IT Specialist - Windows - Jobs in Waterloo, ON

Job Description

Overview:The IT Specialist provides high-level expertise in a broad range of mission-critical IT services and activities. They are the faculty expert and provides high level support for the Windows, server, security, and network infrastructures that the Faculty of Environment relies on to fulfil its academic, research and administrative duties.Responsibilities:Windows Administration Infrastructure, including but not limited to:

• Leads the overall design and implementation of MAD’s Windows deployment infrastructure.
• Works with the IT & CSM to research, evaluate, and determines best practice, hardware requirements, and tools for efficient, automated deployment and secure operation of Windows systems throughout the Faculty.
• Manages the Faculty’s Windows computing labs (which are rebuilt on a termly basis).
  • Interfaces with the IST Windows Management team to ensure system functionality and be aware of changes to core university deployment infrastructure.
  • Consults with other MAD staff to determine the software requirements for various computer labs.
  • Builds the software into ‘packages’ for deployment.
  • Oversees and supports key MAD staff (Geomatics Information Systems Specialist and the Remote Sensing Specialist) in the packaging of specialized software.
  • Creates workflows to automate and install required software on different devices/labs, taking care to ensure no installation conflicts occur.
  • Prototypes and evaluates the workflows on test computers to ensure seamless and efficient installation of software.
  • Deploys software using specialized management tools (such as the System Center Configuration Manager – SECM).
  • Regularly monitors the status of computer labs ensuring OS and security updates are deployed.
  • Deploys and manages LabStats in the computer labs.
• Manages ENV Windows office and admin computers.
  • Consults with other MAD staff to determine hardware and software requirements for staff, and research computers.
  • Images, reimages, and deploys software to these computers. The toolsets used for this may include some tools used for computer lab management (e.g., SECM) but other mission-specific tools (e.g., Microsoft Deployment Toolkit – MDT) may be used.
  • Maintains up to date “base OS” for use in reimaging of office computers.
  • Maintains and builds software packages for deployment in office environments.

Server Management/Software Licensing, including but not limited to:

• Manages and oversees the faculty’s server rooms including managing and monitoring the power needs (including provision of backup power), providing the networking needs of the rooms (working with the networking team in IST), and ensuring that the servers’ lifecycles are appropriate, and retiring and replacing when necessary.
• Manages, monitors, and maintains the physical hardware servers that are core to the Faculty’s IT infrastructure.
• Creates the Virtual Machine (VM) servers and workstations that are hosted on the physical servers, creating VMs when needed to perform specific server functions for MAD and the Faculty at large.
• Manages the Windows network licenses for software that the faculty has licensed for deployment in our teaching environments.

Security, including but not limited to:

• Maintains a Software Update Service to ensure that all Windows computers/servers are up-to-date, patched, and secure.
• Monitors status of office computers ensuring OS and security updates are deployed.
• Monitors the network to ensure there are no computers that a security thread (obsolete OS etc) and takes appropriate action, alerting Director when appropriate

Provide Client Support Service for Computing and Related Technologies

• Respond to initial requests for information or assistance, prioritizing response among multiple requests.
• Work with clients to understand and resolve their computing and related technology issues.
• Keep clients informed of the progress toward resolution of their issues.

Miscellaneous, including but not limited to:

• Evaluates the future needs for the computers in the Windows computer labs and the various physical servers that support the computing infrastructure and contributes this information to the MAD’s strategic growth.
• Assists Geospatial Applications Specialist in maintaining the application infrastructure environment and the production database infrastructure (which support courses, applications, and research activities in the faculty).
• Liaises with IST in the areas of: Networking (ONA, Infoblox); Active directory (Nexus); Desktop management (SECM and MDT); IST virtual machines (VMWare).
• Learns new skills and techniques to apply new technologies and streamline processes.
• Provides consultation and support to researchers, including equipment specification, acquisition, deployment, and maintenance.
• Participates in a wide variety of campus-wide IT specific-groups.
• Provides technical support and direction for the Director.

Qualifications:

• A university degree or college degree/advanced diploma in a computing discipline, with a focus on skills relevant to Windows Administration.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Significant work experience providing high-level (Tier 3) Windows administration and management.
• High level of experience and knowledge in the management and deploying of Windows workstations in a complex, networked environment.
• Significant experience packaging and deploying complex software in an Active Directory environment using tools such as Systems Centre Configuration (SECM).
• Experience building and reimaging computers using tools such as Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and SECM.
• Experience managing server and cloud based (network) software licensing for Windows and Macintosh computers.
• Experience in server room management (including Universal Power Supply management, networking, monitoring server capacity and lifecycle management).
• Experience in planning for future computing needs (including asset management, predicting anticipated lifespans of existing equipment, working with team to determine future needs, and determining the hardware needed for such needs).
• Ability to solve problems independently and be a self-starter is required.
• Strong interpersonal and (oral and written) communication skills are required to work collaboratively with MAD team and with campus-wide colleagues.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and have excellent time management, planning and organization skills, project management skills.
• Demonstrated programming skills, preferably in PowerShell.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows OS environment.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in using management and deployment tools such as SECM and MDT.
• In-depth knowledge of networking — e.g., network topologies, network components (switches, routers, wireless access points, etc), protocols, etc.
• Excellent knowledge of security issues, especially with regards to windows workstations and servers.
• Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Active Directory service, and tools that can expand its functionality (eg Grouper)

Equity Statement:The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.Quick Apply

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