instructors and staff.
• Advises end-users on hardware and software purchases based on their requirements.
• Provides first- and second-level technical support.
• Provides support during regular shift hours, occasional Saturday shifts, and periodic on-call hours.
• Provides technical support primarily at NBC Tower and Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago and our partners at the Hyde Park campus.
• Provides expertise and distinguished on-the-job experience to resolve, research, and respond to complex questions and user needs.
• Uses expertise to simulate user problems, diagnose issues, resolve complex operating difficulties, and develop troubleshooting scripts for the UCPE IT team. Proposes solutions to questions regarding system procedures, online transactions, systems status, and downtime procedures.
• Works autonomously within established procedures to provide technical support to end-users of PC, server, or mainframe applications and hardware. Manages day-to-day operations and projects for supported clients.
• Represents the highest tier for customer requests/inquiries, as defined in operational procedures and knowledge base.
• Manages service and support requests through ClickUp, Service Now, and Spiceworks portals.
• Escalates problems to ensure they are resolved promptly.
• Guides end-users through troubleshooting procedures. Performs upgrades to hardware and software and recommends systems modifications to reduce user problems. Maintains a troubleshooting tracking log to ensure the timely resolution of the issues. Ensures service-level objectives are met for supported clients.
• Stays informed on technology trends and information resources to provide technical support and guidance.
• Analyzes alternatives, develops business cases, and presents recommendations for technology solutions to UCPE IT leadership.
• Evaluates and provide recommendations for new computer technologies for use in the UCPE environment.
• Documents technical environment and system configuration.
• Performs set-up, installation, and configuration of desktop hardware and software in compliance with internal controls, policies, and standards.
• Coordinates and implements updates to network hardware, software systems, and applications. Maintains currency and high level of technical skill in the IT support field. Refers more complex problems to the Supervisor. Researches and analyzes computer products and systems available in the marketplace and makes recommendations to management.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience in an academic environment committed to the highest academic standards of integrity and quality, or experience providing IT support.
• Background in higher education or IT.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of personal computer hardware.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and browser-based applications.
• Mac/OS, computer networks, and Linux.
• iOS and Android operating systems and familiarity with mobile phones and tablets.
• Enterprise software/CRMs, including Destiny, Salesforce, and Oracle databases, or willingness to learn them.

Preferred Competencies

• Interest in small-team environments.
• Works well with others.
• Occasionally works multiple shifts at multiple locations.
• Strong initiative and resourceful approach to problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Motivated self-starter.
• Service-first attitude with a calm, courteous, and professional demeanor.
• Consistent and punctual attendance.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and in-person communication skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
• Multitasks and works productively with variable workloads, interruptions, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Works well both independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Takes initiative and organizes and completes projects with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

• Work the following shifts - Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; after hours, on-call, as assigned; and Saturday, as assigned.
• Prolonged use of a computer.
• Varry or lift loads of up to 50 pounds.
• Travel to various campus locations as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Information Technology

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.