System Administrator at City of Tuscaloosa, AL
City of Tuscaloosa, AL · Tuscaloosa, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Tuscaloosa
About the Department
The purpose of this classification is to perform technical work functions associated with computer system administration, technology training, network administration, database design and maintenance, and computer operations/maintenance.
Position Duties
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
Administers/operates city computer systems and peripheral equipment; manages and monitors system activities; manages disk space and disk usage; manages print jobs and automated scheduled jobs; coordinates and controls system security; resolves problems in program operations and commands; identifies and repairs corrupt data files; resolves hardware problems; analyzes system errors; evaluates system performance and modifies.
Administers networking systems; identifies and resolves network problems; establishes printing capabilities; establishes communications between networks; establishes/troubleshoots access capabilities; adds new users; changes or deletes user accounts.
Configures, installs and repairs computer hardware and peripheral equipment, specifically: servers, personal computers, monitors, printers, disks, bridges, routers, switches, telecommunication equipment, keyboards, modems, and scanners; tests and evaluates new hardware.
Installs new software programs; upgrades existing programs; repairs software problems.
Develops customized system parameters, reports, tables, application screens, scripts and programs.
Builds and maintains databases for city functions; enters new data and purges obsolete data.
Works with department management to develop and prioritize the technology training strategy; conducts training needs assessments and develops training curriculum to meet identified needs; develops and maintains an IT training calendar and catalog.
Creates and analyzes course surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of training materials; performs analysis of training offerings, feedback and participation levels to maintain and continuously improve IT training programs.
Identifies and applies the latest training and documentation technologies to ensure effective delivery of training programs; creates and produces training materials and documentation required to foster learning and skills development with software and other technology resources.
Keeps up to date with technology resources utilized by the City of Tuscaloosa; assists in the planning and implementation of new applications and enhancements to existing applications.
Designs and delivers complex training programs in a variety of settings to meet technology training objectives; pursues a balanced approach to technology systems which considers organizational needs, human issues and technology factors to improve the use of said systems to meet departmental and organizational goals.
Works with decision makers, system owners and end users to define requirements, goals and objectives of technology resources and software systems.
Reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing or planned technology systems and develop strategies leveraging the business benefits of said systems.
Builds and maintains the city’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with planning and public safety personnel; designs, creates, and administers geographic and relational databases containing spatial elements and other types of information, specifically: hydrography, typography, infrastructure, and political/legal boundaries; establishes, maintains, and updates links; converts geographical information into digital form for use with the GIS; evaluates and reviews outsourced projects including aerial photography and digital base mapping; prepares map data for departments.
Performs data backups onto electronic media; stores backups in secured location.
Builds and installs communication cables.
Performs data conversion and file transfer between computer systems; performs integrity checks of data.
Performs computer startup/terminate operations during normal computer terminations and in response to abnormal computer terminations; conducts diagnostic testing.
Produces and delivers multimedia presentations and assists in the production and delivery of multimedia presentations.
Administers and supports virtualized environments for servers, desktop computers, or other designated devices on various platforms to include but not limited to the design, installation, and support of virtualized environments.
Administers and supports devices based on Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (ISCSI) protocol such as disk storage arrays or disk-based backup systems.
Administers, supports, and assists in the operation and maintenance of Storage Area Networks (SANs) including design and implementation of such networks.
Administers and assists in the operation and maintenance of the City’s network infrastructure including, but not limited to, the physical network layer (cabling), switches, routers, servers and other related equipment such as firewalls and VPN concentrators.
Monitors network using common tools or toolsets such as Solar Winds, Wireshark, Nagios or Netflow.
Identifies and resolves network problems including documentation for problem cause and resolution.
Administers and assists in the operation and maintenance of City’s virtual computing initiatives including virtualization technology hosts, such as VMWare, and associated virtual servers housed on such hosts; evaluates, tests, and implements virtual computing solutions for both server and desktop virtualization initiatives.
Maintains the emergency energy uninterruptible power source (UPS); operates controls on the UPS unit to determine status, manage UPS operations, and change from UPS to main primary source.
Identifies data errors or equipment malfunctions; responds to system crashes and/or system problems related to applications on a 24-hour basis; initiates appropriate action to correct errors, recover data, and obtain maintenance; initiates communication with service representatives and provides information and technical assistance concerning operational and/or mechanical problems.
Monitors working conditions of equipment; performs computer maintenance tasks, specifically: loading paper into printers, clearing paper jams, replacing printer ribbons and toner cartridges; performs preventive maintenance functions.
Enters commands into computer system via keyboard to clear computer system, start operations, correct errors, and operate peripheral equipment.
Performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; retrieves, reviews or modifies data in computer database; verifies accuracy of entered data; makes corrections.
Evaluates proposed hardware and software; makes recommendations for acquisition; serves on committees for computer upgrade projects.
Compiles and/or tracks various administrative and/or statistical data pertaining to departmental operations; prepares or generates reports; maintains records.
Processes documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated time frames; distributes documentation or maintains records.
Generates printed reports and other documents; distributes.
Prepares written program documentation and operational instructions, specifically: user manuals and technical manuals.
Prepares and/or receives forms, reports, correspondence, logs, drawings, maps, flow charts, and contracts; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, and maintains.
Develops/implements policies and procedures related to computer operations, specifically: system security, hardware/software failures, data auditing, and data entry standards.
Maintains documentation of system activities, operations, modifications, and maintenance.
Maintains inventory of departmental supplies; initiates orders for new or replacement materials; receives incoming shipments/packages of computer-related materials.
Provides education, training, information and assistance to users regarding operations, procedures, problems, software and functions; develops/maintains computer functions for training purposes, specifically: help screens, and fictitious databases; conducts training classes and develops structured training activities.
Answers the telephone; provides information, guidance and assistance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls.
Responds to questions, problems, and requests for information/assistance from employees, officials or other persons.
Communicates with supervisor, co-workers, users, departments, vendors, and outside agencies to discuss work in progress, exchange information, resolve problems, coordinate equipment needs, provide operational support, and project management.
Understands the functions, procedures, and workflow of city departments as they relate to computer operations/support; provides computer support to departments.
Maintains knowledge of policies and procedures, laws, and equipment for police, fire, and any other departments to provide on-line assistance and develop application functions for automated systems.
Maintains knowledge of operating systems and platforms and software programs to operate a computer in an efficient and effective manner.
Maintains an awareness of new products, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
Performs 24-hour on-call service as required.
Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
Copies and distributes correspondence, memoranda, and reports.
Initiates/receives facsimile transmission of documents via facsimile machine.
Initiates/receives transmission of messages and data via e-mail computer program.
Maintains file system of departmental records.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day to day activities.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required; vocational/technical school diploma in Data Processing, Computer Sciences, or a related field preferred; two years of experience in computer system administration, computer programming, database design/maintenance, technology training, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Other Qualifications
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools which may include a personal computer, terminal, terminal server, printer, tape/disk drives, uninterruptible power source, optical disk reader, scanner, modem, plotter, copy machine, facsimile machine, calculator, telephone, volt ohmmeter, crimper, wire cutter, drafting instruments, etc. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, logs, maps, drawings, flow charts, technical manuals, operational manuals, procedural manuals, and reference materials.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange technical information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand and apply relatively complex computer operation principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals and percentages, determine time and weight, perform college level algebra and geometry, and perform statistical calculations.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using job related equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, computer equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.
Apply Now
